ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 21 September 2024

ASLI is back with more ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked!

Stay tuned for more top news in Asia handpicked by ASLI and for our curated weekly roundup!

This week’s Asia top news:

1) UN Votes Against Israel’s Occupation of Palestine

The UN General Assembly recently voted on a resolution condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, reflecting heightened global concern for Palestinian rights. A vote of 124 to 14 saw the resolution approved, with Israel and the United States in opposition and 43 other nations abstaining. While supporters see it as a significant step toward recognizing Palestinian self-determination, sceptics suggest that the resolution’s non-binding nature means that it may not lead to effective, meaningful change. Overall, the situation emphasises the complexities surrounding the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the challenges to achieving a peaceful resolution.

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2) Indonesia’s Future Capital Nusantara Welcomes Visitors

Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital, officially opened to the public on Monday (Sept 16), attracting significant interest from visitors. The city, designed to alleviate congestion in Jakarta, showcases modern infrastructure and green spaces, reflecting the government's vision for a sustainable future. The city is open to 300 visitors  a day, from 9am to 5pm. Tourists and locals alike have begun exploring Nusantara’s Ceremony Plaza and the Kusuma Bangsa Park, two spots that are open to the public. As Nusantara aims to become a model for urban development, its opening marks a crucial step in Indonesia's efforts to reshape its political and economic landscape.

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3) Myanmar Military Intensifies Violence Against Civilians

Reports indicate that Myanmar's military is intensifying its campaign of violence against civilians, with the United Nations documenting 2,414 deaths since early 2023. As rebel forces approach Mandalay, the military has begun arming local civilians, citing the need for self-defense. While the military claims these actions are necessary to restore order, human rights organizations express alarm over the severe impact on civilians and potential escalation of violence. The situation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, as both military actions and armed civilian resistance contribute to a deteriorating security landscape.

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4) Malaysians Spend Over RM100 Million in Thailand over Long Weekend

During the recent Malaysia Day long weekend, nearly 100,000 Malaysians traveled to southern Thailand, spending over RM129 million. This surge in tourism was driven by affordable accommodations and appealing halal food options, particularly attracting visitors from Kelantan. Local businesses in Kelantan reported a decline in customers as many opted for cross-border travel, impacting the local economy. While Thai businesses benefited significantly from the influx, Malaysian merchants expressed concerns about losing revenue. The trend highlights the growing preference for Thailand as a shopping and dining destination among Malaysian tourists, reflecting changing consumer habits and economic dynamics in the region.

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5) Cambodia Aims for 40% Electric Cars by 2050 in Green Push

Cambodia has set ambitious goals to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce carbon emissions. By 2050, the country aims to have 40% of its cars and 70% of its motorbikes powered by electricity. Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea emphasised the environmental and economic benefits of EVs, including lower fuel costs and maintenance. Currently, Cambodia has over 7 million petrol-driven vehicles, with EVs making up only 3,676 units. The National Policy for EV Development (2024-2030) aligns with global trends and aims to boost the country’s EV ecosystem, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy security. The government also plans to increase the number of EVs to 30,000 by 2030.

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