Alternative wonders: why Yemen’s ancient terraces are a supreme human creation (January 24, 2025, The Guardian)
The soil, treasured for centuries, turns steep Yemini slopes into fertile and productive land. Coffee grown here was served at London’s first coffee house in 1652.
Who are the Palestinian Prisoners Freed in the Hostage Agreement (January 30, 2025, American Jewish Committee)
During the first phase of a hostage release agreement with the Hamas terror group, Israel will exchange more than 1,900 Palestinian security prisoners for 33 of the remaining hostages in Gaza over 42 days. Among those released are 737 detainees and security prisoners, some of whom are serving life sentences for murder.
When disaster strikes, the world opens WhatsApp (December 11, 2024, Rest of World)
Messaging apps have become indispensable tools for civilians in conflict and disaster zones. The app’s compression algorithm, which in part allows it to function in areas with poor connectivity, makes it particularly useful. Humanitarian organizations use it to coordinate emergency responses; refugees turn to it as a lifeline; and journalists use it to relay reporting from conflict zones.
Top 10 sought-after destinations for Lunar New Year in 2025 (January 17, 2025, Money Control)
Agoda reveals the top 10 most sought-after destinations to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025. From Tokyo’s grand festivities to Phuket’s tropical charm, explore the best spots in Asia!
When is Tết 2025? How Vietnamese New Year is celebrated (January 25, 2025, The Standard UK)
People in Vietnam and Vietnamese people around the world will celebrate the lunar new year with a festival that focuses on family, food and welcoming in good luck for the year to come. And although it falls on the same day, Tết differs from the Chinese New Year as Vietnam has its own zodiac and set of new year beliefs and traditions.
The laws on what women can – and can't – do in Saudi Arabia (January 18, 2025, The Week)
After years of languishing in the bottom ten, Saudi Arabia has been inching up the ranks of the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Index. It's an improvement from the days when the Middle Eastern nation was consistently judged one of the world's worst when it came to equality between men and women. Eight years into Vision 2030, what has actually changed for women in Saudi Arabia? And what restrictions do they still face?
Malaysia tightens grip on internet, in blow to online freedom (December 12, 2024, Rest of World)
New regulations give the government more control over online content. Authorities say the measures are aimed at curbing hate speech and bullying. Creators say they are starting to self-censor to avoid crackdown and that the new rules make it harder to make a living.
China to prioritise physical education in schools as obesity rates rise (January 28, The Straits Times)
China is aiming to beef up physical education in schools, making it core to the curriculum rather than a secondary subject as they push for a more “holistic education” amid growing concerns about the rise in childhood obesity.
Commentary: Xiaohongshu success with ‘TikTok refugees’ is testing China’s Great Firewall (February 3, 2025, Channel News Asia)
Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, has become an unforeseen channel for direct interaction and mutual engagement between netizens in the US and China - and as such, a test for Chinese authorities.
Tale of two cities: Has Shenzhen eclipsed Hong Kong? (February 3, 2025, Asia News Network)
Separated only by a narrow river, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been held up against each other for contrast and comparison since China’s opening up four decades ago. Shenzhen has the tech and Hong Kong holds the key to research and funding.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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