The positive impact of longer school days at school in Cyprus (March 28, 2025, UNESCO)
Results of an assessment of the all-day schooling initiative at the multicultural lower-secondary level in Cyprus indicate that extending school hours with targeted activities not only improves academic performance but also enhances student wellbeing.
Photos: See the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand (March 30, 2025, NPR)
The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Myanmar Friday has climbed to more than 1,600, and officials say they expect that number to rise even further. The search for those still buried under the rubble, meanwhile, continues.
Asia's pet boom lets food, health care, tech players off leash (March 29, 2025, Nikkei Asia) (Subscription required)
Over the first half of this century, the number of people living in Asia will see a nearly 1.5-fold increase. But the region hosts another community that is multiplying fast -- household pets.
Terrorism in Bangladesh: Political Manipulation, Ideological Roots, and Western Influence (February 15, 2025, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)
Interviews with individuals arrested for terrorism reveal how the issue of terrorism intertwines with West-centric narratives, ideological extremism, and the political strategies of the Awami League.
In these nine Asian countries, child mortality has more than halved since the year 2000 (February 14, 2025, Our World in Data)
Child mortality in Asia has fallen sharply. The chart shows nine countries that have reduced child mortality rates by more than half since 2000. This means millions more children surviving through the crucial early years of life.
After War, Leftover Bombs Kill. Trump Froze Funding for Cleaning Them Up. (February 5, 2025, Mother Jones)
Most years, the United States spends millions of dollars cleaning up explosives left behind by previous wars. On January 25, funding was put on hold, effective immediately. The freeze on federal funding would last for “90 days” as a review took place. But there is a problem with suddenly defunding landmine and bomb clearance programs: It means more people could step on unexploded weapons and die.
What if curing cancer could cost 99% less in China? (March 29, 2025, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)
A decade ago, treating cancer with personalized mRNA vaccines seemed like a US$1 million gamble per patient, a therapy reserved for the ultra-rich. But Chinese biotech start-ups are aiming to change that.
Third successful EVA and deep-space ambitions as China’s space economy surges (March 29, 2025, NASA Space Flight)
The Shenzhou-19 crew recently conducted their third spacewalk this month as the China National Space Administration announced it is open to including international scientific payloads aboard a forthcoming Mars mission. Meanwhile, bold plans for planetary exploration have been revealed and a design has emerged for a new space telescope with a familiar design.
YWCA study highlights public stigma faced by parents of Special Education Needs (SEN) children in Hong Kong (March 16, 2025, Dimsum Daily)
The findings revealed that 46.7% of parents reported experiencing unfriendly treatment due to their children’s behaviour, such as being subjected to stares, ridicule, or verbal criticism.
Bangkok Earthquake: Why did only this China-backed company’s building collapse? Thailand orders probe (March 30, 2025, Mint)
A 33-story building in Bangkok collapsed during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake from Myanmar, resulting in 17 deaths and 32 injuries. An investigation has begun due to the Chinese firm's involvement in construction.
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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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