CNA Correspondent

A decade since it disappeared, no one knows what happened to MH370 after it took off just after midnight on March 8, 2014. Families continue to pressure officials to keep searching.

In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang speaks to Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh and China correspondent Olivia Siong about where the case stands today. 

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The digital space can be a very unfriendly place if you're a woman. Harassment and bullying are believed to have driven a Malaysian influencer to take her own life. Why are females disproportionately victims in cyberspace? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Afifah Ariffin in this episode.

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South Korea used to be the world's largest source of babies for adoption. It's believed 200,000 children are part of the Korean adoptee diaspora, many of whom were sent away illegally and unethically. Those babies are now adults determined to trace their biological roots. Teresa Tang goes on an emotional journey with CNA's Lim Yun Suk. 

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US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to levy tariffs on all imports going into America, a move that could spark a trade war and imperil export-dependent economies  in Asia such as Malaysia. The US was the country's third-largest trading partner in 2023, and Malaysia hosts foreign companies that play important roles in global supply chains.

Arnold Gay speaks to CNA’s Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh to find out how the ASEAN member is preparing for Mr Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.

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Republican leader Donald Trump beat his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a decisive election victory. How did he convince voters he was the right choice and how will he govern a second time around? Arnold Gay talks to Nick Harper, Sally Patterson and Olivia Siong.

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Religion and societal norms are two reasons why divorce has been illegal in the Philippines for centuries. But those stuck in failed marriages have been fighting to reverse that. Teresa Tang sits down with Nivell Rayda to see how soon the law could change and why some are against it.   

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Americans head to the polls on Nov 5 to choose between a twice-impeached and once-convicted former president in Donald Trump, or Kamala Harris, a relative unknown accused of flip-flopping, and thrown into the race when Joe Biden stepped down. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA’s US Bureau Chief Simon Marks, and correspondent Sally Patterson, on the key issues defining the election, and why it’s on knife-edge just days away from polling day. 

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China's pet population will be nearly twice that of its young children by 2030. The pet economy is worth billions and has spawned trends never seen before. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Shanghai correspondent Tan Yew Guan in this episode.

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With a vision, optimism and billions pouring in from major tech firms, Malaysia is fighting to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence. But a shortage of talent stands in the way. CNA's Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin speak to Teresa Tang in this episode.

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Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world and it is preparing for what some are calling the “Big One”. For decades, an early warning system has been in place to give people precious time to seek safety. But critics argue it's actually making things more dangerous. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Michiyo Ishida to find out why. 

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On 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China was born. In the 75 years since, it has undergone an extraordinary transformation from being one of the poorest countries in the world to a global leader. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Olivia Siong and Tan Yew Guan to discuss how far the People's Republic of China has come and where it's going.

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Pope Francis recently wrapped a historic 11-day trip, making stops in four nations in Asia and Oceania for the first time. CNA's Leong Wai Kit covered the Pope’s entire trip and shares with Teresa Tang his firsthand account of what it's like to witness the leader of the Catholic Church at work.

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Kiribati is a picturesque, Pacific Island nation struggling to survive. It's one of the lowest-lying countries in the world and climate change is threatening its very existence. Migrating all its people to a plot of land on nearby Fiji had been an option. Teresa Tang asks CNA's Jack Board why that’s been put aside in this episode.

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Canines, swine and a lot of blood.  Wild boar hunting in West Sumatra, Indonesia is a controversial tradition turned popular past-time. Animals that were once considered a nuisance are now hunted down for sport, causing ecological fallout down the food chain. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Nivell Rayda in this week's episode. 

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Being at a loss for words is taking on a whole new meaning. Thousands of languages around the world are on the brink of extinction, including in South Korea and Japan. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk and Michiyo Ishida about efforts to preserve them. 

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Some education systems in East Asia are getting a failing grade when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of teachers. In South Korea and Japan, abuse and stress have caused some to reach breaking point. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk and Michiyo Ishida about why it's become so bad. 

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In a span of a week, the popular Move Forward Party was dissolved, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was dismissed and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter Paetongtarn was installed as the new PM.  Teresa Tang breaks down all the developments with CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut.

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Students aspiring to become medical professionals in India are furious because the crucial NEET-exam has been hit by accusations of fraud and paper leaks. Teresa Tang discusses who is responsible and what's next with correspondent Ishan Garg in New Delhi. 

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He is one of the most recognisable diplomats in the world today. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke exclusively to CNA’s Teresa Tang during his whirlwind six-nation tour of Asia. She shares behind-the-scenes moments and gets analysis from correspondents Simon Marks and Leong Wai Kit.

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The Maldives is increasingly making headlines for the negative impact climate change is having on its pristine environment. It’s also catching the attention of world superpowers for its political significance. In this week’s episode, Teresa Tang unpacks the archipelago’s challenges with CNA's Afifah Ariffin. 

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It could be the most tumultuous lead-up to a US presidential election ever. The Democratic incumbent, Joe Biden, has dropped out of the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement. Teresa Tang speaks with Nick Harper to ask all the burning questions, including who could be Ms Harris’ running mate and can she take on Republican nominee Donald Trump.

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Despite questions and controversy, Indonesian officials insist Nusantara will be ready to host Independence Day on Aug 17. It is meant to replace the current capital, Jakarta, which is beset by pollution, congestion, and is also considered the world's fastest sinking city. Teresa Tang gets insight from CNA's Saifulbahri Ismail and Lewa Pardomuan.

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The infamous Yakuza in Japan and the 15,000 refugees in Hong Kong have something in common. They are outliers who find it hard to reintegrate into society. But as Teresa Tang finds out from CNA's Michiyo Ishida and Deborah Wong, they are being given a second chance, though not without some deep challenges. 

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 The once isolated nation of Bhutan, nestled deep in the Himalayas, is now being forced to reckon with reality. Its government is eyeing cutting-edge technology to stem a brain drain and growing economic unhappiness. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Saksith Saiyasombut about how the country can hold onto its past even as it forges a new future.

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Host city Paris promises a sporting spectacle at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games but faces challenges ranging from a dirty river Seine and sweltering weather to doping scandals and terrorism threats. Arnold Gay speaks to Paris correspondent Ross Cullen as the French capital begins its 30-day countdown to the Games.

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Shores that were once welcoming are now hostile to Rohingya refugees looking for a better life. CNA’s Chandni Vatvani tells Teresa Tang about her visit to a refugee camp in Aceh, Indonesia and what authorities are doing to maintain the peace.

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The Scarborough Shoal is an increasingly sensitive point of tension between China and the Philippines. CNA's Buena Bernal boarded a boat bound for the contested site. In this episode, Teresa Tang finds out what happened and why more and more Filipino fishermen are reluctant to go near it.

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Leaders from around the world gathered in Singapore to discuss some of the world’s most pressing security challenges. Teresa Tang takes us behind-the-scenes with CNA's Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit to give a glimpse of what happens at these high-level meets, and how plans changed after a surprise appearance by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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There are nearly one billion eligible voters across India and polling happens in a staggering seven phases over six weeks. Teresa Tang sits down with India correspondents Rebecca Bundhun and Ishan Garg to find out how a heatwave, religion and an alleged corruption scam could affect the final outcome and whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win a historic third term in power. 

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Last year, 2.5 million migrants entered the United States illegally via its southern border with Mexico. Nearly 40,000 of them were from China. What did Beijing's zero-Covid policy have to do with this?

Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Wei Du about her new documentary, ‘Walk the Line’.  

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Four months after being elected Taiwan’s next president, William Lai officially takes on the role next week. He’s got a lot on his plate, namely safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Teresa Tang looks at what to expect from him and from Beijing with correspondents Victoria Jen and Olivia Siong. 

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 Essential medicines cost at least three times more than international prices in the Philippines. Nurses are overworked and underpaid. The sick have resorted to camping on hospital sidewalks as they wait to be seen. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Buena Bernal to talk about the state of the healthcare system in the Philippines and why it’s falling short.

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Corruption scandals and changing lifestyles see Muslims in Malaysia turning to Islamic party, PAS, and influential religious leaders for guidance, while the recent presidential election in Indonesia suggests political Islam is waning there. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Nivell Rayda and Amir Yusof to find out what’s shaping these religious trends.

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Build Your Dreams (BYD), the Chinese automaker, is on a mission to create a zero-emission energy ecosystem. It is shifting to a higher gear by lowering prices, with one model available for less than US$10,000. In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang looks at the race to rule the road in China and abroad. 

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East Asia has been called the centre of gravity in the Asia Pacific. That’s why a new hour-long CNA programme will focus on the region’s economic and political reach. In this week’s episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang goes behind-the-scenes with host Otelli Edwards and Supervising Editor Jeremy Koh.

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South Korean voters choose a new National Assembly on April 10, with the result of the election widely seen as a referendum on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s first two years in office. On his watch, thousands of junior doctors have walked off the job, leading to major delays at public hospitals. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk to find out how the country’s leader is dealing with this crisis. 

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A 90km route that cuts across the narrowest part of Thailand in the south could turn the country into a maritime transit hub. At least that’s the hope of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. But locals are worried about the environmental and security risks the megaproject could pose. CNA’s Teresa Tang and Jack Board discuss what’s at stake. 

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Farmers in India are out on the streets protesting, claiming the government has reneged on promises to guarantee prices for their crops. People in this sector make up as much as 40 percent of India’s voters, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing little sign of backing down, even as he seeks a third term in office. Rebecca Bundhun explains why they’re upset and why they may not get their way this time. 

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This year's presidential election in Russia might be a non-starter. Vladimir Putin’s main rivals are all out of the running -- or dead -- and he could potentially hold on to power for another decade. What do ordinary Russians make of the man who rules with an iron fist? CNA's Teresa Tang talks to former Moscow correspondent Julia Chapman to find out.

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 A decade since it disappeared, no one knows what happened to MH370 after it took off just after midnight on March 8, 2014. Families continue to pressure officials to keep searching.

In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang speaks to Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh and China correspondent Olivia Siong about where the case stands today. 

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China has long been home to the largest population on the planet, but that’s starting to change. Fewer babies and a super-aged society could spell trouble for the country’s economy. China correspondents Olivia Siong and Low Minmin talk about the potential items on the agenda for the nation’s most important political event of the year – the upcoming “Two Sessions” meetings. 

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It has been a grinding war. But two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, resilience has emerged as a key trait among Ukrainians. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk travelled to Ukraine to find out how robust the war effort has been, and how its economy is trying to post growth despite the conflict. 

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Some fishermen on Malaysia’s west coast have no catch for sale and are selling their vessels instead, just to make ends meet. Climate change and overfishing are two reasons for the falling numbers. Teresa Tang speaks to Rashvin Bedi about what options fishermen have.

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A quarter of a million candidates are running for posts in this year’s general elections in Indonesia. Legislators, councillors and a new president are all being chosen by some 205 million voters. And more than half of those voters are young people. Teresa Tang speaks to our correspondents to find out why the battleground has moved online for the presidential hopefuls. 

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Thais made up the largest number of foreign nationals abducted by Hamas when the militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Nearly two dozen Thais have since been released and returned home. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut shares some of their stories with host Teresa Tang in this episode of CNA Correspondent.

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The Iowa caucuses last week marked the official start of the US election season. But a lot can happen between now and November 5, when American voters head to the polls.

Nick Harper joins Teresa Tang with a look at the issues, the hopefuls and the possible roadblocks candidates will face heading to the White House. 

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Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup nearly three years ago. But on Oct 27, 2023, resistance and ethnic armed groups came together to launch an offensive against the military. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit tells Teresa Tang how they’ve made progress and where the country is headed from here. 

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The race to Taiwan’s highest office is on. Three contenders are vying for ballots with different approaches to Beijing. The youth vote and growing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living makes this election one to watch. Deborah Wong and Tan Si Hui give us the state of play.   

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Here's the last of our three top episodes from our archives this year. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit gets rare access to the USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world. He tells Steve Lai about its mission and the complex nature of disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, the thrill of take-off and landing on a runway less than 100 meters long.  

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Here's the second of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast. 

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Here's the first of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. In this episode, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country. 

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The leaders of the world’s two biggest economies met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Steve Lai speaks to Simon Marks and Low Minmin about the current state of the US-China relationship and the challenges that lie ahead.

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Imagine getting paid to get a haircut. The demand for human hair has led to a complete makeover of the economic fortunes of some people in Asia. So what makes some strands more valuable than others? CNA's Teresa Tang sits down with Low Minmin and Tung Ngo for an in-depth look at the production chain in China and Vietnam.

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It’s a reclusive country that regularly makes the headlines, but North Korea is now reopening to a post-pandemic world. Teresa Tang talks to CNA correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the country’s defectors, Kim Jong Un’s young daughter and the potential for families separated by the Korean War to be reunited. 

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Thai citizens are among the highest number of foreign fatalities in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War with 23 currently held hostage in Gaza. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai about the nation’s efforts to rescue them and repatriate its 30,000 citizens.

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First, they disappeared from public life, then from China's Cabinet lineup. Qin Gang was dropped as the country’s top diplomat and shortly after, Li Shangfu was removed as defence minister. Theories abound as to why they fell out of favour. Beijing correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.

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For decades, well-known Japanese talent manager Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused young men and boys who were desperate to make it big in Japan’s entertainment industry.  Michiyo Ishida talks to Steve Lai about the reckoning that his agency – which created popular boy bands SMAP and Arashi - is going through now that the country’s worst-kept secret is finally out. 

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In the deepest parts of Mongolia, Google Maps doesn’t work. The vast country is also the most sparsely populated in the world. But China’s Belt and Road Initiative is set to change that, with massive transport projects in full swing. Olivia Siong takes us there in this episode of CNA Correspondent.

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Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast. 

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Ten years since it was first launched at a university in Kazakstan, projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative have affected lives and livelihoods across Central Asia. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk tells Steve Lai how Beijing is reinventing the Silk Road for the 21st century with an ambitious agenda. 

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country. 

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On 7 September Hong Kong smashed a 140-year-old record when torrential rains drenched the city. At its height, 158mm fell in just one hour. As the clean-up happens, new problems have surfaced, that of illegal structures and slope safety. CNA’s Hong Kong correspondent Deborah Wong talks to Teresa Tang in this episode.

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Fukushima will long be linked with the wrecked nuclear facility that bears the prefecture’s name. Treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is now being pumped into the Pacific Ocean and will continue to flow for decades to come. CNA’s Michiyo Ishida tells Teresa Tang what she saw when she visited for a media tour. 

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Most people don’t know much about the tiny nations of the Pacific except tourists who are drawn to their stunning beauty. But they are strategically critical for China, the US and its allies. CNA’s Jeremy Koh speaks to Teresa Tang about his travels there and whether this tug-of-war is noticeable on the ground.

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Three months after Thais voted in a general election, they finally have their next leader – though it’s not the person many had expected. Sretta Thavisin is a political novice who faces the task of uniting a fractured public. CNA's May Wong and Saksith Saiyasombut sit down with Teresa Tang to talk about what it was like on the ground as the dramatic developments unfolded.

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Billed as a referendum on Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and his Unity Government, the results of the recent elections in six states exposed an exodus of Malay voters to the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition. CNA's Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin talk to Steve Lai about where it’s going wrong for the prime minister and where he goes from here. 

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43,000 Scouts from 158 countries arrived in South Korea expecting 12 days of learning, fellowship and fun. What they didn’t bargain for were inadequate facilities, an unbearable heatwave and an approaching typhoon that forced an evacuation. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk talks to Steve Lai about how things went south. 

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Six states in Malaysia go to the polls on Aug 12 with 245 state assembly seats up for grabs. CNA correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin preview the upcoming elections and the issues voters are grappling with which will put the unity government to the test. 

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Fear and a lack of faith in the justice system often prevent many sexual harassment victims from coming forward. But a Netflix series in Taiwan is changing that. Taiwan correspondent Victoria Jen tells host Teresa Tang what’s behind the island’s #MeToo movement. 

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It’s been six months since China dropped its zero-COVID policy and reopened its borders. But recovery has been uneven on the mainland and for its major markets. CNA’s Low Minmin, Deborah Wong and Tung Ngo talk about economic hopes despite the lag with Teresa Tang in this episode.

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Utter the name "Marcos" in the Philippines and the words dictator and corruption used to come to mind. But now, under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the legacy of his father is being rewritten. Host Teresa Tang speaks to Buena Bernal on the one-year anniversary of the re-emergence of this political dynasty, and how Filipinos feel about what the president has accomplished so far.  

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It’s an industry that can generate billions of dollars in a single month. Nuptials are big-business in India as couples pull out all the stops to host lavish, show-stopping celebrations. But where is this money coming from? Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Neha Poonia and Ishan Garg.

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Singapore hosted the 20th edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue in early June. All eyes were on China and the US but the two didn’t meet – formally, that is. CNA’s Jeremy Koh speaks to Steve Lai on what happened behind the public conference and the broader security challenges the world faces.  

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Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup on 1 February 2021. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit tells Steve Lai of the resilience of its people and the challenges facing ASEAN and the international community to find a solution.

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A record voter turnout in Thailand’s 2023 election saw the rise of the Move Forward party and a clear decline of former general Prayut Chan-o-cha. Steve Lai speaks to Saksith Saiyasombut on the state of play now and whether the charismatic Pita Limjaroenrat can forge a strong coalition and win enough support from rival MPs or the appointed senators to form a government.

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emerges from the first Unity Government Convention in a confident mood ahead of upcoming state elections. Afifah Ariffin speaks to Steve Lai about the uneasy alliances within his government and an opposition that says it has plans to topple him. 

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Taiwan’s tree poachers (known as ‘mountain rats’) are on the run as police and forest rangers use technology, community engagement and good old-fashioned legwork to stop the lucrative illegal trade of its centuries-old cypress trees. Victoria Jen tells Steve Lai about her arduous trek into the island’s virgin forests to uncover the story.   

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Incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha looks to fend off challengers, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as she aims to stake her claim. Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai ahead of Thailand’s general election on 14 May. 

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What could have been a preview to the world’s football superstars of tomorrow turned into a missed opportunity for Indonesia to shine. CNA correspondent Saifulbahri Ismail talks to Steve Lai about how domestic politics sullied the beautiful game, with FIFA removing Indonesia as the tournament’s host. 

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The number of people embracing solo bliss is on the rise in Japan and Korea. These one-person households are changing society in critical ways and businesses are cashing in. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Michiyo Ishida and Lim Yun Suk.

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More than one million people are affected by an unprecedented drought in Jeolla, South Korea. Is climate change to blame? What is being done to deal with the shortage?  We speak to CNA correspondent Lim Yun Suk.   

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China's Xi Jinping met Russia's Vladimir Putin armed with a 12-point peace plan as the war in Ukraine grinds on. Does this visit signal China's growing ambitions on the global stage? Steve Lai speaks with CNA’s Beijing and Shanghai correspondents Olivia Siong and Low Minmin to find out. 

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On the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, CNA sent correspondent Jeremy Koh to get a firsthand look at life in a conflict zone. He sits down with Teresa Tang to share the challenges and fears he and his team faced while reporting in Kyiv and Lviv. 

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From the rollercoaster of emotions while rescuers searched for survivors, to a nation coming together to support the relief efforts, Trent Murray talks to Steve Lai about his time reporting from Malatya, Turkiye after deadly earthquakes devastate an area roughly the size of South Korea.   

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CNA Correspondent marks International Women’s Day with a look at India’s progress through the eyes of its women. Steve Lai talks with Neha Poonia and Rebecca Bundhun on how women in India are fighting the patriarchy and charting their own course. 

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Stupid. Idiot. Brainless. These are insults some domestic workers have had to endure from their employers in Indonesia. There are also those who end up being hit too. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Saifulbahri Ismail who explains why a near two-decade old bill to protect these workers has been in limbo, and what are its chances for success now. 

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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife were the latest dignitaries to have an orchid named after them as Singapore and Vietnam celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. At least 200 varieties of specially curated orchids are named after heads of state, royalty and celebrities in Singapore. Why does gifting a beautiful orchid matter in diplomatic relations? Steve Lai asks Glenda Chong in this episode. 

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In some US states, you can walk into a gun shop and walk out with a firearm. Many people, including President Biden and victims of mass shootings, have called for change. But change is slow to come by. Ira Spitzer explains to Teresa Tang why there’s an American fascination with firearms, and why gun control discussions trigger such heated debate. 

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CNA’s Leong Wai Kit gets rare access to the USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world. He tells Steve Lai about its mission and the complex nature of disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, the thrill of take-off and landing on a runway less than 100 meters long.  

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After three years of COVID-19 lockdowns, the Year of the Rabbit is being ushered in largely unrestricted in Asia. Our Taiwan correspondent Victoria Jen and Hong Kong correspondent Deborah Wong sit down with Teresa Tang to share what the return of festivities looks like, how businesses are doing, and what their personal wishes are.

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In the early hours of Dec 16 last year, a landslide buried 31 campers on a hillside near Malaysia’s Genting Highlands. CNA’s Afifah Ariffin and Pamella Lim tell Steve Lai how the team covered the story and explore the bigger question about the ramifications for Malaysia’s outdoor tourism industry.

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For three years, China doubled down on its zero-COVID policy. But now that its borders are opened, Chinese travellers are celebrating while the rest of the world are holding their breath. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Low Minmin and Olivia Siong about Beijing's abrupt turnaround, its impact on President Xi Jinping's image and what this means for global tourism. 

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Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a symbol of cultural pride and identity and now, Thailand’s national sport is generating huge interest internationally. But with it comes the fear that it will lose its ancient traditions. With dreams of the sport making its Olympic debut growing bigger, Teresa Tang talks to correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut about how Muay Thai could change, and what is being done to preserve it. 

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In 2021, Japan recorded its lowest number of births in more than a century. The declining population is now coming home to roost – with severe labour shortages. Enter foreign workers. Host Teresa Tang speaks to correspondent Michiyo Ishida who spent time with some of them who are now calling Japan home. 

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After more than a two-decade wait, Anwar Ibrahim takes the reins of power as Malaysia's prime minister at a time of economic uncertainty and a fractured political landscape. Steve Lai speaks to CNA correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin about his GE15 victory and the bumps that lie ahead.

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What do you do when your country is resource poor? You import. A lot. South Korea imports an astounding 94 per cent of its energy sources. And that has posed a challenge - figuring out what the best energy mix is to get to zero emissions. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk who headed to the bowels of a coal mine to look for some answers.

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History, the polls, an unpopular president and inflation at a 40-year high all pointed to the Republicans sweeping back into power in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It didn’t happen, as Trump-backed candidates failed to deliver on the expected ‘Red Wave’. Steve Lai and Washington Correspondent Nick Harper discuss what the results mean for President Joe Biden and the Democrats, and where the Republican party goes from here.

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Hours before anyone was dead in Itaewon, panicked calls were made by people worried something catastrophic could happen. Now authorities are apologising for the tragedy and admit they mishandled the situation. South Korea correspondent Lim Yun Suk tells Teresa Tang that if she hadn’t been in Singapore, she too could have been in the nightlife district that evening.

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All eyes were on the CPC’s Party Congress – it is the most important date in China’s political calendar as it sets the stage for political renewal. Teresa Tang speaks to Beijing Correspondent Olivia Siong, who gives a behind the scenes look, including the moment she realised CNA captured exclusive footage of the drama surrounding former President Hu Jintao. 

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