The first couple of days back at school, and we hear the same issues from last year: sharing of devices; none or limited internet; unconducive learning environments; lack of interest or inability to absorb what’s being taught.Why is it that in our second year of dealing with this pandemic, we haven’t been able to adequately address these issues for our children? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Cheryl Fernando, Country Director, Pemimpin GSL Malaysia.

Among the headlines for Thursday, 21st January, the first ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings hosted by Malaysia begin today. The two-day virtual meeting will be chaired by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Also, Democrat Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday at the US Capitol in Washington.

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Today's the day Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States. Ibrahim Sani speaks with Jameel Ahmad in London about what this means to the global markets. Jameel is the Director of Investment Strategy at NAGA, a German founded and Public Listed Fin tech based in Germany.

Today is Inauguration Day for Joe Biden, as he takes an oath to serve as the 46th president of the United States. But what lies beyond the inauguration spectacle are the domestic and international divisions that were made more pronounced under the Donald Trump presidency. Can these divisions be overcome by the incoming Biden Administration? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Meredith Weiss, Professor of Political Science, State University of New York at Albany.

What will be the focus of the incoming Biden Administration leading a country and economy devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic? Beyond the consensus about China as a threat, what can the rest of Asia expect from this superpower? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to John Pang, Senior Fellow, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities. Bard College, New York.