Daily Monsoon

On the 10th of February 2025, BBC Headline reads: “Trump wants to end birthright citizenship. Where do other countries stand?”, a report by Luis Barrucho.

From the report:

> Birthright citizenship, or jus soli (right of the soil), is not the norm globally.

> The US is one of about 30 countries - mostly in the Americas - that grant automatic citizenship to anyone born within their borders.

> In contrast, many countries in Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa adhere to the jus sanguinis (right of blood) principle, where children inherit their nationality from their parents, regardless of their birthplace.

Hi my name is Terence and I’m your host for the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current affairs to matters of faith. Today we look at citizenship and birthright.

On the 5th of February 2025, the Star Online reports from Malaysia, “New rules proposed for Muslims attending non-Muslim events, funerals or houses of worship”.

From the article:

> Event organisers must get the authorities’ approval and the views of Islamic authorities when inviting leaders or Muslims for festive events, funerals or events held in non-Muslim houses of worship.

> These were among the updates to existing guidelines involving Muslims in such gatherings, to be finalised by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) at month’s end.

Hi, my name is Terence and I’m your host for the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current events to matters of faith. If some people have their way, I would need to ask permission from the authorities to make any critical comments.

On the 6th of February 2025, BBC headline: “First glimpse inside burnt scroll after 2,000 years”. A report by science editor Rebecca Morelle and Senior Science Journalist Alison Francis.

A volcanic eruption 2000 years ago destroyed the town of Herculaneum. In that town, there was a house, in that house, there was a library, in that library, there was a scroll, and in that scroll... nobody knew what was in that scroll because it was burnt to a charcoal crisp, but today Rebecca and Alison excitedly report, we finally know. Or will know. Because the work is ongoing but everyone is highly optimistic that hi-tech will reveal the secrets of the scroll.

Hi, my name is Terence and I’m your host for the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current events to matters of faith. Today, we join a select group of people excited to finally be able to read a 2,000 year old scroll.

On the 5th of February 2025, Channel News Asia reported, “China calls for cooperation with EU amid 'global challenges’”. This is, of course, in response to American President Trump’s tariffs and threats of tariffs on, it seems to be, every country.

Hi, my name is Terence and I’m your host for Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current affairs to matters of faith. I want to talk tariffs. Tariffs disrupt the global economy, and they will affect those who live in South East Asia. And I will talk about tariffs one day, just not today, because I want to disclose my position regarding China.

On the 4th of February 2025, BBC Headline: “What is USAID and why is Trump reportedly poised to close it?” A report by Sean Seddon.

Hi, my name is Terence, and I’m your host for the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current events to matters of faith.

On the 3rd of February 2025, the past week’s heavy rainfall has led to floods and landslides in Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.

Many have died. Even more have been evacuated from homes submerged in water or destroyed in landslides.

My name is Terence, and I’m your host for the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I connect current events to matters of faith.

On the 28th of January 2025, BBC Headline: “Survivors of Auschwitz deliver warning from history as memories die out”. An article by Paul Kirby.

This is the Daily Monsoon. I’m Terence, your host, as I connect the news to matters of faith.

Today is International Holocaust Memorial Day. That is on everybody’s mind in Europe. Today is also Lunar New Year’s Eve and that is everybody’s mind in Asia. Let’s first talk about the Holocaust, then New Year’s Eve, then how one Christian event links the two.

On the 26th of January 2025, a personal article by Fergal Keane published in the BBC: “I Spent 30 Years Searching for Secret to Happiness -- The Answer isn’t What I Thought”.

This is the Daily Monsoon. I am Terence, your host for this podcast, where I interpret the news from a Christian viewpoint. And when someone says he spent 30 years searching for happiness, and the answer isn’t what he expected, that sounds like the beginning of a Christian’s testimony.

On the 18th of January 2025, on Channel News Asia, writer Kelly Ang gives us a nice wholesome family-loving article: “No phones, no scoldings: How we keep daily family dinners sacred”. The lede reads: “It has been proven that there are plenty of benefits in sharing meals regularly with your spouse and children, but what if you simply cannot do it? Here is how mum-of-five Kelly Ang guards this custom in her household.”

Hi, my name is Terence and this is the Daily Monsoon, finding God’s Truth in the News. I picked this article up for the podcast because I so strongly agree with what the writer has to say, and with the Chinese New Year holidays coming up, it is just a natural reminder for everyone of the importance of family dinners.

On the 23rd of January 2025, Channel News Asia reports, “Malaysian doctor found dead at home in Sabah was not bullied; work stress a ‘major factor’: Probe”. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad vows to improve the situation at the department where pathologist Tay Tien Yaa worked. Her family had alleged she was “mistreated (and) oppressed” by a colleague.

This is the Daily Monsoon, a podcast where I read the news and link it to matters of faith. I am your host Terence and today we look at the tragic case of Dr. Tay Tien Yaa who was found dead in her home on the 29th of August last year.