So far, ASEAN’s confirmed cases of Covid-19 are a fraction of its total population - but the risk of more infections remain heightened. Meanwhile, the economic fallout of restriction measures and border closures continues to wreak havoc on economic projections. Does ASEAN have the tools to respond robustly to the pandemic, or is every nation looking out for itself? We discuss the state of play and whether the current crisis presents an opportunity for reform.

Image Credit: EPA-EFE

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Graduating, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, into a pandemic and a recession can be a harrowing experience. But could these short-term stresses lead to longer, more persistent issues in a person's career? What lies ahead for COVID-19's "lockdown generation?"

Featuring: Julia Azureen. Special thanks to Rahmah Pauzi, Kathleen Kwan and Shary Jimie.

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Scholarships, highly-coveted by students and their parents, are often seen as a gateway for individuals to receive world class education which might otherwise be beyond their means. But on a national scale, scholarships are also used as a tool to develop a nation by educating its people. We discuss how scholarships came to be prominent in Malaysia as well as why sponsoring students to go abroad might not be sustainable for the country’s future.

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To close the year, we look into Asrama Malaysia by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to promote understanding and harmony among different races. They program has about 1,000 secondary school students who study in day schools and live together. However the enrolment of non-Malay students has been below MOE’s target. How effective has this program been in fostering unity? The students tell us about their escapades with other races.

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Former first lady, Michelle Obama, and actress, Julia Roberts were in Kuala Lumpur to speak to Asia Pacific leaders of the Obama Foundation and members of the media about leadership and not giving up. The session was moderated by Deborah Henry, and this recording has been edited for brevity and flow.

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Shonchi or Sanchita Islam, a British musician and artist living in Malaysia and the UK speaks about her music and struggles with multiple mental health conditions brought about by trauma and abuse. She collaborates with Malaysia Mental Health Association (MMHA) to create more awareness about mental health issues.

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Toilets have been around since the third millennium BC. They’re perhaps the most important invention in the world and a true marker of a civilised society. Yet, one third of the world still practices open defecation and lack proper sanitary conditions. For a special World Toilet Day look, the founder of the World Toilet Organisation comes on Spotlight to discuss his passion for the loo, the taboos surrounding it and the issues faced regarding toilets around the world.

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Toilets have been around since the third millennium BC. They’re perhaps the most important invention in the world and a true marker of a civilised society. Yet, one third of the world still practices open defecation and lack proper sanitary conditions. For a special World Toilet Day look, the founder of the World Toilet Organisation comes on Spotlight to discuss his passion for the loo, the taboos surrounding it and the issues faced regarding toilets around the world.

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About 30% of Malaysian adults experience mental health issues while two in five adolescents suffer from anxiety, one in five has depression and one in ten has suicidal thoughts (National Health & Morbidity Survey). What is it like to live with a black dog (mental health condition)? How can companies support their employees and normalise the conversation around mental health? 

Guests:
Dakshayani Batmanathan, Speaker at HeadsUp!, Global Shapers KL
Edika Amin, Speaker at HeadsUp!, Global Shapers KL
Zulaikha Mohamad, Co-Founder, Mindakami
Dato' Dr Razin Kamarulzaman, Head of Corporate Safety Oversight and Airline Doctor, Malaysia Airlines
Captain Nasaruddin Abu Bakar, Head of MAB Academy, Malaysia Airlines
Shazmi Ali, Country Human Resource Director, Shell Malaysia

Sound Credits:

Lonely by Jonghyun feat. Taeyeon

Joker clip

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The Indian community, especially the B40 segment is plagued by myriad of social, developmental and economic issues. Income inequality, poverty and violence continue to drag on the chances for the community to uplift itself. We shine a light on how this happened and the problems that they face.

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