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Philippines inks partnership to strengthen entertainment segment
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) and Newport World Resorts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop its entertainment sector for tourism, with live performances, cultural productions, culinary experiences, and other leisure attractions being the focus of destination development.
The hidden value of health in Asia-Pacific
Health expenditure is routinely counted. But the value health protects through work, income, independence and unpaid care is far less visible.
Want to Do Business With the Chinese? Here’s What You Need to Know
China’s growing commercial footprint across the Global South is creating new opportunities, but major knowledge gaps remain over how Chinese businesses build trust, negotiate, and form partnerships. Guanxi, institutional norms, and long-term relationships can matter as much as contracts and competitive pricing. At the same time, Chinese companies are still ...
Students in Asia extend lead over a flagging US as AI reshapes education
High-school students across Asia are pulling ahead of their Western peers, an annual global assessment indicates, as artificial intelligence spurs a worldwide race for talent and reshapes how young people learn.
Future of Health Asia 2026 to connect policy, finance and care for sustainable health systems
Economist Enterprise will host the 6th Future of Health Asia on September 29th at the Grand Hyatt Singapore. This premier event convenes over 500 industry, medical and government leaders to address the structural forces reshaping healthcare across the region.
Local politics limits China’s rare earth leverage
China’s rare earth dominance rests on a fragmented system of ministries, provinces and firms, each pursuing their own interests.
Smart elephants can look before they leap
In humans, inhibitory control is important for problem solving. It may be for elephants, too.
OneSkies Makes Business Class More Accessible
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OneSkies, a travel service focused on premium international airfare, is helping U.S. travelers explore competitive business class flight options for long-haul trips to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. As travelers increasingly prioritize comfort on international journeys, business class is attracting interest beyond traditional corporate travel. Vacationers, entrepreneurs, couples, families and experienced travelers are
Review | Cavalluna’s Hong Kong debut was a magical, if cliché, equine spectacle
Cavalluna’s Asian debut stunned the city with its spectacular horsemanship, but plain and flawed storytelling was a fly in the ointment.
Jeremy Farrar Joins Global Health Non-Profit PATH Following Unexpected Departure From WHO
Outgoing WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Jeremy Farrar will lead PATH’s regional division for Asia, the Middle East, and Europe starting 1 October. Based in Geneva, he joins the executive leadership team to accelerate the delivery of health technologies across these regions, the organisation announced in a press release on Wednesday, 9 September.
The wildest sport you’ve never heard of has some unlikely stars: American cowboys
Nine American cowboys joined thousands of global athletes in Kyrgyzstan for the World Nomad Games, competing in Kok-Boru — Central Asia’s ancient, brutal sport of equestrian goat-grabbing.
China-Nepal floods; ‘Asian water tower’ wobbling: 7 science highlights
From Beijing’s bid to stop US AI dominance to impact of China-Nepal floods, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
How Japan’s anti-immigration politics runs on imported narratives
Without a clear national immigration policy, imported populist narratives have gained prominence in Japan.
Asian shares and US futures decline, while oil prices press higher
Asian shares and U.S. futures have fallen as flaring conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices higher. China said that its exports jumped 25% year-on-year in August, driven by
Asian shares and US futures decline, while oil prices press higher
Asian shares and U.S. futures have fallen as flaring conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices higher. China said that its exports jumped 25% year-on-year in August, driven by
Asian shares and US futures are mixed, while oil prices creep higher
Asian shares and U.S. futures are mixed after U.S. markets were closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Asian shares and US futures are mixed, while oil prices creep higher
Asian shares and U.S. futures are mixed after U.S. markets were closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Dress and morality: The politics of what women wear in Bangladesh
The orna scarf can be prayer, beauty, intimacy, fashion or refusal – because fabric never has only one political life. Yet, the female body remains where society often stages its arguments about caste, civilisation, religion, sexuality and honour.
DGIST marks its 22nd anniversary, pledging to “become a global innovation university leading the future of science and technology”
- Recognizing long-serving and outstanding members of the DGIST community and reaffirming DGIST’s vision for the next 22 years
Gen Z uprising reshaped Nepal’s politics. A year on, questions linger over what it really achieved
Injured protesters and families of those killed say the government has failed to deliver on promises of medical care, jobs and other support, leaving many questioning the movement’s legacy.
WHO South-East Asia Region recognizes major public health achievements across Member States
The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region today celebrated major public health achievements by Member States, highlighting important milestones in disease elimination, maternal, newborn and child health, immunization, and the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases. The awards were presented by the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to Ministers of Health or Heads of Delegation during the Seventy-ninth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia. Three major disease elimination milestones were celebrated. Timor-Leste was felicitated for achieving WHO validation for the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. With Timor-Leste’s achievement, the South-East Asia Region has achieved the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
Health Ministers of WHO South-East Asia Region adopt Dili Declaration to advance equity in specialized care
Health Ministers of the WHO South-East Asia Region today adopted the Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health: Equity in Specialized Care, committing to strengthen the health workforce and ensure that all people, including those living in rural, remote and underserved areas, have access to quality specialized health care. The Declaration, adopted at the Seventy-ninth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, recognizes that while access to quality specialized care is critical to achieving universal health coverage, it is far too often limited for those most in need. While the Region has made major gains in expanding its health workforce, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to specialists. Shortages persist across many specialties. Moreover, specialists are often concentrated in urban centers, tertiary and private-sector facilities, leaving rural, remote, poor and underserved populations with limited access to essential specialized services.
20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026: Top stars in action, schedule, sports with LA28 qualifying at play
The landmark 20th Asian Games take place this month in Japan, with LA28 Olympic quota spots at play in a number of sports. Find out some of the star names competing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and how to watch the action.
CJ CheilJedang sets Singapore hub for APAC seasoning business
CJ CheilJedang has opened a Global Technical Center in Singapore to expand its food seasoning ingredients business in the Asia-Pacific region. The company held
Phnom Penh recognised with WHO Healthy Cities Award for safer, healthier urban mobility
Phnom Penh City Hall has been awarded the World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Cities Recognition Awards 2026 in the Safe, Active and Health-enabling Transport category, recognising its commitment to improving road safety and creating healthier urban mobility for residents. The award was presented during the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities held in Sydney, Australia, from 1-3 September 2026. Phnom Penh was recognised for the project “Safe, Active and Health-enabling Transport: Advancing Health and Reducing Inequities in Urban Mobility”, supported through the Partnership for Healthy Cities. The initiative has focused on creating safer and more accessible environments for vulnerable road users, particularly around schools. The project combines road safety data, infrastructure improvements, 30 km/h speed management, enforcement, education and community engagement to address risks around high-risk schools. Improvements have included the installation of traffic signs and road markings, smart speed limit signs, safety camera systems and strengthened monitoring in school zones. At the two intervention schools, infrastructure conditions improved from 1.0-star rating to 4.2 and 3.5 stars using the Star Rating for Schools tool. The project also contributed to lower vehicle speeds, provided road safety training for 500 students and achieved a reported 58% reduction in self-reported crashes. iRAP was proud to serve as the technical advisor to the project, supporting evidence-based approaches to infrastructure safety and helping to guide interventions that protect people walking, cycling and travelling to and from school. The WHO recognition is particularly significant given the strong level of regional participation. More than 150 cities from across the Asia-Pacific region applied for the awards, with only eight cities ultimately selected for recognition. The award demonstrates how targeted investment in safer roads and sustainable transport can contribute to healthier, more equitable cities while supporting broader goals for urban development and quality of life. iRAP congratulates the Phnom Penh City Hall and all project partners on this important achievement and looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that deliver safer roads and safer journeys for everyone. Read original article hereRead more on the project here
Cyara Names Ben Corser to Lead Asia-Pacific Growth
MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 6, 2026--
Influencers, weed and disruptions stir controversy at U.S. Open
Social media influencers and other spectators are stirring controversy at this year’s U.S. Open, with viral videos, bright lights and other distractions prompting complaints from tennis fans and some of the sport’s biggest stars. The debate intensified during Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, when people in a courtside suite were seen filming themselves […]
Asia-Pacific Media Forum Opens in Shenzhen, Expands Regional Media Cooperation
SHENZHEN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 6, 2026--
How much will Celtic miss Asian Games-bound Yang?
Yang Hyun-jun illustrated his importance to Celtic with a vital goal against St Mirren before heading off for the Asian Games.
Battle Royale in NA West: Event 1 Event 1 Round 2
Battle your way to Diamond, Elite and Unreal in Combined Ranked in current season to be eligible for the first,second and final respectively Event of the Season! Compete for the opportunity to win a cash prize! Reach Round 2 (top 4000 in EU; top 2000 in NAC; top 800 in OCE, ASIA, ME, BR, NAW) where every player who earns a Victory Royale will earn $100 USD - good luck and have fun!
Potapova upsets 2025 US Open runner-up Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova, runner-up at the 2025 US Open, fell Saturday in the third round to Anastasia Potapova, who capitalized on a flood of unforced errors from the American.Potapova took full advantage of 46 unforced errors from Anisimova, who had already been pushed hard in her second-round win over another Austrian, Lilli Tagger.
US Open: Amanda Anismova upset by Anastasia Potapovia in third-round play
Last year's US Open runner-up, Anisimova failed to advance past the third round in her return to Queens.
Learn Science with Dr. V: Flash flood to destruction
Explore how a collapsing Himalayan glacier triggered a fast-moving ice-rock avalanche and debris-laden flash flood, damaging riverside infrastructure.
Cecile Azarcon honored with new tribute song
Cheska CK with Cecile Azarcon Photo from Facebook/@BaleKuCafe ‘The Songs Came Home’ celebrates the veteran songwriter behind enduring OPM favorites Veteran Filipino songwriter Cecile Azarcon-Inocentes is the subject of a new tribute song honoring a career that has produced some of Original Pilipino Music’s enduring compositions. “The Songs Came Home,” released by TrueStoriesSung Creative Studio, features…
Sampaguita Pictures actress Jean Lopez dies at 86
Photo from Instagram/@ barbicastelvi Veteran performer worked alongside many of Philippine cinema’s leading stars during the 1960s Veteran Sampaguita Pictures actress Jean Lopez, who appeared alongside some of Philippine cinema’s leading stars during the 1960s, died Sept. 1, her family said. She was 86. Her daughter Barbi Castelvi announced the death on social media, describing it as sudden and unexpected.…
Thailand verified for eliminating rubella as a public health problem
The World Health Organization today announced that Thailand has been verified for eliminating rubella as a public health problem, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to protect children, women and families from vaccine-preventable diseases.
China is boycotting a major Asian art festival over the naming of a Taiwanese exhibition
Chinese artists are boycotting the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea over plans to designate an exhibition space as the “Taiwan Pavilion.”.
iPhone Ultra Production Hitting Just 'a Few Hundred' a Day, Says Nikkei
Apple last month only managed to produce "a few hundred units a day" of its upcoming foldable iPhone because of the company's extremely high quality control standards, according to Nikkei Asia ($), citing supply chain sources. From today's report: "Production is ramping up slowly, with output currently at only a few hundred units a day in late August.
PrimeGlobal launches APAC initiatives for cross-border business support
PrimeGlobal, an accounting and business advisory association, has introduced two new initiatives across Asia Pacific (APAC) region to support cross-border collaboration.
WHO validates Timor-Leste’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem
WHO has validated Timor-Leste as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. With this validation, trachoma has been eliminated as a public health problem throughout the WHO’s South-East Asia Region.
Sutter Investment Helps API Families Access Health Services
Chronic conditions such as hepatitis B, diabetes and hypertension continue to affect many Chinese, Asian and Pacific Islander communities across San Francisco. Yet language, cultural and financial barriers can make it harder for people to access preventive care, find available resources and stay on top of their health. APA Family Support Services (APAFSS) is working […]
HK-Listed Macau Firm Asia Pioneer Entertainment (8400.HK) H1 Profit Surges 90-Fold Targets Overseas Expansion for Future Growth
/PRNewswire/ -- Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited ("APE" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 8400.HK), a leading Macau-based Electronic Gaming Equipment...
Holland America pumps up poolside entertainment
Lido Pool bandstands to bring live music on Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
The IDA Health Window Is Gaining Traction: Four Responses to the Proposal
I recently proposed an IDA Health Window as the future of multilateral global health financing. The proposal is beginning to gain traction. It has received interest (mostly positive, but always with good, constructive challenges) from colleagues associated with the Accra Reset; Africa CDC and the African High-Level Ministerial Committee on Global Health Architecture Reform; low- and middle-income country health and finance officials; key high-income donors including the UK, France, Germany, and Norway; the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank; the World Health Organization, Wellcome Trust, and civil society.
Sony's next PlayStation State of Play coming this Thursday, followed by a Japan and Asia-dedicated showcase
We're due for another summer PlayStation State of Play, and we're getting two of them in one day.
PlayStation Schedules Back-To-Back State of Plays For Thursday
The first stream will be a standard State of Play, while the follow-up will focus on studios from Japan and the rest of Asia. - Game Informer
Science Fiction and Fantasy Novellas to Devour This Week
The worldbuilding in these science fiction and fantasy novellas is unparalleded. Travel to a mythical Asian, a steampunk Egypt, and more.
Apple's Tim Cook clears unfinished business ahead of CEO handoff
CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos reports on how Tim Cook is using his final days as Apple CEO to make tough personnel and product decisions before John Ternus takes over September 1.
Hong Kong Science Park: Asia’s tech powerhouse celebrates 25 years
As Hong Kong’s premier science and technology ecosystem marks its silver jubilee, PostMag revisits the legacy of connection and invention that sustained 25 years of innovation, and meets the leaders driving the vision for the institution’s next chapter.
WHO releases US$150 000 emergency funds to support Nepal’s flood response
The World Health Organization has released US$150 000 from the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to support urgent health and other needs of the communities impacted by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, one of the worst tragedies in the country in recent times. “The emergency funds will support immediate response priorities. WHO is committed to supporting Nepal through the response and recovery efforts,” said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. Earlier, within hours of the flash floods on 26 August, WHO mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, including an Interagency Emergency Health Kit that can cater to the health needs of nearly 10 000 people for 3 months, along with multipurpose tents.
VIRTUE, V47 Entertainment and COL Group Launch World's First Microdrama Upfront
Little Black Book, 'Inside Microdramas', dedicated to the rapidly-expanding vertical entertainment economy, will be held in Singapore on October 27th
Upcoming at Flint River Entertainment Complex
🎤🎉 What’s coming up at the Flint River Entertainment Complex? From exciting events to can’t-miss entertainment, there’s plenty to look forward to! Anastasia Meenach, Director of Marketing, shares what’s on the calendar. 👀🎶
Your dislike of eating bugs may be 9,000 years old
Ancient teeth and human DNA are revealing a surprising history of insect eating. Modern humans in northern Eurasia appear to have eaten insects only occasionally, while Neanderthals may have consumed them much more regularly. Populations near the tropics also retained genes that make insect exoskeletons easier to digest.
Asian technology shares ride high on AI optimism after Nvidia’s ‘stunning’ results
Investors breathe sigh of relief after AI bellwether Nvidia reports doubling in quarterly revenue to nearly $100bn
COL Group, Virtue Asia, V47 Launch Inside Microdramas Upfront
COL Group, Virtue Asia and V47 Entertainment unveil Inside Microdramas, a vertical entertainment upfront, set for Singapore on Oct. 27.
Investing in Pandemic Preparedness for Resilient and Sustainable Health Systems
Pandemic preparedness and resilient health systems are inseparable. This message featured prominently during Symposium 5, “Resilient Health Systems for Future Well-being”, at the Public Health Summit held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 22 to 24 July. The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (WHO SEARO) participated in the symposium, contributing to discussions on how countries can prepare for future health emergencies while sustaining essential health services, contributing to health security, and advancing universal health coverage.Photo: Public Health Summit, where the main theme was 100 years of organised community health services in Sri Lanka. The summit was supported by the WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka. The SEARO presentation at the symposium, titled “Pandemic Preparedness for Resilient Health Systems”, highlighted how lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global health initiatives are shaping stronger, more resilient health systems capable of protecting populations during future crises.Photo : WHO South-East Asia Regional Office’s Health Emergencies Programme highlighted that pandemic preparedness strengthens resilient health systems, advances health security, reinforces primary health care, and supports progress towards universal health coverage.
Why rising heat is Asia’s next major health challenge
Higher temperatures are putting new pressure on health systems across the region, prompting a broader push for awareness, prevention and earlier action.
How IHH Healthcare CEO Prem Kumar Nair is planning for a longer-lived Asia
The head of Asia’s largest private health group is advancing clinical longevity, cancer care, AI and neighborhood-based treatment.
PLT Health Solutions Brings Its Clinically Supported Branded Ingredient Platform to Vitafoods Asia
PLT Health Solutions, Inc. will exhibit for the first time at Vitafoods Asia, 2-4 September in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing its portfolio of more than 30 clinically supported branded ingredients to Asian brand owners and product developers. A major focus at the show will be the company's joint health and mobility portfolio. PLT will bring next-generation Kinexa™ Joint Longevity Complex to the Asian market for the first time. PLT introduced Kinexa™ in 2016 and has continued to develop the ingredie
Asia’s founders are going global faster, sometimes even before they’re sure what their business is, says Stripe’s SEA MD
To help businesses expand, Stripe is announcing partnerships with an array of Southeast Asian payment processors like ShopeePay, GCash, and TrueMoney.
The 2026 New York State Fair is Action-Packed, with More New Events, Exhibits, Entertainment, and Food Than Ever Before!
Jet Ski Stunt Shows, Racing Dogs, Kids Tractor Pull, Miniature Horses, The Big Cheese, and More! Asian Village and Latino Village Showcase Amazing Food, Music, and More, Now on the West…
Climate scientists solve monsoon puzzle and warn of risks to fisheries
A new study has reconciled a long-standing paradox in the South Asian summer monsoon cycle. Climate scientists have discovered why geological records from land and sea have told opposite stories about ...
Scientists checked 109 owl nests in Turkey and found live snakes inside 44% of them, with a surprising twist
A nest box occupied by a Eurasian scops owl might seem an unlikely place to find a live snake, yet that is exactly what researchers repeatedly encountered in central Türkiye. Across six breeding seasons, they inspected 109 owl nests and found the small worm snake Xerotyphlops vermicularis in 44% of them.
InterSystems Asia READY 2026 to Showcase AI-Ready Healthcare
BANGKOK, August 24, 2026--InterSystems, a creative data technology provider managing over one billion healthcare records globally, will bring healthcare leaders from across Asia to Bangkok for InterSystems Asia READY 2026, where the focus will be on how trusted data, interoperability, and practical artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate smarter healthcare delivery and strengthen Thailand's position as a regional medical hub.
Science & Medicine: Communicating with Aphasia
When Bruce Willis, an action movie star known for his way with words, started to lose his language skills, it made news. He had aphasia.
California nearly achieved universal healthcare. Now, millions are losing coverage
California's uninsured rate could nearly double by 2030, with the sharpest losses hitting Black, Asian and Latino residents in Southern California.
BMO reorganizes international capital markets business, memo shows
Bank of Montreal will reorganize its international capital markets business under a single leadership structure, with Asia head Chris Taves set to retire next year, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
AsiaPay Launches InsertPass to Help Businesses Create and Deliver Digital Passes and Vouchers with Ease
AsiaPay has launched InsertPass, a digital pass solution that enables merchants to create, deliver, and manage digital passes and vouchers for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet customers.
Asia’s Businesses Struggle to Shake Off the Sway of Their Founding Families
A leadership shake-up at Tata Sons has highlighted the challenges facing India’s family-founded behemoths.
The “Asian water tower” is losing 24 billion tonnes of groundwater every year
The “Asian Water Tower” is losing roughly 24.2 billion tonnes of groundwater every year, with some of the worst declines hitting densely populated farming regions. Glacier melt may temporarily soften the crisis around the 2060s, but without changes in water use, researchers expect depletion to accelerate afterward.
The Worldfolio: How Sun-Star Stationery Is Driving Global Growth Through Entertainment, Innovation and Japanese Design
Sun-Star Stationery is expanding globally by combining Japanese craftsmanship, functional innovation and entertainment. Through idea stationery, character collaborations and direct consumer engagement, the company creates products that solve everyday problems while delivering emotional value, with growing opportunities across Asia, North America and Europe.
Japan’s generational discontent risks distorting its politics
Japan’s intergenerational issues will not be solved by a politics that pits young against old.
MiAsia Symone has the latest in entertainment headlines
The Fast & Furious franchise could be coming to an end, and Tyra Banks speaks out after backlash for her Netflix documentary.
Anxiety grips Pacific allies as Trump pulls back
President Trump's move to curtail military drills with South Korea has stoked anxiety in Asia, as the region's sole U.S. aircraft carrier heads to the Mideast.
Nexira spotlights science-backed solutions for women’s health
Women’s health is expanding through hormone-focused, lifecycle nutrition. At Vitafoods Asia, Nexira launches BloomEase, a science-backed solution combining botanicals and marine magnesium to support premenstrual syndrome and improve women’s comfort and well-being
UK inflation increases in July driven by a surge in gas costs; oil prices rise again
Brent crude approaches $92 a barrel; Asian shares slump after Wall Street chip sell-off
(For Southeast Asia) Introducing Pulse Elevate – Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first wireless speakers for desktop gaming
Pulse Elevate features ultra-low latency, lifelike gaming audio, and a built-in mic - all in a portable form factor.
Breast cancer is surging among Asian American women — and scientists don’t know why
Breast cancer is rising rapidly among Asian American women, with some of the most alarming increases occurring in younger women and in aggressive or advanced cancers. Researchers say screening alone can't explain the surge, suggesting important risk factors may still be undiscovered.
From heated rivalry to frenemies: Inside the cutthroat business of ruling tech in Asia
Doomscrolling on an iPhone, firing endless questions at ChatGPT, or streaming a 4K film on Netflix on your laptop – behind these modern life conveniences lies a high-stakes contest between two Asian technology powers.
As Asian business ownership declines, Tulsa commissioners pivot focus
The percentage of Asian Tulsans who own businesses is dropping. Asian Affairs commissioners are responding, shifting their focus from events to business resources.
U.S. pulls last aircraft carrier in Asia as Trump focuses on other regions
The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific and expected to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East
As China Pushes to Expand in Asia, Trump Focuses on Iran
Asian allies are beginning to wonder whether the United States would or could defend them in a war.
Triangle Group Raises $15 Million To Scale Asia-Pacific Live Entertainment Platform
Triangle Group has raised $15 million in equity and venture debt to expand its live touring and festival infrastructure across Asia-Pacific. The financing consists of a $10 million equity seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners, with participation from Golden Gate Ventures, the Oberoi Family Office, and angel investors, along with a $5 million venture debt facility from Genesis Alternative Ventures.
Americans’ use of social media for health information differs by race and ethnicity
Hispanic, Black, and Asian adults are more likely than White adults to get health information from social media and turn to health and wellness influencers.
Asia-Pacific parliamentarians urge bolder action for universal health coverage, climate resilience and responsible AI
Parliamentarians representing 16 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region concluded the Ninth Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) today, reaffirming their key role in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) amid the risks and opportunities posed by AI and climate change. In adopting the Phnom Penh Communiqué, parliamentarians urged fellow legislators regionwide to strengthen sustainable financing for UHC to widen access to health for all, including the most vulnerable populations; promote responsible governance of AI amid ethical concerns over this fast-evolving technology; and build climate-resilient health systems to anticipate and respond to mounting pressures ranging from rising sea levels in coastal areas to air pollution and other environmental degradation.The National Assembly of Cambodia, with support from Cambodia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted the Forum in Phnom Penh from 11 to 13 August 2026 – the first time the Forum has convened in a Mekong country.Parliamentarians urge action to close gaps in accessIn the Communiqué, parliamentarians recognized that at-risk and marginalized groups are the ones most severely affected by gaps in access to health services. These groups include people living in poverty, women and children, persons with disabilities, older people, migrants, refugees, and those in rural, remote or island communities. The Communiqué urges fellow parliamentarians and policy-makers to advocate for laws and policies that support sustainable financing to protect people from financial hardship, with a focus on primary health care, prevention and equity. "The Communiqué is a call to action. It sets out ambitious, concrete measures that deliver meaningful impact on the ground. We are all accountable for advancing universal health coverage and translating our commitments into tangible results. Cambodia is fully committed to advancing UHC, including the promotion of ‘healthy people, prosperous country’ campaign,” said Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighted the need for collaboration beyond the health sector. “Universal health coverage cannot be achieved by the Ministry of Health alone. It requires support, particularly from parliamentarians, across political, legislative, financial, social protection, education, infrastructure, and environmental domains. While each country follows its own path, one factor is universally critical for success: strong governance and leadership. We all believe in this principle, and in our respective political roles, we remain committed to strengthening these key success factors to ensure that no one is left behind.”Promoting responsible AI adoption Parliamentarians acknowledged that, while AI has already demonstrated its ability to improve access to health services and support delivery, careful and ethical governance is necessary to safeguard quality, safety, privacy and public trust. This underscores the importance of parliamentarians in promoting legal and regulatory frameworks addressing liability, records ownership and data governance, while embracing innovation that protects ethical practice.“Without strong governance, safeguards for privacy and data security, sustainable financing, and attention to those most at risk of exclusion, new technologies may widen existing gaps instead of closing them. This is why parliamentarians matter. We pass laws. We approve budgets. We scrutinize government action. We represent communities. We can ask whether health services are reaching rural, remote, ageing, poor, and marginalized populations. We can ask whether innovation is being guided by equity, evidence, and ethics,” said Hon. Man Hee Lee, President of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health.Building climate-resilient health systemsParliamentarians also reiterated that the climate crisis is a direct threat to people’s health and to achieving UHC more broadly, deepening the same gaps in access already faced by at-risk and marginalized communities. They recognized the need for WHO Member States to ensure sufficient national appropriations and oversight, and for parliamentarians to raise awareness in their constituencies and mobilize local action in building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.“Universal health coverage, climate change and AI cannot be addressed in isolation. The same communities struggling to access health services today are often the ones most exposed to climate shocks, and most in need of the opportunities AI can offer if this technology is governed responsibly,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Having served previously in this Forum myself as a parliamentarian from Tonga, I recognize how the Phnom Penh Communiqué reflects the shared resolve of legislators across the Asia-Pacific region: the laws parliamentarians pass and the budgets they approve help ensure this progress reaches the people who need it most.”As the Forum drew to a close, delegates reflected on what they would carry back to their own parliaments and constituencies.“I wish to share three points here worth carrying home from Phnom Penh: we need to invest in primary health care as the foundation of coverage; we need to remove the barriers that keep people from care, whether financial, geographic or social; and we need to build systems that are inclusive by design, protecting those most at risk of being left behind,” added Hon. Ouch Borith, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.###Notes for editors:The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) is a platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, build political will, strengthen capacity and foster collaboration towards sustainable health action. This was the ninth meeting of the APPFGH, with the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence”. Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls on countries to achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health services, and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. In the Western Pacific, UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1) rose from 63 in 2000 to 81 in 2023 (figures include Indonesia), and roughly one in four people in the Western Pacific have experienced financial hardship (SDG 3.8.2). Progress towards UHC in the Asia-Pacific region remains uneven, with hundreds of millions of people still lacking access to essential health services or facing financial hardship due to health-related expenses. Strengthening the role of parliaments – through legislation, financing and oversight – is central to closing this gap and accelerating progress towards UHC across the region.Parliamentarians participating in APPFGH in Cambodia this week include: Hon. Pehin Dato Adanan YUSOF, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. Rosmawatty ABDUL MUMIN, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. LORK Kheng, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. YOS Phanita, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOUN Khundy, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. HENG Halim, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOENG Noupheap, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. SENG Nhak, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. LY Sukry, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. NHOEURN Raden, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. Dr Ratu Atonio LALABALAVU, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Vijay NATH, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Man Hee LEE, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Jiho CHA, Republic of Korea; Hon. Jonghun BAEK, Republic of Korea; Hon. Youngsuk SEO, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Phayvanh KEOPASEUTH, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Hon. Suhaizan Bin KAIAT, Malaysia; Hon. Dr Perpetua KONMAN, Federated States of Micronesia; Hon. Ganmaa DAVAASAMBUU, Mongolia; Hon. Charmaine SCOTTY, Republic of Naoero; Hon. Vincent Ambance KUMURA, Papua New Guinea; Hon. Dr Edwin CRUZADO, Republic of the Philippines; Hon. AUUAPAAU Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola, Samoa; Hon. ASIATA TAVUI Tafu Salevao, Samoa; Hon. Dr Alani Petelo TANGITAU, Tonga; Hon. Paul PAOLO, Republic of Vanuatu; Hon. Franklyn Ezra WILLIAM, Republic of Vanuatu.For more information, contact: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: wprocom@who.int National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia (International Relations Department): ir.nacambodia@gmail.com
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