CNA Correspondent

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

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.  See omnystudio.c...

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’.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.