CNA Correspondent: Recent Episodes
CNA
They’re your eyes and ears around the globe. CNA’s network of correspondents shines a light on stories from wherever they are in the world, from ground-breaking events to up-and-coming trends. Join them as they bring you behind the headlines, examining issues, meeting people and exploring places.
Two state elections, three weeks apart, where Malaysia's own governing coalitions ended up as rivals rather than partners, each hoping to boost their power in Putrajaya. First came Barisan Nasional's sweep in Johor, its best result since 2008. Then came Negeri Sembilan, where Pakatan Harapan's caretaker chief minister Aminuddin Harun and Transport Minister Anthony Loke were defeated. Arnold Gay speaks with correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin, to unpack what Barisan Nasional's "blue wave" means for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government.
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China is producing advanced technologies at lightning speed, from AI to electric vehicles. But can rapid innovation translate into stronger domestic consumer confidence? CNA Senior China Editor and Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong joins Robin Pomeroy, Podcast Editor at Radio Davos, on this special episode in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Together, they interview Professor Yuen Yuen Ang, Alfred Chandler Chair of Political Economy at Johns Hopkins University on how China's transformation could affect businesses, governments and consumers worldwide.
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An education minister has resigned. India's Cockroach Janta Party is claiming victory. What began as an online satirical campaign has become one of India's most talked-about youth movements, tapping into frustrations over jobs, opportunity and political representation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Correspondent Neha Poonia about how a movement built around a cockroach forced its way onto India's political agenda and what it reveals about a generation that is refusing to be crushed and trampled on.
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Borders aren't just lines on a map, but clearly defined countries and territories with sometimes messy stories. From Greenland and Alberta to the South China Sea, Cyprus and Kaliningrad, their histories reveal why territorial disputes continue to shape politics and identity. Genevieve Woo joins Senior Editor Liling Tan and Correspondent Nick Harper to explore the deeper question of who actually holds the pen, and what it takes to make a boundary stick.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup began amid fears of immigration raids, political hostility and a tournament defined by controversy rather than competition. But something else entirely played out when football lovers from across the globe showed up. Norway fans did Viking rows, Scotland fans drank cities dry and Americans fell in love with a sport they had barely noticed before. But the politics never went away. US President Donald Trump's infamous call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's red card dominated headlines. But the final matches and Spain's eventual victory, refocused attention. Arnold Gay speaks to Correspondent Mitch McCann in New York and Sports Correspondent Matthew Mohan about the heartbreak, joy and the questions this tournament leaves unanswered heading into 2030.
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For years, China's presence in Africa was defined by railways, roads and mega infrastructure projects. But a quieter transformation is underway. Through the lens of South Africa, Genevieve Woo and Senior China Editor and Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong explore how Chinese companies are shifting from building projects to building businesses, manufacturing locally and putting down deeper roots.
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From robot patrol dogs to AI doctors, Hangzhou is fast producing some of China's most talked-about tech companies. The city is best known as the home of Alibaba and, more recently, DeepSeek. But beyond the headlines, what makes Hangzhou such a powerful engine for innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan speaks with Genevieve Woo about the talent, capital and government support behind one of China's most dynamic tech ecosystems.
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As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it stands as the world's largest economy and commands the most powerful military. Yet confidence in its institutions has eroded, political divisions run deep and many question the nation's trajectory. From symbolic shifts on the White House grounds to the rise of China and the heavy cost of global leadership, Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent Simon Marks examine what these domestic and global tensions reveal about the state of the superpower.
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China has a new buzzword: Emotional value. It is used to explain everything from blind box obsessions and AI companions to why young people are hiring strangers to climb mountains with them. In this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Krystal Chia explore the rise of China’s emotional economy and examine what this growing search for comfort and connection reveals about modern Chinese society.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 was always going to be unprecedented. Three host nations, 16 cities and 48 teams across an entire continent. What nobody quite expected was how much drama would happen off the pitch. The tournament kicked off amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict, Africa's top referee was denied entry to America, fans have paid record prices for tickets and the three co-hosts - the US, Canada and Mexico - are fighting a trade war of their own. Arnold Gay speaks to correspondents Matthew Mohan, Mitch McCann and Toni Waterman to unpack the politics, problems and blemishes behind the beautiful game.
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Almost six months ago, two gunmen opened fire on hundreds of Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and more than 40 wounded in the December 14, 2025 attack - Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. In the aftermath, Parliament passed stricter hate crime and gun ownership laws, announced a national buyback scheme and launched a Royal Commission into antisemitism. But since then, the gun buyback initiative has faltered and a provision to criminalise inciting racial hatred has been quietly dropped. On this episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Arnold Gay speaks to Natashya Gutierrez and Jack Board to ask: Do Australian Jews feel any safer today? And have the nation's leaders truly matched their words with action?
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The numbers going into 2026 were some of the best in aviation history. Then, US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a fifth of the world's oil supplies. Carriers saw jet fuel prices surge by more than 120% and braced for supply shortages, cancelling thousands of flights and raising airfares. Some budget airlines have already shut down, and others could follow.
The aviation industry's annual gathering in Rio was supposed to celebrate record profits and chart a greener future. Arnold Gay speaks with Yasmin Jonkers to find out who will survive, who pays for cleaner skies and what kind of world we are flying into.
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Traditional rice farming is a major climate problem. Flooded paddy fields release methane, a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than carbon dioxide. But a Singapore-led project in Indonesia is testing a new way forward. By changing the way rice is planted and grown, researchers say emissions can be cut by up to half, without hurting farmers’ incomes. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Saifulbahri Ismail about the science behind low-methane rice, the challenges of changing long-held farming practices and if consumers will go for a more climate-friendly grain.
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Jensen Huang is one of the most influential men in the world right now - the CEO and face of Nvidia, the company powering the global AI boom. But beyond the black leather jacket and rockstar status is a deeply candid story about immigrant sacrifice, fear of failure and relentless ambition. In this special episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo speaks to Senior Correspondent Victoria Jen after her wide-ranging interview with the Nvidia co-founder, covering everything from AI anxiety and job losses to China, Taiwan and what really drives the world’s most powerful chipmaker.
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In the 1960s and 70s, tens of thousands of South Koreans went to what was then known as West Germany as miners and nurses under a labour-for-loan deal. They were meant to stay for three years. Many never left. Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA Senior Correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the sacrifices behind South Korea’s rise - and the lives built between two countries.
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The Trump–Xi summit has just wrapped in China.
But beyond the handshakes and official statements, what really happened behind closed doors?
We break down the key moments, the surprises and the strategic stakes with insights from Beijing and Washington.
From trade and tech rivalry to the Taiwan question, the shadow of Iran and global energy tensions, we ask - who came in with the upper hand and did that balance of power shift by the end?
Genevieve Woo unpacks the two-day meeting with Tan Si Hui in Beijing and Nick Harper in Washington.
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China has raced ahead in electric vehicle adoption, building vast charging networks, scaling production and reshaping how cars are bought and used. But across the rest of Asia, the shift is unfolding in far more uneven ways. From Mongolia’s hybrid-driving herders to Indonesia’s nickel boom and the Philippines’ copper reserves, the EV revolution is creating new opportunities alongside environmental strain, social tensions and questions over long-term sustainability. Arnold Gay speaks with CNA correspondents Bong Xin Ying and Jack Board about China’s dominance, the hidden costs of the transition and whether the rest of Asia can build its own EV ecosystems.
Editor's note: This episode of CNA Correspondent has been edited to remove an incorrect soundbite.
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The Wang Fuk Court fire left 168 people dead and thousands displaced, making it one of Hong Kong’s deadliest disasters in decades. Months on, investigations are uncovering deeper failures, from alleged substandard materials to possible corruption in the tendering process. As the inquiry continues, Genevieve Woo speaks to CNA correspondent Deborah Wong to understand what went wrong.
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Japan’s tourism industry is back, with a record 10 million visitors in early 2026. But a major shift is underway: Chinese arrivals, once the backbone of Japan’s tourism boom, remain well below pre-pandemic levels. With visitor arrivals from South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US surging, can these new markets make up for the drop from China? And how are they reshaping the Japanese tourism industry’s growth, earnings and competitiveness? Arnold Gay finds out from senior correspondent Michiyo Ishida.
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When it comes to social media policing, governments are no longer waiting for tech companies to act - they’re stepping in. Australia has an under-16 social media ban, Indonesia is cracking down on non-compliant platforms and pressure is growing in India, as a new wave of regulation takes shape. But do these measures actually work? Or are the authorities always a step behind the tech giants and curious young people? Arnold Gay speaks to Natashya Gutierrez, Chandni Vatvani and Neha Poonia about what’s driving this shift, how enforcement is playing out and if these bans can really reduce the risks.
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The war on Iran was expected to showcase military might, but it quickly turned into a battle over energy. With oil and gas flows disrupted, the crisis is rippling across the globe, hitting economies and households from Asia to the US. Why does the world remain so vulnerable to energy shocks? Could this accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels or deepen dependence? And how might the conflict reshape the balance of power in favour of China? Arnold Gay speaks to Roland Lim and Toni Waterman about how the war will impact economies, geopolitics and the search for energy security.
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Fans are rejoicing over the long-awaited return of boy band BTS. But beyond the spectacle, the ultra-famous K-pop group is expected to bring in billions of dollars to South Korea. Genevieve Woo speaks to Lim Yun Suk and Grace Shin about the Bangtan Boys' growing role at the intersection of culture, economics and global influence.
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The conflict in Iran has pushed Iraq into a precarious position. Oil exports have been impacted and the country is caught in the middle of US-Israeli attacks on Iran-backed militia based in Iraq. Many of Iran's retaliatory attacks on US and coalition assets have taken place in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Arnold Gay speaks to Olly Barrett in this episode to understand what the Kurds and Iraqis fear most, even after the war ends.
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China is fast becoming a global leader in producing cutting-edge medicine, with nearly half of the world’s new drugs in testing now emerging from its labs. But can it replicate in pharmaceuticals what it has achieved in electric vehicles and robotics with faster and cheaper innovation? CNA Senior Correspondent Tan Yew Guan joins Otelli Edwards in this week’s episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast to explore China’s biotech ambitions and its push to make breakthrough treatments both accessible and affordable.
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Taiwan’s long-standing debate over the death penalty has resurfaced after a landmark court ruling and the island's first execution in five years. In this week’s episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Genevieve Woo sits down with Senior Correspondent Victoria Jen to discuss her reporting on people caught in between, from victims’ families seeking justice to those who say the risk of irreversible error is too great to ignore. Through their stories, we examine why trust, fallibility and competing ideas of justice continue to divide Taiwanese society.
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Amid rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, China’s biggest annual political event - the Two Sessions - has laid out the playbook for the world’s second-largest economy. From navigating the rise of AI to creating new jobs and enhancing childcare subsidies, domestic priorities took centre stage. What do these signals reveal about Beijing’s next moves? And why should the rest of the world be paying close attention? Senior Correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with CNA’s China correspondents to unpack the key takeaways and what they mean for Asia and beyond.
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Once seen as unstoppable, northern China’s deserts are now being reclaimed by forests, sprawling solar farms and even tropical fruit plantations. While officials hail it as a triumph, how durable is this green transformation? Genevieve Woo sits down with correspondent Tan Si Hui to discuss the scale of China’s long-running anti-desertification drive, the people on the front lines and the trade-offs involved.
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In the longest State of the Union address in modern history, US President Donald Trump laid out his achievements and made the economy a key pillar of his speech. Over nearly two hours, Mr Trump also touched on immigration, national security and foreign policy as he aimed to put his Republican Party in a position of strength ahead of the November midterm election. But beyond the headline claims, what does this speech mean for American alliances, global stability and trade with the rest of the world? Genevieve Woo breaks it down with senior correspondent Simon Marks.
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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a landslide victory in a long-awaited general election. Voters were promised a fresh start for democracy, jobs and the country's power structures. However, can the South Asian country move forward given some old, entrenched forces still hold sway? Genevieve Woo speaks with senior correspondent Afifah Ariffin on the CNA Correspondent podcast.
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Thailand's recently concluded election delivered a decisive lead for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party, setting the stage for intense coalition bargaining in the weeks ahead. With voters expressing fatigue and exasperation after years of political instability, will this new government be the change that Thailand seeks? Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit to parse through the fine print of Thai politics.
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A snap election bet paid off in a very big way for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She and her Liberal Democratic Party now hold a supermajority in the country’s Lower House. This gives them the power to override the opposition, push through legislation and even amend the Constitution. Ms Takaichi has made bold pledges on everything from industry and the economy to immigration and national security. But how quickly and aggressively will she move, and what does it mean for Japan and its neighbours? Arnold Gay gets insight from CNA's Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida.
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Five years after Myanmar’s military coup ended a decade of democratic rule, the country remains deeply divided and scarred from its ongoing civil war. CNA's Genevieve Woo and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit revisit the day the coup unfolded, the brutal crackdown that followed and how Myanmar’s politics arrived at an uneasy state of limbo.
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Indonesia is the world’s second-largest producer of seaweed, supporting tens of thousands of coastal families. Yet behind the strong export numbers are farmers struggling with unstable incomes, environmental pressures and a precarious dependence on a single overseas market – China. Genevieve Woo speaks with Correspondent Chandni Vatvani on what this rapid growth means for the seaweed farmers.
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Greenland has become the hottest geopolitical real estate of 2026. The United States wants it. Denmark and Greenland say it’s not for sale. Now European allies are sending troops to the Arctic, not to fight, but to send a message. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has raised the stakes with tariffs. In this episode, Genevieve Woo and Correspondent Ross Cullen unpack why Greenland matters so much strategically and why this dispute has become a test of alliance unity within NATO.
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After ceding the rare earth market to China, the US is playing catch-up as it tries to loosen Beijing’s grip on global supply chains for these minerals. These are critical to manufacturing everything - from smartphones to wind turbines and missile defence systems. Arnold Gay speaks to Executive Producer Pearl Forss and Senior Correspondent Leong Wai Kit, to see what it would take to wean the world off China’s rare earth minerals.
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Japan plans to restart the world's biggest nuclear plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, sending nuclear power back to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima accident. The plant has been offline for more than a decade amid safety concerns and mistrust of operator TEPCO. Supporters say Japan needs the energy. Critics argue that the risks remain. Genevieve Woo speaks with Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida to find out if Japan is ready to deal with any nuclear fallout.
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When Japan retreated from occupied lands after its surrender in World War II, a large group of Japanese citizens was painfully repatriated to a land they didn’t identify as home. They are the wansei, those who were born in Taiwan during the 50 years of colonisation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Michiyo Ishida and Victoria Jen about their quest to meet the surviving wansei and others whose lives were changed during this period of history.
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One BTS concert has the power to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the South Korean economy. It's that star power that businesses are banking on as the K-pop sensation regroups after a military service hiatus. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk about the economic potential of the band's return.
Credit: TikTok/@Marilynbooth786
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Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.
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The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.
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Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode.
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In a country where tea has reigned for thousands of years, a new aroma is taking over the streets - coffee. From Shanghai’s dizzying array of cafes to the tech-fuelled rise of coffee brands and the new wave of local roasters, coffee has become China’s new cultural currency. Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA senior correspondent Tan Yew Guan to learn more about China’s java scene.
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Who doesn't want to save time and money? That's what proponents of the new Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur electric train service are looking forward to when the line opens at the end of the year. But critics question if the track will be ready on time. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA digital correspondent Amir Yusof about just how revolutionary the new transport link will be.
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For many young people in China, graduation has become synonymous with being unemployed. In a dire job market some are turning to pretend workplaces to maintain a sense of routine and motivation. Fake boss, fake office and fake company, but there could be some real benefits. CNA digital correspondent Bong Xin Ying tells Teresa Tang what pretending to work is all about.
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Asia’s fastest-growing cities are on the move — but not always forward. From Bengaluru’s tech boom to Kuala Lumpur’s car-first legacy and Singapore’s long-term road map, prosperity in some Asian cities often comes with gridlock. What’s driving the congestion crisis? Can technology or political will finally turn things around? Genevieve Woo speaks with correspondents Ishan Garg in India and Afifah Ariffin in Malaysia on what it will take to clear the path ahead for Asia's traffic woes.
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US President Donald Trump attended the ASEAN Summit for the first time in seven years, injecting new life into the gathering in Kuala Lumpur. Mr Trump witnessed the signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which he co-brokered with Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair, Anwar Ibrahim. The summit also marked the official admission of Timor-Leste as the newest member of the regional bloc. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA senior correspondents Melissa Goh and Leong Wai Kit to find out what's changed for ASEAN and the role Mr Trump and Mr Anwar's charismas played at the 47th Summit.
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Sanae Takaichi takes office as Japan's first female prime minister, but she faces immediate headwinds. Stepping up amid a sluggish economy and rising prices, she confronts a restless public tired of inflation and the high costs of living. Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA's Michiyo Ishida to unpack what her win means for Japan’s future as she navigates tense foreign relations and domestic pressures.
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From F1 to the Tomorrowland music festival, Thailand is looking to make its mark as the destination for marquee events in Asia. But challenges stand in the way. CNA correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut joins Teresa Tang to discuss the hurdles and payoffs of playing host.
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Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Sara Duterte. It is daughters - not sons - who appear to be carrying on their fathers' political legacies. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk, Afifah Ariffin and Saksith Saiyasombut to find out why.
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Office of the Vice President of the Philippines
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Impotent and irrelevant: That’s what US President Donald Trump calls the United Nations, accusing it of failing to live up to its mandate. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA senior editor Liling Tan and Toni Waterman about the debate surrounding the significance of the international body.
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Along with President Prabowo Subianto, power is scattered among 961 regional leaders throughout the vast Indonesian archipelago. In a bid to maintain their popularity, some of these leaders have introduced unconventional programmes, including vasectomies for social aid. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Kiki Siregar to discuss the eyebrow-raising schemes.
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Indonesia's declining birth rate and growing economy are just some reasons why more people are looking to own pets. But when these furry companions fall ill, finding medical treatment can be a challenge. Mobile vets are soon being launched in the capital to deal with the shortfall. Correspondent Nivell Raya tells Teresa Tang what impact the service could have on public health.
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A watershed ruling has sent former leader Thaksin Shinawatra to jail for one year. The verdict comes shortly after the daughter of the once self-exiled icon was ousted from the prime minister's office. Is political stability finally on the horizon? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Saksith Saiyasombut to dissect the developments.
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Eighty years after the end of World War II, China commemorated the day with a grand military parade, right after hosting a high-profile regional gathering, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. With leaders from Russia, North Korea and two dozen other nations in attendance, the parade showcased China’s growing military prowess. Genevieve Woo speaks to China correspondents Olivia Siong and Tan Si Hui to decode what’s behind the pomp and pageantry of the mega-event.
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When Japan retreated from occupied lands after its surrender in World War II, a large group of Japanese citizens was painfully repatriated to a land they didn’t identify as home. They are the wansei, those who were born in Taiwan during the 50 years of colonisation. Genevieve Woo speaks to Michiyo Ishida and Victoria Jen about their quest to meet the surviving wansei and others whose lives were changed during this period of history.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One BTS concert has the power to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the South Korean economy. It's that star power that businesses are banking on as the K-pop sensation regroups after a military service hiatus. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk about the economic potential of the band's return.
Credit: TikTok/@Marilynbooth786
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The Greater Bay Area in China is a giant economic hub, home to more than 87 million people. The central government has pegged the region as key to the country's economic growth. Some regions in the integrated zone though are struggling. Teresa Tang speaks to Deborah Wong about the challenges and why it's still a critical part of President Xi Jinping's plans for China.
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The US accounts for less than 15 per cent of world trade but President Donald Trump has managed to force levies on America’s biggest trading partners. Arnold Gay speaks to trade expert Deborah Elms, along with Leong Wai Kit and Toni Waterman, to understand why many countries caved to Mr Trump’s demands.
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Amid a ceasefire agreement, those living along the Thai-Cambodian border are expressing cautious optimism on whether peace will last. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondents Jack Board and Leong Wai Kit as they cover developments on the ground.
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Malaysia's landfills will be full by 2050. Officials are weighing their options as advocates push for better compost and recycling systems in the country. CNA correspondent Rashvin Bedi digs into the problem with Teresa Tang.
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Thailand and Cambodia have a long-standing agreement to resolve border issues bilaterally. But on Jul 24, simmering tensions boiled over when troops on both sides exchanged fire, with reports of several civilian casualties. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene. But who will lay down arms first to begin a diplomatic solution? Genevieve Woo speaks with CNA correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut on this special episode.
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The leader of Japan has vowed not to step aside despite his ruling coalition losing its majority in the Upper House election. What does the outcome mean for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba domestically? What impact will his weakened position have on looming US trade negotiations? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA’s Michiyo Ishida.
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The price of rice in Japan has more than doubled since 2024, while in neighbouring South Korea the grain is practically being given away for free. Teresa Tang speaks to correspondents Michiyo Ishida and Lim Yun Suk about what's behind the disparity.
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Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and biggest port. But despite its reputation as a vibrant metropolis, it's facing the threat of extinction. As the population ages and young people leave for better opportunities, city officials are doing all they can to prevent it from turning into a ghost town. CNA's Lim Yun Suk sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.
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Tensions, absences and quiet chats at Asia’s premier security summit. The US sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but China left its defence minister at home for this year’s summit.
CNA’s Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit tell Arnold Gay whether Dong Jun’s absence affected Beijing’s messaging and why the summit is similar to speed dating, with defence officials meeting and mingling to seal alliances and agreements.
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Host Canada and world leaders put on a brave face after US President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit early to attend to the Israel-Iran conflict. But his premature departure leaves questions on tariffs, Ukraine and NATO unanswered. Nick Harper explains what happens next.
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The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.
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Millions of migrants leave their native countries each year in search of opportunity. But the psychological and social price is immense. Teresa Tang speaks with CNA's Nivell Rayda about the challenges facing migrant workers in Southeast Asia.
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After Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law decree and his ouster from the presidency, South Korea is looking to recover from the political turmoil. Citizens are set to vote for their next leader in less than a week. CNA's Lim Yun Suk sets the stage with Teresa Tang.
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An increasing number of homes in rural Japan are being abandoned due to urban migration and depopulation. These empty structures are attracting foreigners, lured by their cheap prices. CNA's Michiyo Ishida tells Teresa Tang what some communities are doing in the face of an existential crisis.
(Credit: TikTok/@shumatsuopost)
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Seniors living in urban China often find themselves at a loss when they want to meet new people. Unfamiliar with the city and disconnected from social media, many are flocking to places such as IKEA to find companions. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Tan Yew Guan to discuss why the trend may help improve longevity among China's aged.
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Another violent chapter in a decades-long rift between two nuclear-armed neighbours. On 7 May, India carried out deadly strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, two weeks after a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. New Delhi blames Pakistan, something Islamabad denies. Is diplomacy an option or is war inevitable?
Teresa Tang breaks it down with Ishan Garg in New Delhi and Hira Mustafa in Islamabad.
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Saltwater crocodiles sit atop the food chain and few can stand in their way. But tin mining in Indonesia has triggered deadly clashes between the ancient reptiles and locals. CNA's Kiki Siregar speaks to Teresa Tang about why these attacks are on the rise and what's being done to keep both animals and people safe.
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The first 100 days of the second Donald Trump presidency have been a whirlwind of domestic shakeups and diplomatic duels. Teresa Tang assesses Mr Trump's track record thus far with US correspondent Toni Waterman.
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It was the centerpiece of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s election campaign - a free, nutritious meal programme that would serve 90 million children and pregnant women. But its ballooning costs and supply shortages have critics concerned about its sustainability. Correspondents Chandni Vatvani and Saifulbahri Ismail speak to Teresa Tang.
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China's leader is visiting Southeast Asia as part of efforts to sell his country as a reliable partner amid the tariff chaos triggered by the Trump administration. The three-nation, five-day trip is not typically part of President Xi's playbook. So, will it pay off? Teresa Tang breaks down the strategy with CNA's Olivia Siong.
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A peace deal has been in place between the Philippine government and the militant group, MILF, for more than a decade. But violence remains and threatens to hinder the region's first-ever democratic elections set for later this year. CNA's Buena Bernal speaks to Teresa Tang in this episode.
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US President Donald Trump has unveiled a raft of "reciprocal" tariffs on imports into his nation, setting the stage for a full-blown trade war. Allies and adversaries alike are being hit with double-digit levies, sparking criticism and threats of retaliation around the world. Arnold Gay and Elizabeth Neo explain how the tariffs work and sort through a range of reactions.
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Nvidia's annual software developer conference in San Jose, California is almost like a rock concert - complete with CEO Jensen Huang in his leather jacket. CNA's Tan Si Hui was there to catch all the action and she tells Teresa Tang her key takeaways.
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Bali, Indonesia has been a victim of its own success with overtourism plaguing the island's south. CNA's Nivell Rayda tells Teresa Tang how hopes are now pinned on a new airport to encourage visitors to take the path less travelled.
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Rodrigo Duterte has been taken to the International Criminal Court in The Hague where his critics hope he will face justice for alleged crimes against humanity over his war on drugs. Supporters though say the move is politically motivated. Could Mr Duterte be Asia’s first former head of state to go on trial at the ICC? Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Buena Bernal.
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A look inside the minds of China’s top leaders and their plans for the year ahead, the Two Sessions are the most significant political meetings for the country. Why should the rest of the world pay attention? CNA’s Olivia Siong and Tan Si Hui in Beijing break it down with Teresa Tang.
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Tech billionaire Elon Musk's rise to become the 'First Buddy' of US President Donald Trump has shaken the US political establishment. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk appears to have unprecedented access and power in the White House and further afield. How far does his reach go? Teresa Tang sits down with correspondents Kate Fisher and Trent Murray.
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More than 11 million illegal migrants in the United States worry that their American Dream could be snuffed out any day now. Raids and deportations have taken place in just the first month of the second Trump presidency. How far is the American leader going to go to expel those without proper documentation? Teresa Tang asks CNA's Toni Waterman in Texas and Neha Poonia in New Delhi.
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It's a crime where perpetrators are often victims themselves. Cyberscam centres have mushroomed across Southeast Asia, and the unrest in Myanmar is making it even easier for crime syndicates to operate there. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's May Wong and Saksith Saiyasombut in this episode.
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From impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration to his current dual trials for impeachment and insurrection, Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk on the logistical and emotional challenges in covering the unprecedented political crisis.
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Known as the "Golden Route", Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the hotspots of Japanese tourism. But their popularity has become a double-edged sword. With Osaka hosting the 2025 World Expo in April, Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Michiyo Ishida who shares how Japan is managing the growing crowds.
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Since a coup four years ago, the people of Myanmar have lived with violence and lawlessness. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Leong Wai Kit for more on life under the military regime and when a long-promised election could possibly be held.
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COVID-19 may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back but there are other factors that's causing a quiet, but significant exodus, of expats out of Shanghai. Based in the Chinese city, correspondent Tan Yew Guan gives Teresa Tang an insider’s look.
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From tariffs, to immigration, and the Russia-Ukraine war, Donald Trump has a long to-do list once he enters the Oval Office. What will his priorities be? Teresa Tang previews the presidential inauguration with Washington Correspondent Nick Harper.
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One of the world's most popular social media platforms is set to be banned from the US on January 19 unless it's divested from its Chinese owners. But could there be a change in course?
Teresa Tang asks Washington Correspondent Benji Hyer and Beijing Correspondent Olivia Siong what happens next.
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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.
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Pope Francis made wrapped a historic 11-day trip in September, 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.
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Boxing Day, 2004. A powerful quake unleashed towering tsunami waves, killing more than 225,000 people across a dozen countries. CNA's Saifulbahri Ismail tells Teresa Tang about his conversations with survivors in Indonesia and Sri Lanka in this special anniversary episode.
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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 documentary, Walk the Line.
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In a span of six hours, South Korea was plunged into a political crisis when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk on whether he will be impeached, if street demonstrations will intensify and if it is safe to travel there.
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A decade since it disappeared, no one knows what happened to MH370 after it took off just after midnight on March 8, 2014. Families continue to pressure officials to keep searching.
In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang speaks to Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh and China correspondent Olivia Siong about where the case stands today.
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The digital space can be a very unfriendly place if you're a woman. Harassment and bullying are believed to have driven a Malaysian influencer to take her own life. Why are females disproportionately victims in cyberspace? Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Afifah Ariffin in this episode.
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South Korea used to be the world's largest source of babies for adoption. It's believed 200,000 children are part of the Korean adoptee diaspora, many of whom were sent away illegally and unethically. Those babies are now adults determined to trace their biological roots. Teresa Tang goes on an emotional journey with CNA's Lim Yun Suk.
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US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to levy tariffs on all imports going into America, a move that could spark a trade war and imperil export-dependent economies in Asia such as Malaysia. The US was the country's third-largest trading partner in 2023, and Malaysia hosts foreign companies that play important roles in global supply chains.
Arnold Gay speaks to CNA’s Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh to find out how the ASEAN member is preparing for Mr Trump’s ‘America First’ policy.
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Republican leader Donald Trump beat his Democratic rival Kamala Harris in a decisive election victory. How did he convince voters he was the right choice and how will he govern a second time around? Arnold Gay talks to Nick Harper, Sally Patterson and Olivia Siong.
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Religion and societal norms are two reasons why divorce has been illegal in the Philippines for centuries. But those stuck in failed marriages have been fighting to reverse that. Teresa Tang sits down with Nivell Rayda to see how soon the law could change and why some are against it.
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Americans head to the polls on Nov 5 to choose between a twice-impeached and once-convicted former president in Donald Trump, or Kamala Harris, a relative unknown accused of flip-flopping, and thrown into the race when Joe Biden stepped down. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA’s US Bureau Chief Simon Marks, and correspondent Sally Patterson, on the key issues defining the election, and why it’s on knife-edge just days away from polling day.
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China's pet population will be nearly twice that of its young children by 2030. The pet economy is worth billions and has spawned trends never seen before. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA's Shanghai correspondent Tan Yew Guan in this episode.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Build Your Dreams (BYD), the Chinese automaker, is on a mission to create a zero-emission energy ecosystem. It is shifting to a higher gear by lowering prices, with one model available for less than US$10,000. In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang looks at the race to rule the road in China and abroad.
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East Asia has been called the centre of gravity in the Asia Pacific. That’s why a new hour-long CNA programme will focus on the region’s economic and political reach. In this week’s episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang goes behind-the-scenes with host Otelli Edwards and Supervising Editor Jeremy Koh.
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South Korean voters choose a new National Assembly on April 10, with the result of the election widely seen as a referendum on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s first two years in office. On his watch, thousands of junior doctors have walked off the job, leading to major delays at public hospitals. Arnold Gay speaks to CNA's Lim Yun Suk to find out how the country’s leader is dealing with this crisis.
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A 90km route that cuts across the narrowest part of Thailand in the south could turn the country into a maritime transit hub. At least that’s the hope of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. But locals are worried about the environmental and security risks the megaproject could pose. CNA’s Teresa Tang and Jack Board discuss what’s at stake.
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Farmers in India are out on the streets protesting, claiming the government has reneged on promises to guarantee prices for their crops. People in this sector make up as much as 40 percent of India’s voters, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing little sign of backing down, even as he seeks a third term in office. Rebecca Bundhun explains why they’re upset and why they may not get their way this time.
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This year's presidential election in Russia might be a non-starter. Vladimir Putin’s main rivals are all out of the running -- or dead -- and he could potentially hold on to power for another decade. What do ordinary Russians make of the man who rules with an iron fist? CNA's Teresa Tang talks to former Moscow correspondent Julia Chapman to find out.
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A decade since it disappeared, no one knows what happened to MH370 after it took off just after midnight on March 8, 2014. Families continue to pressure officials to keep searching.
In this episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang speaks to Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh and China correspondent Olivia Siong about where the case stands today.
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China has long been home to the largest population on the planet, but that’s starting to change. Fewer babies and a super-aged society could spell trouble for the country’s economy. China correspondents Olivia Siong and Low Minmin talk about the potential items on the agenda for the nation’s most important political event of the year – the upcoming “Two Sessions” meetings.
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It has been a grinding war. But two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, resilience has emerged as a key trait among Ukrainians. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk travelled to Ukraine to find out how robust the war effort has been, and how its economy is trying to post growth despite the conflict.
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Some fishermen on Malaysia’s west coast have no catch for sale and are selling their vessels instead, just to make ends meet. Climate change and overfishing are two reasons for the falling numbers. Teresa Tang speaks to Rashvin Bedi about what options fishermen have.
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A quarter of a million candidates are running for posts in this year’s general elections in Indonesia. Legislators, councillors and a new president are all being chosen by some 205 million voters. And more than half of those voters are young people. Teresa Tang speaks to our correspondents to find out why the battleground has moved online for the presidential hopefuls.
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Thais made up the largest number of foreign nationals abducted by Hamas when the militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Nearly two dozen Thais have since been released and returned home. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut shares some of their stories with host Teresa Tang in this episode of CNA Correspondent.
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The Iowa caucuses last week marked the official start of the US election season. But a lot can happen between now and November 5, when American voters head to the polls.
Nick Harper joins Teresa Tang with a look at the issues, the hopefuls and the possible roadblocks candidates will face heading to the White House.
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Myanmar has been under military rule since a coup nearly three years ago. But on Oct 27, 2023, resistance and ethnic armed groups came together to launch an offensive against the military. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit tells Teresa Tang how they’ve made progress and where the country is headed from here.
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The race to Taiwan’s highest office is on. Three contenders are vying for ballots with different approaches to Beijing. The youth vote and growing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living makes this election one to watch. Deborah Wong and Tan Si Hui give us the state of play.
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Here's the last of our three top episodes from our archives this year. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit gets rare access to the USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world. He tells Steve Lai about its mission and the complex nature of disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, the thrill of take-off and landing on a runway less than 100 meters long.
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Here's the second of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast.
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Here's the first of our top three episodes of The CNA Correspondent podcast. In this episode, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country.
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The leaders of the world’s two biggest economies met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Steve Lai speaks to Simon Marks and Low Minmin about the current state of the US-China relationship and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Imagine getting paid to get a haircut. The demand for human hair has led to a complete makeover of the economic fortunes of some people in Asia. So what makes some strands more valuable than others? CNA's Teresa Tang sits down with Low Minmin and Tung Ngo for an in-depth look at the production chain in China and Vietnam.
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It’s a reclusive country that regularly makes the headlines, but North Korea is now reopening to a post-pandemic world. Teresa Tang talks to CNA correspondent Lim Yun Suk about the country’s defectors, Kim Jong Un’s young daughter and the potential for families separated by the Korean War to be reunited.
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Thai citizens are among the highest number of foreign fatalities in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War with 23 currently held hostage in Gaza. Thai correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai about the nation’s efforts to rescue them and repatriate its 30,000 citizens.
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First, they disappeared from public life, then from China's Cabinet lineup. Qin Gang was dropped as the country’s top diplomat and shortly after, Li Shangfu was removed as defence minister. Theories abound as to why they fell out of favour. Beijing correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.
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For decades, well-known Japanese talent manager Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused young men and boys who were desperate to make it big in Japan’s entertainment industry. Michiyo Ishida talks to Steve Lai about the reckoning that his agency – which created popular boy bands SMAP and Arashi - is going through now that the country’s worst-kept secret is finally out.
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In the deepest parts of Mongolia, Google Maps doesn’t work. The vast country is also the most sparsely populated in the world. But China’s Belt and Road Initiative is set to change that, with massive transport projects in full swing. Olivia Siong takes us there in this episode of CNA Correspondent.
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Where can you find possibly the emptiest airport in the world? Look no further than Sri Lanka. The US$113 million airport project was backed by China as part of its massive BRI investments in the country. But was the money more debt trap than development opportunity? Chandni Vatvani sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode of the CNA correspondent podcast.
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Ten years since it was first launched at a university in Kazakstan, projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative have affected lives and livelihoods across Central Asia. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk tells Steve Lai how Beijing is reinventing the Silk Road for the 21st century with an ambitious agenda.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CNA’s correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin for an interview in Singapore. Steve Lai gets a peek into all the behind-the-scenes action and what’s next for Mr Anwar’s future and that of his country.
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On 7 September Hong Kong smashed a 140-year-old record when torrential rains drenched the city. At its height, 158mm fell in just one hour. As the clean-up happens, new problems have surfaced, that of illegal structures and slope safety. CNA’s Hong Kong correspondent Deborah Wong talks to Teresa Tang in this episode.
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Fukushima will long be linked with the wrecked nuclear facility that bears the prefecture’s name. Treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is now being pumped into the Pacific Ocean and will continue to flow for decades to come. CNA’s Michiyo Ishida tells Teresa Tang what she saw when she visited for a media tour.
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Most people don’t know much about the tiny nations of the Pacific except tourists who are drawn to their stunning beauty. But they are strategically critical for China, the US and its allies. CNA’s Jeremy Koh speaks to Teresa Tang about his travels there and whether this tug-of-war is noticeable on the ground.
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Three months after Thais voted in a general election, they finally have their next leader – though it’s not the person many had expected. Sretta Thavisin is a political novice who faces the task of uniting a fractured public. CNA's May Wong and Saksith Saiyasombut sit down with Teresa Tang to talk about what it was like on the ground as the dramatic developments unfolded.
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Billed as a referendum on Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and his Unity Government, the results of the recent elections in six states exposed an exodus of Malay voters to the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition. CNA's Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin talk to Steve Lai about where it’s going wrong for the prime minister and where he goes from here.
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43,000 Scouts from 158 countries arrived in South Korea expecting 12 days of learning, fellowship and fun. What they didn’t bargain for were inadequate facilities, an unbearable heatwave and an approaching typhoon that forced an evacuation. CNA’s Lim Yun Suk talks to Steve Lai about how things went south.
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Six states in Malaysia go to the polls on Aug 12 with 245 state assembly seats up for grabs. CNA correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin preview the upcoming elections and the issues voters are grappling with which will put the unity government to the test.
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Fear and a lack of faith in the justice system often prevent many sexual harassment victims from coming forward. But a Netflix series in Taiwan is changing that. Taiwan correspondent Victoria Jen tells host Teresa Tang what’s behind the island’s #MeToo movement.
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It’s been six months since China dropped its zero-COVID policy and reopened its borders. But recovery has been uneven on the mainland and for its major markets. CNA’s Low Minmin, Deborah Wong and Tung Ngo talk about economic hopes despite the lag with Teresa Tang in this episode.
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Utter the name “Marcos” in the Philippines and the words dictator and corruption used to come to mind. But now, under the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the legacy of his father is being rewritten. Host Teresa Tang speaks to Buena Bernal on the one-year anniversary of the re-emergence of this political dynasty, and how Filipinos feel about what the president has accomplished so far.
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It’s an industry that can generate billions of dollars in a single month. Nuptials are big-business in India as couples pull out all the stops to host lavish, show-stopping celebrations. But where is this money coming from? Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Neha Poonia and Ishan Garg.
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Singapore hosted the 20th edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue in early June. All eyes were on China and the US but the two didn’t meet – formally, that is. CNA’s Jeremy Koh speaks to Steve Lai on what happened behind the public conference and the broader security challenges the world faces.
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Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military coup on 1 February 2021. CNA’s Leong Wai Kit tells Steve Lai of the resilience of its people and the challenges facing ASEAN and the international community to find a solution.
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A record voter turnout in Thailand’s 2023 election saw the rise of the Move Forward party and a clear decline of former general Prayut Chan-o-cha. Steve Lai speaks to Saksith Saiyasombut on the state of play now and whether the charismatic Pita Limjaroenrat can forge a strong coalition and win enough support from rival MPs or the appointed senators to form a government.
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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emerges from the first Unity Government Convention in a confident mood ahead of upcoming state elections. Afifah Ariffin speaks to Steve Lai about the uneasy alliances within his government and an opposition that says it has plans to topple him.
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Taiwan’s tree poachers (known as ‘mountain rats’) are on the run as police and forest rangers use technology, community engagement and good old-fashioned legwork to stop the lucrative illegal trade of its centuries-old cypress trees. Victoria Jen tells Steve Lai about her arduous trek into the island’s virgin forests to uncover the story.
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Incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha looks to fend off challengers, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as she aims to stake her claim. Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut speaks to Steve Lai ahead of Thailand’s general election on 14 May.
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What could have been a preview to the world’s football superstars of tomorrow turned into a missed opportunity for Indonesia to shine. CNA correspondent Saifulbahri Ismail talks to Steve Lai about how domestic politics sullied the beautiful game, with FIFA removing Indonesia as the tournament’s host.
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The number of people embracing solo bliss is on the rise in Japan and Korea. These one-person households are changing society in critical ways and businesses are cashing in. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA's Michiyo Ishida and Lim Yun Suk.
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More than one million people are affected by an unprecedented drought in Jeolla, South Korea. Is climate change to blame? What is being done to deal with the shortage? We speak to CNA correspondent Lim Yun Suk.
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China's Xi Jinping met Russia's Vladimir Putin armed with a 12-point peace plan as the war in Ukraine grinds on. Does this visit signal China's growing ambitions on the global stage? Steve Lai speaks with CNA’s Beijing and Shanghai correspondents Olivia Siong and Low Minmin to find out.
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On the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, CNA sent correspondent Jeremy Koh to get a firsthand look at life in a conflict zone. He sits down with Teresa Tang to share the challenges and fears he and his team faced while reporting in Kyiv and Lviv.
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From the rollercoaster of emotions while rescuers searched for survivors, to a nation coming together to support the relief efforts, CNA’s Trent Murray talks to Steve Lai about his time reporting from Malatya, Turkiye after deadly earthquakes devastate an area roughly the size of South Korea.
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CNA Correspondent marks International Women’s Day with a look at India’s progress through the eyes of its women. Steve Lai talks with Neha Poonia and Rebecca Bundhun on how women in India are fighting the patriarchy and charting their own course.
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Stupid. Idiot. Brainless. These are insults some domestic workers have had to endure from their employers in Indonesia. There are also those who end up being hit too. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Saifulbahri Ismail who explains why a near two-decade old bill to protect these workers has been in limbo, and what are its chances for success now.
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Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife were the latest dignitaries to have an orchid named after them as Singapore and Vietnam celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. At least 200 varieties of specially curated orchids are named after heads of state, royalty and celebrities in Singapore. Why does gifting a beautiful orchid matter in diplomatic relations? Steve Lai asks Glenda Chong in this episode.
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In some US states,1 you can walk into a gun shop and walk out with a firearm. Many people, including President Biden and victims of mass shootings, have called for change. But change is slow to come by. Ira Spitzer explains to Teresa Tang why there’s an American fascination with firearms, and why gun control discussions trigger such heated debate.
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CNA’s Leong Wai Kit gets rare access to the USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world. He tells Steve Lai about its mission and the complex nature of disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, the thrill of take-off and landing on a runway less than 100 meters long.
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After three years of COVID-19 lockdowns, the Year of the Rabbit is being ushered in largely unrestricted in Asia. Our Taiwan correspondent Victoria Jen and Hong Kong correspondent Deborah Wong sit down with Teresa Tang to share what the return of festivities looks like, how businesses are doing, and what their personal wishes are.
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In the early hours Dec 16 last year, a landslide buried 31 campers on a hillside near Malaysia’s Genting Highlands. CNA’s Correspondents Afifah Ariffin and Pamella Lim tell Steve Lai how they covered the story and the bigger question about the rise and ramifications on the eco-tourism industry in Malaysia.
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For three years, China doubled down on its zero-COVID policy. But now that its borders are opened, Chinese travellers are celebrating while the rest of the world are holding their breath. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Low Minmin and Olivia Siong about Beijing's abrupt turnaround, its impact on President Xi Jinping's image and what this means for global tourism.
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For three years, China doubled down on its zero-COVID policy. But now that its borders are opened, Chinese travellers are celebrating while the rest of the world are holding their breath. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA’s Low Minmin and Olivia Siong about Beijing's abrupt turnaround, its impact on President Xi Jinping's image and what this means for global tourism.
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Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a symbol of cultural pride and identity and now, Thailand’s national sport is generating huge interest internationally. But with it comes the fear that it will lose its ancient traditions. With dreams of the sport making its Olympic debut growing bigger, Teresa Tang talks to correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut about how Muay Thai could change, and what is being done to preserve it.
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In 2021, Japan recorded its lowest number of births in more than a century. The declining population is now coming home to roost – with severe labour shortages. Enter foreign workers. Host Teresa Tang speaks to correspondent Michiyo Ishida who spent time with some of them who are now calling Japan home.
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After more than a two-decade wait, Anwar Ibrahim takes the reins of power as Malaysia's prime minister at a time of economic uncertainty and a fractured political landscape. Steve Lai speaks to CNA correspondents Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin about his GE15 victory and the bumps that lie ahead.
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What do you do when your country is resource poor? You import. A lot. South Korea imports an astounding 94 per cent of its energy sources. And that has posed a challenge - figuring out what the best energy mix is to get to zero emissions. Teresa Tang speaks to Lim Yun Suk who headed to the bowels of a coal mine to look for some answers.
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History, the polls, an unpopular president and inflation at a 40-year high all pointed to the Republicans sweeping back into power in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It didn’t happen, as Trump-backed candidates failed to deliver on the expected ‘Red Wave’. Steve Lai and Washington Correspondent Nick Harper discuss what the results mean for President Joe Biden and the Democrats, and where the Republican party goes from here.
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Hours before anyone was dead in Itaewon, panicked calls were made by people worried something catastrophic could happen. Now authorities are apologising for the tragedy and admit they mishandled the situation. South Korea correspondent Lim Yun Suk tells Teresa Tang that if she hadn’t been in Singapore, she too could have been in the nightlife district that evening.
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All eyes were on the CPC’s Party Congress – it is the most important date in China’s political calendar as it sets the stage for political renewal. Teresa Tang speaks to Beijing Correspondent Olivia Siong, who gives a behind the scenes look, including the moment she realised CNA captured exclusive footage of the drama surrounding former President Hu Jintao.
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135 lives were lost when a football match in Malang, Indonesia ended in chaos and confusion. Some of the dead included children as young as three years old. Digital journalist Kiki Siregar speaks to Steve Lai about the tragic event and what measures the Indonesian government is taking to reform the Indonesian football system.
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The murder of 22 children while they slept in a Thai preschool triggered shock and grief. CNA’s Indochina correspondent May Wong had to come face to face with families who lost their children. She pulls back the curtain with Teresa Tang to talk about the emotional and ethical considerations journalists face.
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Two decades ago, a deadly attack at one of Bali’s major tourist districts killed more than 200 and left many others scarred for life. CNA’s Saifulbahri Ismail talks to Teresa Tang about the survivors’ frustrations – and forgiveness. We explore too how the tragedy has shaped the Indonesian government’s fight against terror.
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Elderly suicide rates in Hong Kong hit a record-high in 2021, accounting for almost half of the city's cases. Hear why 73-year-old Pun Sum Wing contemplated ending both his and his wife’s lives, as he struggled under the weight of caring for his wheelchair-bound spouse. Deborah Wong tells Steve Lai how Mr Pun’s story represents a growing concern across Asia.
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When 23-year-old Goi Zhen Feng met a girl online, he had no idea that looking for love would lead him into the clutches of a transnational crime syndicate and ultimately to his death. Steve Lai and CNA’s Malaysia Correspondent Melissa Goh go behind the heart-breaking story that shines a light on a growing regional problem.
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Some orphans in Cambodia are not orphans. They are children taken from poor families and exploited by orphanage directors who earn profits off the pity of unwitting foreigners. Teresa Tang sits down with CNA correspondent Leong Wai Kit to find out how the country is cracking down on orphanage tourism.
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In 2018, a team of young footballers and their coach ventured into a cave in Northern Thailand. Steve Lai and correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut were on air day after day as the dramatic events unfolded. On this episode of CNA Correspondent, they recount their experience, as the latest Hollywood version of this captivating story is released.
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China’s worst heatwave in six decades wreaked havoc on lives and livelihoods across large swathes of the country. Low Minmin tells Steve Lai about the wildfires in Chongqing she witnessed and her interviews with farmers devastated by the lack of rain.
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Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, begins his 12-year jail sentence after failing to overturn his first corruption conviction related to the 1MDB scandal. Melissa Goh and Afifah Ariffin talk to Steve Lai about the twists and turns in covering this story, plus what’s next for Najib and Malaysian politics.
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In Indonesia, a lot of food ends up in the trash. By some estimates, 40 per cent of total waste generated in some communities is actually food waste. Teresa Tang talks to correspondent Chandni Vatvani about landfill scavengers, leftovers, and lessons to be learned.
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In July, China’s financial hub Shanghai experienced a record heatwave. Three red alerts were issued over five days - a jolt for many, unaccustomed to such high heat. Teresa Tang talks to correspondent Low Min Min about the ways people kept cool in the face of potentially more heatwaves to come.
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What is it like to live and work under constant lockdowns and ever-changing rules? Low Min Min talks about the twists, turns and life-hacks she learnt while reporting on the seemingly endless story of China’s “zero-COVID” strategy which is being pushed to its limits by the Omicron strain.
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US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan has sparked angry reactions in China which has said it seriously damages peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Why did she make the trip? Why is China angry and how will it affect Taiwan? Steve Lai speaks to CNA's correspondents Olivia Siong, Victoria Jen and Nick Harper to get behind-the-scenes reactions.
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After China, Indonesia is the world’s top consumer of instant noodles. Thailand regularly makes it to the top 10 list too. Teresa Tang asks our correspondents in Jakarta and Bangkok how hard inflation has hit the convenient carb, and explores what governments are doing to keep the pantry favourite affordable.
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The fatal shooting of the well-known ex-Prime Minister shocked Japan – a nation where gun crime is rare. In this first episode of the CNA Correspondent podcast, Steve Lai speaks to CNA’s Japan correspondent, Michiyo Ishida, on her personal experience of covering the news as it broke and the days after.
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