Thailand misses 1 in every 5 people with TB disease. Out of the estimated 104,000 persons with TB disease in Thailand in 2024, the country could diagnose and treat 81,700 of them. It missed reaching out to over 22,000 people with TB, the deadliest of all infectious diseases today. The annual TB decline (2023-2024) in Thailand, as per the latest WHO Global TB Report 2025, is 2%, which is good but not good enough to end TB by 2030.

A ray of hope to find more TB in Thai hospitals. Health systems miss TB due to at least 2 major reasons: 1) access barriers faced by those most in need. 2) bad diagnostic tools like microscopy that grossly underperform in finding TB (miss half or more of those with TB among those who take a TB test). Diagnostic (and hence treatment) delays and catastrophic costs go hand in hand.

That is why all the UN countries, including Thailand, agreed at the 2023 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on TB that they would completely replace microscopy with WHO-recommended molecular tests for upfront TB testing by 2027.

As per the latest WHO report, upfront molecular testing in Thailand shot up to 69% in 2024, whereas globally it was 54% (and even lower in the South-East Asian region at 41%). The world has 20 more months to completely replace poor-performing TB microscopy tests with upfront molecular testing (by 2027).

AI means “artificial intelligence” as well as “all-inclusive” approach. Evidence shows that not just diagnosing TB correctly is enough, but early and timely diagnosis is critical too. AI helps us find people with TB even when they have no symptoms.

Thailand is deploying many more proven strategies to improve infection prevention and control, find more TB early enough, and link those diagnosed with TB to right treatment, care and support. One such proven tool is artificial intelligence (AI) which is helping Thai healthcare professionals to not miss those with TB (and a few other diseases that are screened by AI).

In 2022, the Thailand FDA had approved Genki AI, which is an AI-powered lung health screening software (developed by DeepTek) to automate the interpretation of chest X-rays for 27 different pathologies, including TB. Genki is also approved by the US FDA and by regulators of several other countries and regions, such as the European Union, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Kenya, and Indonesia, among others.

Thailand’s FDA approved Genki AI for screening for a range of pathologies, including TB, general opacity, pneumonia, nodules, atelectasis, fibrosis, lung mass, opaque hemithorax, oedema, calcification, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, pneumothorax, and cardiomegaly, among others.

AI turning point of 2021. In July 2021, WHO had integrated AI-powered computer-aided detection software into its official guidelines for TB screening and diagnosis to help bridge the “missing millions” gap in TB detection. AI-powered software can be used to interpret digital chest X-rays for TB screening.

This was historically the first time ever when AI-powered computer-aided detection software was recommended for use in interpreting chest X-rays for TB. Several studies have shown that AI-enabled computer-aided detection software can achieve highly sensitive TB detection in population-based screening, and its accuracy is on par with human readers. Moreover, AI-enabled TB screening tools –  like Genki—are highly cost-effective in resource-limited, high-burden settings.

CNS Managing Editor Shobha Shukla visited one of Thailand’s hospitals, which is almost half a century old, in Chonburi province—Aikchol Hospital, where noted radiologist Dr. Grisit Prueksaritanond has been using Genki AI for over a year now. Chonburi province is among those Thai provinces, like Bangkok, notable for higher TB rates.

Dr. Grisit shared insights on how Genki AI is helping him not miss TB and other lung abnormalities. Aikchol Hospital has X-rays, including a mobile X-ray (of Shimadzu, Japan) powered with Genki AI.

Among over 1000 chest X-rays scanned in a year with Genki AI (as well as by Dr. Grisit), it helps Dr. Grisit reconfirm his X-ray interpretation and diagnosis and has helped him stop missing 3 cases with lesions—which otherwise (without Genki AI) would have been missed.

Multi-disease AI screening is a boon too. Dr. Grisit points out that when Genki AI helps detect an abnormality in the lung, “it is already very helpful.” This needs to be followed up with a medical expert’s further investigations (like confirmatory tests and expert medical assessment and advice), be it general opacity, TB, nodule, fibrosis, or lung mass, among others.

Dr. Grisit reflected that “as long as it (Genki AI) can detect something in the lung, I can evaluate further. Sometimes, I just might have missed it wholly if I were not using any program (AI).”

Dr. Grisit underscored the importance of Genki AI screening of chest X-rays in finding not just more TB but also those with fibrosis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and nodules. It is noteworthy that the WHO is also shifting towards a multi-disease elimination approach in recent years. “Genki AI is crucial. I think it is very helpful,” said Dr. Grisit.

Do not misdiagnose, but diagnose early and correctly. Dr. Grisit highlighted the importance of not missing any patient with a lung abnormality. In the last year, AI helped him diagnose at least 3 cases correctly (which otherwise would have been missed). “So, I think that is worth more. It is very sensitive – it is more sensitive than my eyes. So that’s better!” Dr. Grisit says that in settings where the availability of radiologists is scarce, AI can be a bigger boon.

Thailand is a higher middle-income country. But availability of human experts is often scarce in low- and middle-income countries. So it saves the time of experts where AI can be of help. And who gets benefited the most? The underserved people.

Generally speaking, AI became a substitute for a human expert reader in places where experts (like a radiologist or trained medical officer) were not available to detect abnormalities consistent with TB and avoid delays in the care pathway—especially in low- and middle-income countries. For example, the Indian government has deployed AI-enabled handheld X-rays for screening high-risk populations for TB.

While referring to AI computer-aided detection of TB, Dr. Grisit said that “I think it is quite useful for the country that has few radiologists. And it is also quite helpful even where you have a radiologist because AI can double-check that he/she/they are not missing any finding in the chest X-ray.”

Triaging those who do not have a disease. Especially in high-burden and low-resource settings, it is important to triage those who are likely to not have the disease. “AI is a great help in this context,” said Dr. Grisit. “Ruling out people who do not have any problem is important—and it is much quicker this way (so that those with some health problems can access care earlier). Otherwise, it would be a very tedious process for those people who do not have any disease or any lesions to get ruled out.” Dr. Grisit underpins the importance of medical experts (which is often a legal mandate too) while we expand the use of AI in health systems.

With 56 months to end TB, Thailand—and the world—has to keep the #endTB and #SDGs promises. To prevent people from getting infected with TB disease is a human rights imperative—and those with TB bacteria must access standard care in a person-centered, rights-based, and gender-transformative manner, where no one is left behind.

Photo by: Supplied 

]]> https://findyournews.media/2026/03/21/artifical-intenlligence-is-helping-healthcare-experts-find-more-tb-and-other-diseases-in-thai-hospitals/feed/ 0 21482 https://findyournews.media/2025/12/29/new-regional-initiative-places-mekong-communities-at-the-centre-of-water-and-climate-decisions/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:15:58 +0000 https://findyournews.media/?p=21363 Vientiane: December 11, 2025: Oxfam and its partners gathered today at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane to launch the Mekong Inclusion Project Phase 3 Water Governance and Climate Resilience (IP3). The five-year commitment aims to secure the livelihoods of riverine communities in the region from the rising tide of climate change.

The Mekong region is facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The IP3 project (2025–2029) aims to bridge the gap between high-level policy and the varying challenges faced by communities living along the river. The project, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Mekong Australia Partnership (MAP) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), will also integrate water governance with climate resilience to ensure that decisions made at the top trickle down to the people most affected on the ground to guarantee maximum impact.

The project has been implemented in various phases, with previous iterations of the programme focused on inclusive governance. However, given the current environment, IP3 recognises that water security can no longer be separated from climate resilience.

Socheata Sim, Oxfam’s Mekong IP3 Project Manager, said, “You can’t talk about the Mekong River without talking about the people who rely on it for their food, their income, and their culture. This new phase is about shifting power. It is about ensuring that women, Indigenous People, People with Disabilities, and marginalised groups and local communities aren’t just adapting to climate disasters and changes in river flow but are actively sitting at the table where decisions about their rivers are made.”

Following a six-month design phase to form the team and build the strategy, today’s workshop in Vientiane marks the program’s implementation. About 35 key stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society leaders, and development partners from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, came together to discuss the program’s overarching vision. This discussion was centred around three main outcomes that the project will focus on in the next five years:

• Empowering Leadership: Empowering women and marginalised groups to influence water and climate policy.
• Inclusive Policy: Working alongside regional governments to ensure planning processes in water resources governance and climate changes are in alignment with the diversity of those who use and depend on the river for their daily livelihoods.
• Community Action: Raising awareness among riverine communities about their own risks and how to implement adaptation plans to enhance their resiliency.

James Morschel, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Vientiane and Representative from DFAT, said, “Australia is proud to support the IP3 through the Mekong Australia Partnership Program. We believe that durable solutions for the Mekong must be inclusive. By strengthening water governance, we’re investing in the long-term stability and well-being of the region.”

“Switzerland strongly believes that equitable water governance is only possible when the people most affected by water decisions are empowered to participate meaningfully in shaping them. Through IWGP2, we aim to strengthen exactly this: citizen participation, gender equality, and evidence-based dialogue that bridges communities, civil society, governments, and the private sector,” said Mr. Jean Gabriel, Regional Director of SDC.

A government representative from Laos welcomed the launch while acknowledging that transboundary challenges require strong regional cooperation as well as a shared understanding of water security.

Photo by: Supplied

The initiative was inaugurated at a side event of the 16^th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM), where government leaders from ASEAN member states gathered and opening remarks were given by H.E Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health of the Lao PDR. The leaders came together to improve understanding of TB and pandemic preparedness across ASEAN, enhance stakeholder cooperation, and strengthen nations’ capacity to address airborne respiratory infections.

AIDP is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Stop TB Partnership and Stop TB Partnership Indonesia (STPI), a non-governmental organization that works towards the elimination of TB. The platform is endorsed by the ASEAN member states.

More than 2.4 million people across ASEAN are estimated to be affected by TB, based on the Global TB Report 2023. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated national TB prevention and treatment programs as personnel and resources were redirected from TB to COVID-19, leading to an estimated increase of almost half a million additional deaths of TB from 2020 to 2022.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health of the Lao PDR said, “The Covid-19 pandemic impacted nearly every aspect of human life. We must learn from our experiences and be better prepared for any similar situations in the future. Our regional health system is evolving and we need to create a stronger and more resilient system. The TB program has several management principles that can be easily adapted for any airborne disease, such as rapid screening tools, contact tracing, digital and community systems, and early warning systems. We need to invest in platform technologies and create infrastructure that can be deployed for future airborne pandemics.”

Preceded by conducting a landscape assessment, the AIDP will focus on strengthening each ASEAN country’s pandemic and TB responses, including at the community and primary care levels. This will be done through enhanced cooperation between ASEAN members, as well as global NGOs and international governmental organizations to enhance existing healthcare infrastructure to improve detection, treatment, and prevention. It will also include leveraging platform technologies that have developed since the COVID-19 pandemic including portable digital X-rays that enable testing to be done locally, rapid molecular testing technologies, and digital real-time surveillance tools. These various TB preparedness measures will be beneficial in facing a future pandemic, which is highly likely to be an airborne infectious disease.

Prof Tjandra Yoga Aditama MD, Stop TB Partnership Indonesia Senior Advisor and Airborne Infection Defense Platform (AIDP) Project Lead said, “The high death toll of the Covid-19 pandemic showed that the world was not prepared to combat the pandemic. In addition to the loss of human life, Covid-19 also severely impacted TB prevention access and treatment programs. The condition of tuberculosis (TB) in ASEAN is quite concerning, with many countries in the region still facing significant challenges in controlling and managing TB. This demonstrates the importance of working together with ASEAN to strengthen the TB response system to not only create surge capacity for TB cases but also enhance pandemic preparedness.”

Dr Suvanand Sahu, Deputy Executive Director, of Stop TB Partnership, said, “The first phase in the Airborne Infection Defense Platform project will improve understanding by carrying out a landscape assessment across 10 ASEAN countries. This will outline the current capacities of each country to respond to TB and future airborne pandemics and recommend actions to achieve better pandemic preparedness. Following this, our second phase will support community-based and primary healthcare activities and initiatives to strengthen the preparedness capacity of TB responses across ASEAN to better address airborne respiratory infections or pandemics. We would like to thank USAID for their continued commitment to tackling TB around the world, particularly in the ASEAN region, whose efforts have culminated in AIDP. We would also like to thank the Govt. of Lao PDR for their leadership in convening the first meeting on AIDP.”

TB has a high mortality rate of almost 15%, compared to Covid-19, which stands at 3.5%. Research by Hogan et al. (2020) showed that TB prevention and treatment was significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, where TB case detection decreased, household transmission of TB increased, BCG vaccination rates dropped, and access to TB drugs and testing declined.

Photo by: Supplied

At the event, SIF Chairman Ambassador Ong Keng Yong expressed his appreciation for the warm friendship and cooperation with Indonesian partners for the past 30 years. He noted that, since 1992, the SIF had collaborated on more than 100 projects and initiatives in Banda Aceh, Bandung, Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta in the fields of healthcare, education, social entrepreneurship, and the arts and culture.

He said the SIF was honoured with the Adinata Award1 by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore in August 2022. The award celebrated the foundation’s longstanding partnership with Indonesia to uplift lives and strengthen ties between Singaporeans and Indonesians.

In his address to the Indonesian community at the event, he said: “This award is a great
encouragement to all at the SIF – our volunteers and staff – who work with you to shape new realities for a better world.”

Photo by: Supplied 

Singapore: On 7 November 2022 Forty-five youth leaders from ASEAN gathered in Singapore for the fourth edition of the ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) programme co-organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore.

The programme held from 29 October to 4 November comprised a second leg in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia from 2 to 4 November to boost exchanges and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. AYF 2022, inspired by the theme of Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, “ASEAN ACT – Addressing Challenges Together”, focused on joint ASEAN action to overcome regional problems and uncertainties.

The Fellows participated in a series of seminars, dialogues, and fireside chats that explored trends and innovations in the areas of social resilience, technology for good, mental health and wellbeing, and the role ASEAN youths can play in addressing challenges together to bring positive, long-term impact to their collective future.

The Fellows had the opportunity to interact with prominent thought leaders from diverse sectors, including senior public office holders namely Singapore Minister for Health Mr. Ong Ye Kung and Indonesia Minister for Education, Culture, Research, And Technology Mr. Nadiem Anwar Makarim.

At the Ministerial Dialogue, Mr. Nadiem underscored the importance of leadership development among the youth so that they will be future-ready.

He said: “One challenge youth leaders will face in the future is how they can bring different sectors to work together. Now is the time for the public, private, and people sectors to collaborate to achieve sustainable community development. Youth need to take the lead for these joint projects to happen and create positive social impact.”

In both countries, the Fellows gained first-hand experience from learning journeys, designed to empower them with insights into social innovation, food security and food crisis management, and environmental sustainability.

In Singapore, Fellows visited the Enabling Village, an integrated community space to support persons with disabilities; the Geylang neighborhood, led by Citizen Adventures, a social enterprise that seeks to re-examine and introduce neighborhoods as interconnected social ecosystems; and Innovate 360, Singapore’s first food accelerator that supports more than 80 food start-ups to grow and expand into Asia.

In Greater Jakarta from 2 to 4 November, Fellows visited a recycling facility and a landfill, managed by Waste4Change, an Indonesian service provider that provides responsible waste management solutions. They also visited the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and met its Political and Security Director, Dr. Tang Siew-Mun at a panel session. Discussions included pressing issues ASEAN faces and how youths can work together to improve regional cooperation.

Ms. Jean Tan, SIF Executive Director, said: “AYF 2022 seeks to initiate conversations and explore solutions around some pressing issues we face today, from mental health and social resilience to food security, waste management, and diversity and inclusion. As outstanding leaders in their respective fields of work across the public, private, and people sectors, the Fellows are well-placed and resourced to investigate these challenges and work together to make a difference.”

She added: “The SIF, with its focus on international cooperation for development, stands ready to work with any AYF alumni to build a more sustainable ASEAN through community projects in education, healthcare, social entrepreneurship, and the arts.”

Mr. David Chua, NYC Chief Executive Officer, said: “As the world continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, many challenges still lie ahead of us. It is thus more important than ever for ASEAN to stand in unity and care for our future, while no one gets left behind, and for youth to step forward and demonstrate that they are the next generation of leaders.”

Mr. Bora Kem, a Fellow from Cambodia and Senior Partner and Director at Mekong Strategic Partners, said: “The AYF is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I enjoyed meeting with senior policymakers and industry experts in Singapore and Indonesia, who are making waves and creating positive social impact in their fields. It inspires me to reflect on what I can do to contribute to a better and more inclusive Cambodia and ASEAN in the years to come.”

Mr. Chansambath Bong, a Fellow from Cambodia said: “With Cambodia heading the ASEAN chairmanship this year, I am honoured to be representing my country for the 2022 ASEAN Youth Fellowship. The biggest highlight is getting to know many like-minded friends across the region. I have learned a lot from them and look forward to cross-border collaborations.”

The Deputy Director at the Centre for Inclusive Digital Economy, Asian Vision Institute added: “Despite our different backgrounds, we have a shared responsibility to build a socially resilient and future-ready ASEAN.”

Ms. Tann Channarath, a Fellow from Cambodia, said: “In just a week, I have gained valuable insights into the pressing issues the region faces today from food security to social inclusion. It was also inspiring to meet changemakers and organisations who are working hard to address various social issues.

The Lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy (IISPP) at the Royal University of
Phnom Penh added: “The activities and learning journeys throughout the programme also allowed us to build friendship and pushed us to think out of the box on what we can do together to weather new challenges as one united region in this fast-changing world.”

Photo by: Supplied 

It was an absolute privilege for Tourism Malaysia to bring together, His Excellency Ambassadors from Cambodia, Indonesia, Her Excellency from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Excellency from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as High Commissioners from Singapore and Brunei, for the very first time.

The high tea was held to foster a closer bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the ASEAN countries as well as to reconnect after two long years of bracing the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet also served as an introduction and a teaser to a 3-day-2-night (3D2N) retreat for all Ambassadors and High Commissioners to explore the state of Pahang, scheduled in August 2022.

During the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) that was held in Cambodia in January, the Joint Media Statement of the 25th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers stated the way forward for the Region to recover through the implementation of the Post-Covid-19 Recovery Plan for ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTO), which was endorsed in September 2021.

Dato’ Sri Nancy said, “Moving forward, I believe we can work together to strengthen collaborations in marketing and promoting the region’s tourism offerings. This is also in line with the new ASEAN branding a destination for every dream, where we can continue to market Southeast Asia as a single destination.”

ASEAN countries have been the major contributors to Malaysia’s international tourist arrivals. In 2019, the total arrivals to Malaysia from the ASEAN region was 17,880,151, a 68.5% share of the overall arrivals of 26,100,784 tourists. Despite the closed borders in 2020 and 2021, essential travelers traveling into Malaysia still contributed 68% of the total tourist arrivals, i.e 2,949,363 in 2020 and 91,665 in 2021.

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

Photo by: Supplied 

EVA had planned to launch the Milan service in February 2020 but the pandemic and associated lockdowns made that impossible. Now, it is moving ahead with service to Italy’s second-most populous city and financial capital. Milan and Munich mark EVA’s first route expansion in the European market in 25 years. EVA currently flies nonstop to Taipei from Paris and Vienna and operates direct flights from London and Amsterdam with one stop in Bangkok. The added service will give business and leisure travelers more itinerary opportunities when they choose to arrive in one city and return from another.

Passengers from Milan and Munich will be able to arrive at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in the early morning and easily connect onward aboard one of EVA’s frequent flights to northeast and southeast Asia, just as those from Paris and Vienna are now. The expanded flight network will position EVA to attract more travelers from Europe who can comfortably and efficiently fly to and from the airline’s main hub in Taiwan to popular destinations throughout Asia. The added routes will also benefit EVA’s long-term development and stability.

Milan Fashion Week is one of the most influential fashion events in the world, establishing the city as the world’s fashion capital. Milan is the largest city in northern Italy and a major center for business and trade. It has a deep artistic and cultural heritage and is an important transportation center for southern Europe. Leonardo da Vinci’s last supper frescoes and the magnificent Milan Cathedral are among its famous art and architectural landmarks. Milan is also the host city for sporting events such as the Monza F1 Circuit, known as the Temple of Speed in auto racing and the “Tour of Italy” (Giro d’Italia) cycling event where cyclists who are among the world’s best compete. Its cafes and restaurants serve some of the country’s best Italian food for casual meals or fine dining.

Munich is not only Germany’s leading commercial city but its Oktoberfest is also the world’s largest festival, earning the city the reputation as the best beer capital in the world. Its famous attractions include Frauenkirche, Nymphenburg Palace, Neuschwanstein Castle, King’s Lake and the BMW Museum.

Every two years, Munich hosts The Electronica, the world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics. The event attracts business travelers and buyers from more than 50 countries who explore the latest products, talk to the innovators who created them, order products and participate in informative workshops and discussions.

The historic Milan Cathedral is a must-visit spot for travelers: EVA Air will launch nonstop flight between Taipei and Milan on October 25, offering two flights per week. Milan, known as world’s fashion capital, is famous for its sightseeing and architectural landscapes. The historic Milan Cathedral is a must-visit spot for travelers.

Nymphenburg Palace: Nymphenburg Palace is a well-known tourist attraction located in downtown Munich. It was built in 1675 as the summer residence of Bavarian rulers. In addition to main building, the surrounding waterways and the pond in front of Nymphenburg Palace are great places to relax with spectacular scenery.

Photo by: Munich Airport

However, inbound travellers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 still need to undergo an RT-PCR test two days before departure as well as a professionally administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia and observe a five-day quarantine (Quarantine exemption is only for those aged 17 and below).

The wearing of masks outdoors is optional but still mandatory indoors, including in shopping malls, offices, public transportation and e-hailing rides. Nevertheless, face coverings are still encouraged in crowded places, and people are at higher risk from COVID 19. No more physical distancing is required, and people are now free to shake hands, but they are advised to practice good hand hygiene.

Meanwhile, check-ins via the contact tracing app MySejahtera will no longer be required, but the MySJ Trace function should be activated for contact tracing. Regardless of the vaccination status, people will be allowed to enter the premises except for those who test positive for COVID-19 and have been issued a home surveillance order.

The seven-day mandatory quarantine for positive cases remains, and the MySejahtera app is used for the COVID-19 test results submission and health assessment. However, those who test positive for COVID-19 may be released earlier from quarantine if their professionally-administered RTK-Ag test on Day 4 is negative

For more information on the latest standard operating procedures (SOP) for travelling to Malaysia, please visit our website at https://www.malaysia.travel/travel-alert or Mysafe Travel portal at https://mysafetravel.gov.my/.

About Tourism Malaysia Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

Source: Tourism Malaysia 

Global economic reports indicate that the Corona pandemic has tightened its grip on many countries with prominent economies, but it has made the Chinese economy brighter; meanwhile, a recent European Union report criticized Beijing for “the little progress” regarding the economic promises made by the Chinese leadership, especially about opening digital and agricultural markets, addressing excessive steel energy and curbing industrial subsidies, calling for “additional and strong” measures to be taken to deal with the new challenges China poses, whose economy is recovering from the Coronavirus pandemic at a rapid pace.

Otgonchuluun a Researcher and Economist said, “The EU and China have agreed upon the principles of a landmark investment agreement even after America’s new president, hasn’t changed the attitude towards the EU from America. The attitude has increased to be more severe that differs from EU expectations after Americans have gained the new president. What pressure does America show on the EU? America criticizes how the EU creates a relationship with China including only Political and economical point view while secluding the nationwide crackdown against Muslim Uyghurs in the region of Xinjiang.”

Bayasgalan a Political researcher said, “Most of the European countries including France and Germany started making excuses for the recently acquired power of China. The shift in international relations and environment has ceased to have many parts instead they started collaborating against a new shift in power. Southeast Asian countries like Japan, India, Australia, and the USA united in QUAD and started making agreements among themselves on how to communicate with China in a new environment. This new movement starts creating a cold front on the relationship between China and the EU. As a result, Mongolian democracy is being threatened as China makes moves toward making lives of Ethnic minority like Muslim Uyghurs unbearable, people in EU sees Chinese intention towards other bordering countries as a future threat.”

Source: A24 News Agency