NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City is lifting its curfew spurred by protests against police brutality ahead of schedule, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday morning. The 8 p.m. citywide curfew, New York's first in decades, had been set to remain in effect through at least Sunday, with the city planning to lift it at the same time it enters the first phase of reopening after more than two months of shutdowns because of the coronavirus. "Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our c

The Asia News Network, an alliance of 24 leading media in 20 Asian countries, welcomes the release of Reuters Journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo by the Myanmar government on Tuesday.We applaud the government's decision to release both men and urge upon the government the need to protect and ensure press freedom.?Reuters journalists Kyaw Soe Oo (right) and Wa Lone sit in a vehicle after being released from Insein Prison in a presidential pardon on May 7 (AFP)Both Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have bee

The Asia News Network notes with concern and alarm the arrest of Maria Ressa, executive editor and CEO of leading Philippine news site Rappler, for pursuing the truth in a case with significant ramifications for society.Her arrest, on grounds that raise concern, violates the freedom that media organisations need to have, to play their part as a key pillar of functioning democracies. This is particularly important in Asia where systems of democratic representation, accountability and legal recour

The Laotian youth team was strongly represented through its cultural performance of Laotian traditional dance at the Asean Youth Workshop on Media Literacy in Bangkok last week.　The dance, complete with national costume, was part of a cultural exchange taking place as part of a larger workshop on media literacy and the correct use of social media in today’s modern age.　Through the passing of Laotian culture and traditions from generation to generation, Laotian people have always spread their cul

A chance encounter with VR turned into a passion and business for this start-up founder.　Ask Lionel Chok what he thinks of virtual reality and his enthusiasm is infectious: “Virtual reality is kick-ass!”　To some people, virtual reality, or VR, is simply a term associated with clunky headsets and video games.　 Mr. Lionel Chok‘s start-up Immersively focuses on education, services and applications in augmented and virtual reality technologies. The Straits Times　To Chok, however, VR presents a world

Firms such as Panasonic and NEC are focusing on grooming local workers in deep skills.　Brand-name Japanese companies which have operations in Singapore are rolling out programmes to groom Singaporean employees, in a nod to the Republic‘s reputation as a talent hub.　The likes of Panasonic, NEC and enterprise resource planning firm Works Applications from Japan are focusing on grooming Singapore talent in deep skills, be it through student internships or management trainee programmes.　 Workers at

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (The Star) -- Photos of shark hunting and finning in Sabah, known as a dive paradise for its idyllic islands, that surfaced on socail media have led to renewed calls for an industry ban.　Yet another picture has emerged of shark hunting and finning in Sabah, known as a dive paradise for its idyllic islands.　 A fisherman lays out shark fins and tails at the Semporna jetty in Sabah. The StarThe Danau Girang Field Centre has put up a picture of rows of shark fins being laid o

VIENTIANE, Laos (Vientiane Times) -- An office worker taps into her passion for handmade mementos to create appealing souvenirs that also provide employment opportunities to those who may otherwise be marginalized through disability.　Kheuavanh Phanthaboun’s business not only provides extra financial security for herself and her household, but also assists people with disabilities and other artisans to access the market and fashion more sustainable livelihoods from their craft.　 Kheuavanh Phantha

BANGKOK (ANN) -- The Star's editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh of Malaysia has been appointed the Asia News Network chairperson for the period 2017-2018.?Datuk Leanne Goh, editor-in-chief of The StarThe appointment was made by the Executive Board of ANN, an alliance of 22 media from 21 countries over the weekend. She succeeds Zaffar Abbas, Editor of Dawn from Pakistan. Goh serves as a ANN Executive Board member and recently, received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her leadership in

Bangkok (ANN News Desk) -- Tensions between the United States and North Korea continues to threaten the uneasy peace that the region is accustomed to with several regional players raising alarms and taking precaution. Despite continued talks with China, Japan and South Korea, indications from Washington are that the United States are prepared to take unilateral action if North Korea continues its provocation.A carrier task force is now in the area after being diverted from Southeast Asia and Pre

Editors of the Asia News Network have expressed shock and dismay at the detention of Dr Than Htut Aung, CEO of the Eleven Media Group, and of Wai Phyo, the group’s Chief Editor by authorities in Myanmar, reportedly for publication of an article on affairs in the country one year after a momentous national election. The article was published in Myanmar as well as translated into English, and published by several member newspapers of Asia News Network, an alliance of 20 media in 18 Asian countries

The president of the fledgling Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun has used a famous quote from British author Jane Austen to hit back at skepticism about China's motivation for creating a multilateral financial institution."Skepticism must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure," Jin said replacing "selfishness" in the original quote, with "skepticism".The AIIB chief shrugged off suspicion and misconception about the AIIB, saying the bank intended to u