Sachets, food waste, and crumpled paper fester and mix inside a residential trash bag in Vietnam. A middle-aged woman rummages through the trash. She wears a long-sleeved, patterned garment and a cone-shaped hat traditionally referred to as a nón lá. Before, waste workers didn’t take sachets because it had no trade value. It’s only until […]
How to Formalize a Hidden Workforce of Waste Workers Read More »
At the break of dawn, millions of boats dot the coastlines of Asia, their occupants ready to set out for the day’s catch. These are not big commercial vessels nor industrial fishing fleets, but the backbone of a hidden subsector that feeds nations and supports countless livelihoods. Small-scale fisheries contribute 40% or 37 million tons
The Untapped Potential of Small-Scale Fisheries in Asia Read More »
A fisherman from oil-slicked Batangas flew to Europe and Japan to protest before companies financing fossil fuel projects along the Verde Island Passage (VIP). Sixteen gas facilities are expected to rise, despite one of the largest oil spills occurring in the area just last year. “I am most afraid that my children and grandchildren would
Filipino fisher flies internationally to protest fossil fuel financing Read More »
On the coast of Batangas, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and gas-fired power plants are projected to nearly triple. A mix of pipelines, jetties, and tankers would soon accumulate in the Verde Island Passage—a center of marine biodiversity. As the Philippines pushes forward with its vision to become an LNG Trading and Transshipment Hub for
Natural gas build-up endangers coastal residents in the Philippines Read More »
The quest for impact-driven work is a rising priority across Southeast Asia. A new report reveals that 98% of 2,023 Southeast Asian workers feel it’s important to find a sense of purpose through their careers. And, a company’s social responsibility reputation is a critical consideration for 77% of jobseekers. This surging desire to align professional
A Southeast Asian’s Guide to Breaking Into the Impact Sector Read More »
Between launching initiatives, building movements, and lobbying for progress, what do changemakers read in their free time? Changemakers in the ASEAN region share the titles and tomes that keep them educated, inspired, and mentally recharged. From memoirs offering personal inspiration, to analytical texts unpacking complex challenges, the changemaker’s reading list highlight the value of constantly
What ASEAN Changemakers Read In Their Free Time Read More »
“Hi guys!” This is the signature opener of Kong Man Jing, a teacher-turned-content creator making science accessible. Her bespectacled face takes up the entire screen in 9:16 aspect ratio before the reel cuts to reveal she is once again wearing a yellow polka-dot dress. The fast-talking host raps out science facts in laymanized language
How a Singaporean science channel creates reels that get up to 3M views Read More »
At first glance, Kong Man Jing doesn’t seem like your typical science communicator. With her yellow polka dot dress, black-rimmed glasses, and quirky persona, the former science teacher comes across as a passionate kid eager to share her latest discovery about the natural world. Biogirl MJ, as she prefers to be called, is on a
Teacher-turned-influencer Kong Man Jing on making science accessible Read More »
A new study warns that tree planting efforts could actually make global warming worse if undertaken in the wrong places. Published just 36 days ago, the study reveals how adding trees can paradoxically lead to heating instead of cooling. Coincidentally, a record-breaking heat wave hits South and Southeast Asia. Temperatures as high as 44°C force
Is your tree planting program heating up the planet? Read More »
I worked for a fake sustainable fashion brand. I didn’t know until it was too late. In college, I started freelancing for purpose-driven organizations and soon got an offer I couldn’t resist: the chance to work with a Canadian clothing brand that promoted environmentalism. The founder lives an eco-friendly lifestyle and started the brand with
I fell for greenwashing. Here’s advice from experts so you won’t Read More »
