Category: ASEAN & Regional Affairs
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Vietnam Performs First Reported Pediatric Awake Brain Surgery
Published: May 21, 2026Source: Adapted from reporting by Le Courrier du Vietnam / Vietnam News Agency (VNA) In a landmark development for Vietnam’s healthcare sector, the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City has successfully performed what is believed to be the country’s first reported awake brain surgery on a pediatric patient. The procedure,…
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Accessing Rehabilitation Robotics in China: A New Path for Stroke and Spinal Injury Patients
Advancements in exoskeleton technology, cross-border medical collaboration, and enhanced rail connectivity are revolutionizing recovery for patients with mobility disabilities in Asia, particularly in Vietnam and China. China has emerged as a global leader in rehabilitation robotics, utilizing AI and exoskeleton systems to aid rehabilitation for stroke and spinal injury patients. Improved access to these technologies…
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Medical Tourism Vietnam in Strategic Negotiations with Malaysia’s Picaso Group
Vietnam’s medical tourism initiative is negotiating with Malaysia’s Picaso Group to enhance access to specialized oncology and cardiovascular care for international patients. Malaysia’s private healthcare sector is becoming a regional center for these treatments through advanced facilities like Hospital Picaso and CVSKL. The collaboration seeks to align Vietnam’s patient support model with Picaso’s clinical expertise,…
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Malacca Strait Blockade? Why China No Longer Needs It
Western media continues to frame the Strait of Malacca as China’s strategic vulnerability. But that narrative is rapidly becoming obsolete. From renewable energy expansion to Russia–China pipelines and transcontinental rail networks, Beijing has quietly built a system that bypasses maritime choke points entirely. A naval blockade may still dominate headlines, but the real story lies…
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The War on Gaza and the Collapse of Strategic Honesty
The “war on Gaza” has become the foundation of a widening Middle East conflict, but serious questions remain about the narrative that justified it. With over 72,000 killed—mostly women and children—and escalation spreading to Lebanon and Iran, the consequences are no longer regional. As Australia expresses concern while supporting the broader strategy, a deeper contradiction…
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A New Approach to Prostate Treatment: How Steam Therapy Is Changing Care for Ageing Men in Asia
Steam therapy (Rezūm) is a minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH), offering an alternative to surgery and long-term medication. This article explains how the procedure works, its clinical benefits, and where it is available across Asia, including Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan. As demand grows for faster recovery and lower-risk treatments, steam…
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From My Lai to Modernity: Vietnam’s Journey Through War, Isolation and Strategic Partnership
From the tragedy of My Lai to its emergence as a rising Asian economy, Vietnam’s journey reflects resilience shaped by war, isolation, and strategic partnerships. This analysis explores the long shadow of Agent Orange, the role of Russia and China in Vietnam’s development, and the evolving—but often cautious—engagement of Western nations. As Vietnam continues its…
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How China Forced the Price of a Life-Saving Drug Down: A Global Comparison of Spinraza Access in 2026
Spinraza (nusinersen) is a revolutionary treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), significantly improving patient survival rates globally. However, treatment costs vary greatly: patients in China benefit from subsidized access after successful price negotiations, while Australians also see affordable treatment through public funding. In stark contrast, U.S. patients face exorbitant prices influenced by insurance structures, making…
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Queensland’s New Phrase Ban Forces Government to Declare War on Watermelons
The Queensland government has announced plans to ban the sale, display, and cultivation of watermelons, linking their colors to recently outlawed political phrases. This legislative move has sparked significant concern in the agricultural and hospitality sectors, with farmers and supermarkets scrambling to adjust. Cafes have begun rebranding menu items to avoid mentions of watermelon, while…
Hanoi Trading Post 