The Asia Foundation’s Post

Let's Read Bangladesh just launched an exciting book-reading competition! Starting May 5, readers will take a wild ride through the world of books in our app, including 40 interactive quizzes. Join the fun as Let's Read continues its mission of igniting the love for reading among kids in #Bangladesh and across #Asia and the Pacific. Don't let your child miss out! Download the app below now👇 📚✨ Android: https://lnkd.in/gQuVBZXz iOS: https://letsread.asia/iOS #LetsRead #LetsReadAsia #ReadingFun #QuizCompetition

Families in #SriLanka seeking to make changes to a birth certificate for a child with Differences in Sex Development (DSD) often face challenges marked by deep-rooted stigmas and binary understandings of sex. Working with Dr. Sumudu Seneviratne, one of Sri Lanka's few pediatric endocrinologists, we've facilitated clear birth certificates for several children, marking a crucial step in protecting their identity and rights. While project funding has ended, we're still raising awareness in key communities so families who need clear birth certificates can protect the ones closest to them. Read more about our work to foster equality for children born with DSD: https://lnkd.in/gbu8jSgN

Our senior director for Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality, Jane S., just received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Adelaide for her contributions to women’s empowerment, gender equality, social inclusion, and other key development priorities. Congratulations, Jane, on this well-deserved honor!

The tannery industry's environmental impact underscores the need for sustainable practices and innovations to mitigate pollution, conserve resources, and protect both the #environment and human health. That’s why we’re partnering with the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology , University of Dhaka to promote and adopt innovative advancements from the international leather sector to revolutionize #Bangladesh’s tannery industry. Focusing on embracing circularity and cleaner manufacturing processes, we’re piloting different #tech solutions to drive positive change. See how we’re making the tannery industry more sustainable: https://lnkd.in/gTTh6-XZ

Balancing sustainability and profitability can be tough for small businesses. Join us on May 21 at 10-11:15 AM GMT+7 for Go Digital ASEAN's Explore Digital free virtual event on 'Championing Sustainability through Digital Innovation' to get insights from two entrepreneurs from ASEAN with hands-on experience: Jason Occidental, Founder, Ecogift Davao Juliana Adam, CEO, Biji-biji Initiative Register now and learn how to go digital and green and maintain profitability for your business: https://bit.ly/44zCzDJ

Are you an experienced researcher passionate about women’s participation in the armed forces and security sector in #ASEAN? We’re looking for a research consultant to identify barriers to women’s participation, assess existing support networks, and highlight successful practices that can be adapted and implemented regionally. Application deadline is May 29. Learn more about the position here: https://lnkd.in/gp4vyaZq #Women #Careers #Job #JobOpportunity #InternationalDevelopment

On April 25, our country representative in #Cambodia, Meloney Lindberg, signed a renewed MoU with the National Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (NIDIR). Through collaborative efforts under the MoU spanning 2020 to 2023, we have engaged with NIDIR on fostering diplomatic engagement and advancing the Royal Government of Cambodia's commitment to enhancing international relations with foreign nations. Under the new MoU (2024-2026), we're excited to jointly develop capacity-building programs, research initiatives, and public lecture series to elevate Cambodia's global presence further. Check out some photos and more info from the MoU signing below 👇

Dive into our recent dialogue with Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on #Bangladesh’s escalating external debt. As of December 2023, the country’s debt soared to over $100 billion, a staggering 51% increase in just three years. With concerns mounting over future debt servicing capabilities and the sustainability of borrowings, our speakers delved into suggestions for next steps. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5hd3ddh

The Indonesian village of #Malitu, known for its extensive palm tree forests and palm sugar production, has faced challenges in obtaining a granulated palm sugar license due to control by a large industrial timber plantation. Despite securing a social forestry permit and increasing palm sugar production, profitability remained elusive. Through our PSPGM program, funded by Google.org's Impact Challenge for #women and #girls, we're providing sales and marketing training to the village community to enhance profitability. Learn more about our social forestry work in #Indonesia: https://lnkd.in/g5BGjism

In an increasingly digital world, it is essential for #MSMEs to take steps towards enhancing their digital capabilities. On May 8, Go Digital ASEAN's speaker series Explore Digital is hosting a free virtual event titled “Empowering MSMEs in their Journey to Digitalization.” Join us to explore the top tools and platforms businesses use to digitalize and expand their operations: https://bit.ly/3wgZ1ok #GoDigitalASEAN #Googleorg The Future of Work