US President Donald Trump visits Southeast Asia for the 47th ASEAN Summit, signing key trade and critical minerals deals amidst protests. We discuss the implications for with Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist at OCBC.

Other stories we covered:

• Timor Leste joins ASEAN: After 14 years of waiting, Timor Leste becomes ASEAN’s 11th member. We explore what this historic milestone means for trade, investment, and regional cooperation with Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor at Universiti Malaya.

• Indira Gandhi's longstanding battle for custody: A decade-long legal struggle continues as Indira Gandhi’s ex-husband remains at large despite arrest warrants, while her lawsuit against the police and government moves forward. We break down the case and its implications with her lawyer, Rajesh Nagarajan.

• Malaysian barista makes history: Jason Loo scored fourth place at the World Barista Championship 2025 in Milan, the highest ever for the country. We speak to Jason himself about the competition, his journey, and what this win means for aspiring baristas in Malaysia.

• Rally for teachers in Penang: Hundreds gather in Penang to support teachers facing charges over caning a student, calling for dignity and respect in the profession. We unpack the case, the public outcry, and what this means for Malaysia’s education landscape.

Image Credit: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan, Tee Shiao Eek

Presented by: Sharaad Kuttan, Sudais Ferhard

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Categories:  education,  controversies,  food,  international,  culture,  Law/Activism,  politics,  economy

Tags:  world barista championship,  custody battle,  penang,  teachers,  malaysian barista,  indira gandhi,  timor leste,  asean,  president donald trump,  Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,  tariffs,