July 2009

Rags to riches dream for Korean migrantAudioTranscript

Updated 31/07/2009 19:49:00

Korean-born Paul Shin drew crowds in Sydney recently with the story of his life's journey from orphan and beggar to American State Senator.

Controversial short-stay business visa granted to Uighur leader RebiyaAudioTranscript

Updated 31/07/2009 19:50:24

The Australian government has reportedly granted a short-stay business visa to exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer, despite protests from the Chinese embassy.

Malaysia's volunteer corps not to be held responsible for actions whenAudioTranscript

Updated 31/07/2009 19:50:37

Malaysia is set to use its controversial people's volunteer corp to help enforce a crackdown on crime.

Australia's "education destination" standing threatenedAudio

Updated 31/07/2009 19:49:50

Education is Australia's third largest export, worth around $AUD15 billion each year, but for overseas students it is also a way of gaining residency in Australia.

Australia's key role in global climate talksAudio

Updated 31/07/2009 19:50:04


The head of the United Nations Climate agency says Australia will play a key role in bringing the United States and Asia together for global climate negotiations.

SKorea's KAIST calls for creativity over conformity .AudioTranscript

Updated 30/07/2009 17:38:40

South Korea's top technology university is leading a push for creativity over conformity . President of the state financed Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Suh Nam Pyo says the univesity's main goal is to produce global leaders who will help solve problems of the 21st century. In a radical shift from tradition, KAIST has eliminated written entrance exams, poor educators are denied tenure, even students who underperform lose their right to free tuition. Dr Suh believes for the system to change, universities have to change.

Maternal mortality claims the life of one woman every minuteAudioTranscript

Updated 30/07/2009 18:09:11

Maternal mortality claims the life of one woman every minute. A top family planning advocate has warned despite decades of work, reproductive health is still not seen as a priority in many developing countries. Doctor Gill Greer is Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, which works through member associations with some of the world's most marginalised people. Doctor Greer says none of the Millenium Development Goals can be met unless things change .

Chinese diaspora called to unite around Communist PartyAudioTranscript

Updated 30/07/2009 19:33:52

China has called on the Chinese diaspora to unite around the Communist Party, and to spread what it calls "the truth" about separatism in western Xinjiang province. The call was made by a member of China's powerful Politburo, Wang Zhaoguo.
Presenter: Sen Lam
Speakers: Professor Wanning Sun, China Research Centre at the University of Technology

Confucious Institute for AustraliaAudio

Updated 30/07/2009 19:33:52

At a time when diplomatic relations between Australia and China have been strained by the arrest of australian mining executive Sten Hu, closer ties are being forged on a tertiary level. A new Confucius Institute has been launched at the University of New South Wales .... the latest in a network of 300 Confucius Institutes worldwide that focus on bi-lateral cultural understanding and professional cooperation.

Taliban agrees to ceasefire in remote Afghan provinceAudio

Updated 30/07/2009 19:34:10

The promise of new roads, schools and health facilities has been the incentive for the Taliban to agree to a ceasefire in north west of Afghanistan, enabling people in a remote province to take part in next month's presidential elections. The government hopes the truce in Badghis province will help lead to similar deals elsewhere in the country. Afghanistan's Presidential spokesperson Hamed Elmi says the deal was largely brokered by the locals.

PNG faces constitutional crisisAudio

Updated 30/07/2009 19:34:16

There've been amazing scenes in Papua New Guinea's parliament this week,in the wake of the Opposition's attempts to topple the government with a vote of no confidence. In response Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has suspended parliament until November. The opposition says the move will prevent parliament from sitting for the required number of days. It's considering a Supreme Court challenge, which some experts fear could create a constitutional crisis.

Asia's anti-corruption agencies a mixed bagAudioTranscript

Updated 29/07/2009 20:44:15

Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, with an opposition political aide plunging to his death, after being questioned by commissioners late into the night - and now a lead investigator has been reassigned because of death threats against him. There are many anti-corruption commissions, or similar bodies, across Asia, but if these sorts of things are happening, do they really work?

China stocks drop shows global recovery far from assuredAudio

Updated 29/07/2009 20:44:15

The success of the world's largest share offering so far this year has failed to stop China's stock markets losing ground. Shares in China State Construction Engineering Corporation jumped by 70 per cent during its first day of trading as a public company in Shanghai. The earlier initial public offering raised 50 billion yuan (more than US$7 billion) in a sign of investor confidence in China's economic recovery. But the Shanghai stock market overall lost five per cent on the day, and Hong Kong dropped by three per cent.

Indian PM defends improving ties with PakistanAudio

Updated 29/07/2009 20:44:15

It's ten years since India and Pakistan met in combat in Indian administered Kashmir for the Kargil War and it's five years since a peace process was started between the two countries - and yet the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh is having to defend in parliament his efforts to improve ties with Islamabad. The peace process stalled over last year's terrorist attacks in Mumbai because - essentially - India blames those attacks on Pakistan. But the talks could soon be back on track, given that the two countries have agreed to de-link the issue of terrorism from the broader peace process. So, why has Manmohan Singh been criticised for agreeing to view terrorism separately, and can he convince the doubters?

Japanese animation popular worldwide but declining at homeAudioTranscript

Updated 29/07/2009 20:44:11

Japan's distinctive style of animation continues to enjoy a worldwide boom and is celebrated for its minimalist visual style and complex storylines - but its industry is in crisis. And when Japan's prime minister Taro Aso recently announced that a multi-million dollar anime museum would be built in Tokyo, the news was greeted with anger by anime workers, who are unable to make a decent living and who see their industry as being in decline.

More internet users means more problems for Chinese authoritiesAudio

Updated 29/07/2009 20:44:12

The number of internet users in China is now greater that the entire population of the United States - but while analysts say the growing internet access is improving quality of life for many Chinese, it's also created a 'turf war' amongst the country's authorities.

Top parliamentary clerk says centralised power eroding Aust. senateAudio

Updated 28/07/2009 00:17:17

One of Australia's most trusted and fiercely independent parliamentary officials says the country has one of the weakest parliaments in the democratic world. It's been a running concern for Harry Evans, who's been the clerk of the Australian senate for 40 years. He says power is more and more centralised and the role of the parliament's upper house, the senate, in scrutinising government business, has been eroded. Harry Evans shared his views with a large audience in the Australian parliament.

Australian foreign aid to Pacific 'wasted' on consultants' feesAudio

Updated 28/07/2009 00:17:17

The spotlight is again on foreign aid from Australia after comments by East Timor's president Jose Ramos Horta that foreign aid was being spent on East Timor but not in East Timor. It was only in April that the Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd made similar claims about aid to Papua New Guinea, saying too much Australian aid was being spent on consultants' fees.

Retired Fiji president 'will not be missed'Audio

Updated 28/07/2009 00:17:17

A prominent Fijian political figure and trade unionist says Fiji's now retired president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, will not be missed. But according to Pramod Rae, even at an age of 88, Ratu Josefa Iloilo's stepping down has come as a surprise - even to Fiji's vice president, who will now act in the position until cabinet decides on a replacement. That decision may, however, be taken away from cabinet if Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, decides to put himself in the top job.

Indonesia unites online to spread peace messageAudio

Updated 28/07/2009 00:17:14

A youth movement against terrorism on the internet is gaining momentum in Indonesia, with more than 140,000 members signing up on the Facebook page 'Indonesia Unite' in less than two weeks. They see 'Indonesia Unite' as a key to fighting terrorism. But there are those who wonder whether social networking tools like Twitter and Facebook can really make a difference.

Challenges face Philippines president whether she stays or goesAudio

Updated 28/07/2009 00:17:17

Analysts in the Philippines say Gloria Arroyo seems determined to stay on as president - or perhaps as a newly formed prime minister - beyond the end of her term next year, even though she is not publicly backing ideas about changing the constitution in such a way that would allow her to do just that. But she hasn't backed away from those ideas either. No matter how long she has in office, many serious challenges remain, even on the economy which Mrs Arroyo hailed as a key achievement in her last state of the nation address on Monday.

Melbourne Film Festival screens Uighur film despite cyber attackAudioTranscript

Updated 27/07/2009 20:55:22

IT security experts are warning that cyber attacks will become more and more common as internet access grows around the world - and after the attack on the website of the Melbourne Film Festival it's thought the hackers are going political. Hackers attacked the festival's website, posting an image of the Chinese flag, a jingle, and left slogans criticising an exiled Uighur activist and leader, Rebiya Kadeer, who is featured in a documentary film. But the website has been fixed and the film has been screened.

Gurkhas campaign for full pension as Lumley visits NepalAudioTranscript

Updated 27/07/2009 20:55:22

The British actress Joanna Lumley has been mobbed on her arrival in Kathmandu by hundreds of Gurkha war veterans and their families. Joanna Lumley, who is 63 years of age, helped secure the war veterans the right to settle in the United Kingdom by directly lobbying the British government. But her work may not be over as the Gurkhas begin round two in their fight for equal pensions.

Philippines president holds final state of nation speech amid protestsAudio

Updated 27/07/2009 20:55:23

The Philippines president, Gloria Arroyo, who's now considered one of the country's most unpopular leaders, has made what is supposed to be her last ever state of the nation address. But there has been talk of plans - among her supporters - to try to change the constitution to allow Gloria Arroyo to stay in power as prime minister once her current presidential term expires next year. Gloria Arroyo has been accused of cheating to win presidential elections in 2004 and other acts of corruption. And this talk of constitutional change has inspired large crowds to protest outside the Congress building in Manila where the president made her address.

Indian sailors wed in monsoon season but fear return to pirate watersAudio

Updated 27/07/2009 20:55:22

Seafarers from the small shipbuilding town of Salaya, on the western coast of India, are returning home from trips between India, Dubai and Somalia to sit out the three month monsoon season - a time for them to repair their ships and to get married. But with pirates still threatening the waters that the sailors sail many are worried about the time when they will have to return to Somalia. It's the most lucrative place for them to trade, but are the risks worth it?

Australia under pressure to boost climate change aid in PacificAudio

Updated 27/07/2009 20:55:22

The Australian government has rejected criticism that it's doing too little on climate change in the Pacific, citing its international and regional efforts since coming to office almost two years ago. But a new joint report by a think tank called The Australia Institute and the aid agency Oxfam Australia is pressing Australia to do more. It warns climate change could force 75 million people in the Asia Pacific to become refugees in the next forty years.

E Timor President hopes Balibo film doesn't ignite friction btwn AustrAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2009 19:17:50

East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta hopes a film about the murders of 5 journalists in East Timor doesn't ignite friction between Australia and Indonesia. He is in Australia for the Melbourne International Film Festival for the opening of 'Balibo'.

Jakarta bombings highlight 'soft target' fragilityAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2009 19:17:50

A week after two suicide bombers attacked luxury hotels in Jakarta, killing themselves and seven others, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says the nation must remain vigilant against further attacks.

India to revamp national security in wake of terror attacksAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2009 19:20:31

The terrorist attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai in November last year is seen as the tipping point of a revamp of India's national security.

Pacific Governments urged to listen to church majorityAudio

Updated 24/07/2009 19:26:14

Fijian consultant, Emele Duituturaga, has used a visit to Australia to call on Pacific governments to recognise that the church represents the majority in the Pacific. It's one of a range of issues she's addressed at a public forum in Brisbane, ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting next month.

Fijian chief's lawyer says charges will be defendedAudio

Updated 24/07/2009 19:28:25

Legal proceedings against a Fijian Paramount Chief over a banned church conference have been deferred for 21 days. Ro Teimumu Kepa has been charged in relation to a statement released on the internet supporting the holding of the Methodist Church conference in her village of Lomanikoro, in Rewa, just outside Suva. Ro Teimumu's lawyer says his client is bearing up well, but the conditions of her bail mean she can't talk about the case.

Burma and North Korea dominate ASEANAudioTranscript

Updated 24/07/2009 20:40:00

The trial on security-related charges of Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is due to resume today with no indication from the country's military regime that it will heed international calls to free her.

Temasek Goodyear split surprises Singapore finance communityAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2009 20:29:31

Singapore's sovereign wealth fund and CEO-heir apparent Charles "Chip" Goodyear have parted ways. The company and the high-profile former resources executive say the decision was based on strategy differences. But analyst say it's likely clashes in management style caused the split.

SBY paranoia claims over twin hotel bombings in JakartaAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2009 20:32:00

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhyono's leadership has been called into question after the President suggested he was the target of the deadly twin hotel bombings in Jakarta on Friday. At a press conference just hours after the terror attacks, President Yudhyono denounced the attackers as draculas and spreaders of death. He held up a photograph of himself which he said had been used as target practice and also suggested the bombings could be linked to alleged plots by rivals to overturn his re-election. Some observers have dismissed his comments as paranoia

US signs ASEAN treaty, as interest in region growsAudio

Updated 23/07/2009 20:32:28

The United States Obama administration is working hard to re-connect with Asia, after the years of neglect during the Bush years. US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has formalised those intentions on her visit to Thailand. In a sign that the US wants to play a greater strategic and security role in Asia, Hillary Clinton has signed the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Australian funding for aboriginal housing fails to produceAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2009 20:32:08

The question of how best to address indigenous disadvantage in Australia is again in the headlines, with news that a big government fund for new Aboriginal houses hasn't produced a single dwelling. Canberra says houses are being built using other money but Indigenous issues are big political testing ground for the government that delivered an apology for past wrongs to the first Australians. One former Aboriginal affairs minister has admonished both sides of politics for their failures on Indigenous issues, but it's not entirely hopeless.

Malaysian opposition wants royal commission into suspicious deathAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2009 21:14:07

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak says an inquest will be held into the death of a political aide who apparently plunged from the 14th floor from the offices of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

No formal bi-lateral meeting over detained AustralianAudioTranscript

Updated 23/07/2009 21:14:07

China appears to be uncomfortable about discussing the case of detained Australian mining executive Stern Hu outside of its own administration. Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith had an informal meeting with his Chinese counterpart over the issue, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting on the Thai resort island of Phuket.

China's Pacific aid revealedAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:59:43

Chinese aid to the region is short-term and erratic, and the secrecy with which it is conducted obstructs development outcomes and breeds suspicion. Those are the findings of a new policy brief that will be presented at the Lowy Insitute, in Sydney later today by Research Fellow Dr Fergus Hanson. Dr Hanson is the first person to piece together detailed figures on Chinese aid spending in the Pacific and, in preparing this brief, conducted confidential in-depth interviews with key figures across the region.

Chinese companies dominate Fortune 500 listAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:59:43

A record number of Chinese state-owned companies appeared on this year's Fortune 500 list.

Pressure on Indonesia to close religious schoolAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:59:43

There's growing pressure on Indonesia to close the religious school run by Abu Bakar Bashir, after police confirmed one of the Jakarta hotel attackers was Nur Said ,or Nur Hasbi, a graduate of the school.

Hillary Clinton touches down for regional talksAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:59:43

Staying with the regional talks in Phuket and one of the major players is already creating quite a stir .. and she's only just arrived. The US Secretary of State has touched down on the resort island and Karen Percy says Hillary Clinton is generating a lot of excitement.

Australia seeks talks with China in ThailandAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:59:43

The ASEAN summit in Thailand is throwing up a raft of key issues from terrorism and nuclear testing to global warming. But one matter jostling for immediate attention on the resort island of Phuket is the plight of detained Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith says he's pushing for a one-on-one meeting with China to discuss the case on the sidelines of the talks.

Solar eclipse sparks flurry of activityAudioTranscript

Updated 22/07/2009 20:53:38

The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century plunged millions across Asia from India to China into temporary darkness.

Former Fiji church head says church brought arrests on itselfAudio

Updated 22/07/2009 20:53:38

Fiji's military-led government has confirmed it's holding several key members of the influential Methodist church, as well as one of the country's paramount chiefs. Accusing the church of pushing a political agenda, a government spokesman has said those being detained "will be released when the investigations are over." A former president of the Methodist Church, Reverend Josateki Koroi, says while it's regrettable the situation has reached this point, the church has brought this on itself.

Japan's Prime Minister calls electionAudio

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso has finally dissolved the parliament and called an election.

New anti-terror approach in MumbaiAudio

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

Anti-terror police in Mumbai have revealed their new "hearts and minds" approach to counter terrorism which they say is having positive results.

Australian forces time-frame in AfghanistanAudio

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

More than seven years after international forces set about ousting the Taliban and al-Qaeda from Afghanistan, Australia is predicting its role training the Afghan army will be complete in three-to-five years.

Fiji Methodist leader defiant over banned church conferenceAudio

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

Several key leaders of Fiji's influential Methodist Church have been detained for questioning by police. They included the General Secretary, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu. The detentions come amid tension between the church and the interim government over the church's annual conference, which is supposed to take place towards the end of August.

China absent from Melbourne International Film FestivalAudioTranscript

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

China will be noted for its absence at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

East Timor Ombudsman recommends prosecution of Justice MinisterAudio

Updated 21/07/2009 20:49:24

East Timor's Ombudsman is calling for the country's Minister of Justice to be prosecuted following allegations of corruption.

Debate over climbing Uluru in central AustraliaAudio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:09

There's a controversial new push in Australia to stop tourists from climbing one of world's tourist icons, Uluru, in central Australia.

PNG Pension Fund announces strong resultsAudio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:09

Papua New Guinea's biggest pension fund, NASFUND, has again defied the Global Financial Crisis and announced strong growth in its half-yearly results for 2009. In the six months to the end of June, the fund made a profit of more than 30 million US dollars. That equates to a return of around 6 per cent to its 200,000 members.

Australians overseas could become business 'scapegoats'Audio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:09

An international-risk expert says it's likely Australians doing business overseas will increasingly find themselves being used as 'scapegoats' for companies losing money because of the global economic downturn.

UN workers in Sri Lanka examined for signs of tortureAudio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:10

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered two local United Nations workers be examined for signs of torture .

Tightened security for Thai ASEAN meetingAudio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:10

Heading into talks involving foreign ministers from Association of South East Asian nations in Phuket, security is being stepped up in the wake of the Jakarta bombings.

JI splinter group the key suspect for Jakarta blastsAudio

Updated 20/07/2009 20:57:10

Indonesian police say Friday's bombings of the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta had the signs of a J-I attack.

Royal debate over baby elephant's nameAudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2009 19:19:18

Two Australian academics want a baby elephant to be named after a political prisoner in Thailand, as a way to draw attention to his case.

Micronesian leaders say their nations will drownAudio

Updated 17/07/2009 19:19:18

Leaders of the Micronesian states say their nations will be "drowning" if the developed nations don't reduce greenhouse emission levels. The issue of climate change took centre stage at a meeting this week of leaders from the Micronesia States in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro. The concerns come as Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr completed a trip through the region. It included stop-overs in places such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, which are regarded as some of the countries which will be first to be hit by the effects of climate change.

Australia security warning about renewed terrorism in IndonesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2009 20:35:18

It's been revealed an Australian security assessment did predict the possibility that a splinter of the militant Islamist group, Jemmah Islamiyah, could renew violence in Indonesia. Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd quickly convened the country's National Security Committee on hearing of the Jakarta blasts. He's condemned the attacks, extended Australian sympathies, and placed Australia firmly at the side of Indonesia's government and people with pledges of any assistance required. Mr Rudd confirmed at least two Australians were among the injured and a senior trade official is missing. One New Zealander was confirmed dead in the blasts.

Indonesian President to push ahead with domestic reform agendaAudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2009 19:33:18

Indonesian Presidential advisor Dino Djalal says Friday's twin hotel bombings will not deter the President from continuing with his reform agenda. Mr Djala was one of the first to arrive at the bombed hotels accompanied by Indonesia's head of police and also the head of the country's intelligence service.

SBY says he was the real target for the Jakarta hotel bombingsAudioTranscript

Updated 17/07/2009 20:32:00

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhyono has suggested to reporters that he was the target for the Jakarta hotel bombings. At a press conference a short time ago, the President held up intelligence supplied photographs of himself which he claimed had been used as target practice by hooded men.

EU clears runway for Indonesian airlinesAudio

Updated 16/07/2009 19:17:23

The European Union has removed four Indonesian airlines from a blacklist which banned them from flying into EU airspace. The ban had been in place since June 2007, a result of safety concerns after a number of accidents the same year in which more than 120 people died. The EU says significant improvements in the past two years at Garuda Indonesia, Airfast Indonesia, Mandala Airlines and PremiAir prompted the delisting.

ABD warns Asia facing ageing crisisAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2009 19:24:13

The Asian Development Bank is warning Asia is facing an ageing crisis with inadequate pensions and dwindling family support networks. The ADB's latest study also shows that two thirds of the world's elderly population will reside in Asia by the year 2050. Coupled with low fertility rates, the Manila based bank warns most Asian countries are not economically or socially prepared for the looming number of retirees.

Australian Film Festival rejects China's request to drop Uighhur docoAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2009 19:26:57

China has tried to stop the Melbourne International Film Festival showing a documentary about exiled Uighur businesswoman and former political prisoner Rebiya Kadeer. The request from the Chinese cultural attache, opens up a new flank in diplomatic tensions between China and Australia, which have focussed on the detention of Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu. Violence broke out last week in China's western province of Xinjiang between local Uighurs and Han Chinese.

US to raise issue of jailed Australian with BeijingAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2009 19:31:45

The United States Government is preparing to intervene in the Stern Hu espionage case as the Australian citizen spends his twelfth night in detention in China. Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has also sharpened his language with China this week over the detention of the Rio Tinto executive.

Thai prosecutors to seize former PM's billion dollar assetsAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2009 19:36:43

Prosecutors in Thailand apply to seize convicted former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra's assets worth 3-billion US dollars. The money was frozen in the wake of the military coup that pushed him out of office almost three years ago.

Phils govt says no to amnesty for Abu SayyafAudioTranscript

Updated 16/07/2009 19:43:00

The Philippines government has denied reports its considering giving amnesty to members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group. The Philippines has already offered amnesty to members of the rebel Moro Liberation Front and is also considering amnesties to members of the Maoist New People's Army peace talks with the NPA are due to begin next month in Norway.

Hopes rest on China to save Copenhagen climate dealAudioTranscript

Updated 15/07/2009 19:56:17

A top Australian climate change economist says there are reasons to hope that China will act to rescue the floundering Copenhagen climate change negotiations, but nothing is certain. China's due to announce new carbon pollution reduction plans and Professor Stephen Howes, who worked on the Australian government's carbon pollution reduction scheme, says it's possible the world's biggest emitter may yet salvage a new international agreement. The conference discussion coincides with a high profile visit to Australia by the former US vice president Al Gore, whose held talks with the Australian prime minister, Kevin Rudd. Al Gore's optimistic about Copenhagen, while Kevin Rudd has a few qualms.

Singapore's economy surges as biomedics fight swine fluAudioTranscript

Updated 15/07/2009 19:56:17

Singapore has become the first Asian economy that is currently in recession to record positive economic growth. Its economy surged over 20 per cent in the second quarter this year, defying the expectations of even the most optimistic of forecasts. Singapore's trade ministry has credited the country's biomedical and electronics industries with creating the surge. In a sense, Singapore has swine flu to thank for its economic recovery.

Timor PM responds for first time to 'Ricegate' allegationsAudioTranscript

Updated 15/07/2009 19:56:17

East Timor's prime minister, Xanana Gusmao, says he welcomes an investigation by the country's anti-corruption commission into allegations that he signed off on a multi million dollar deal for a company, part owned by his daughter, to import rice. Responding for the first time to the allegations, which are now being described as 'Ricegate' by East Timor's government spokesperson, Mr Gusmao says he doesn't believe his daughter used her relationship with him to negotiate the deal.

'Unstoppable' swine flu hits younger peopleAudioTranscript

Updated 15/07/2009 19:56:12

It's more than months since swine flu first surfaced as a serious problem in Mexico - mostly affecting weak people or those without good access to medical treatments - but experts are saying that otherwise healthy people are now also at risk. The World Health Organisation has described the Swine Flu pandemic as 'unstoppable'. An estimated 90,000 people have been officially diagnosed worldwide and there have bee at least 430 deaths.

Philippines army intensifies pursuit of rebels after hostage releaseAudioTranscript

Updated 15/07/2009 19:56:12

Philippine security forces are stepping up operations against Abu Sayyaf rebels in the south of the country, following the release of an Italian aid worker. Eugenio Vagni was held for nearly six months by the militants before being released. The Philippines' defence secretary says pursuit operations will intensify in the region against - what he's described as - the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf.

Many fear for safety as Pakistanis begin repatriation to Swat ValleyAudioTranscript

Updated 14/07/2009 19:52:27

Hundreds of displaced Pakistani families have started returning to their homes in the now former Taliban stronghold of the Swat Valley. The government initiated repatriation comes after its claims to have defeated Taliban militants, who were getting dangerously close to the capital Islamabad and had already launched terrorist attacks there. About 2 million civilians fled the fighting. But now, while many are happy to return, others remain concerned for their safety.

Tension in China's Xinjiang province threatens to spread globallyAudioTranscript

Updated 14/07/2009 19:52:27

The situation in China's Xinjiang province is still tense, with reports that two more Muslim Uighurs have been killed in the capital, Urumqi, apparently by police - and it's now threatening to spill over into other regions. An Algerian based Al-Qaeda affiliate has been reported to be calling for reprisals against Chinese workers in northern Africa. And Turkey, which considers Xinjiang a frontier of Turkic ethnicity, has condemned the violence against the Muslim Uighurs as a genocide - even though most of the deaths have been of Han Chinese.

More arrests in China steel state secrets caseAudioTranscript

Updated 14/07/2009 19:52:27

The reported detention of several more steel executives in China has strengthened the view that Beijing is undertaking a wide investigation of bribery and theft of state secrets in the iron ore and steel sector. According to Chinese media, the latest detainees are from Chinese steel companies. And while Australia's government continues to try to find out more about a detained Australian citizen and China executive of Rio Tinto, one Chinese economist has told a major conference in Canberra that there are serious problems in the matter for Beijing. But there is another view that sharply criticises the wide spread suspicion of China, saying that where China is buying commodities, much of the west seized its commodities through years of colonialism.

Sufism gaining popularity in urban IndonesiaAudio

Updated 14/07/2009 19:52:24

Sufism is a religious practice that incorporates mystical elements of Islam and it's one that is now said to be gaining popularity in Indonesia's urban areas. It arrived in Indonesia in the 17th century. But orthodox Muslims are still wary of Sufi mysticism.

UN chief still sceptical of regime after Burma visitAudioTranscript

Updated 14/07/2009 19:52:24

Burma's ambassador to the United Nations says his government is preparing to release political prisoners to allow them to contest next year's general elections. The announcement came at a UN Security Council briefing by secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, on his latest visit to the military ruled nation earlier this month. Mr Ban has welcomed the ambassador's comments, but remains highly sceptical of the military regime's intentions.

Detained Rio Tinto head may have no legal rights in ChinaAudioTranscript

Updated 13/07/2009 20:46:37

Australia's government is walking a fine diplomatic line over the detention in China of Australian citizen Stern Hu on allegations of state espionage. It's made further diplomatic representations, but Mr Hu's legal rights are unclear and he may have none at all. But an authority on Chinese law says the Australian government has every right to press Beijing to allow Mr Hu to have a lawyer.

Another body found at Papua mine as Indonesian probe beginsAudioTranscript

Updated 13/07/2009 20:46:37

There's been a third death at the controversial Freeport mine in the Indonesia province of Papua - as Australian Federal Police begin assisting Indonesian authorities in their investigation into the killings. The first was of Drew Grant, an Australian engineer, whose car was ambushed by unknown assailants over the weekend. It's not known who is responsible, but there are concerns that both Indonesian security forces and the Free Papua Movement could have been involved.

Malaysia to change its language of scienceAudio

Updated 13/07/2009 20:46:37

In June, we reported that the Malaysian government was considering a controversial idea to make English a compulsory component of final examinations for high school leavers - well, now it's taking an equally controversial step by saying that maths and science, which have been taught in English, will again be taught in Malay from 2012. Malaysia's education minister says students and teachers are not coping with classes in English and grades for maths and science have dropped significantly.

Maoists 'retaliate' for government campaign to eradicate themAudio

Updated 13/07/2009 20:46:37

Up to 30 police officers have been killed by Maoist rebels in India's eastern state of Chhattisgarh, adding to a series of attacks, which have come soon after the Maoist Communist party of India was officially banned. The Maoists, known locally as Naxalites, say they're fighting for the rights of the state's disenfranchised. But the most recent attacks are being seen as retaliation for state and federal government campaigns to eradicate them.

Japan heads for general elections after LDP hit in Tokyo pollsAudioTranscript

Updated 13/07/2009 20:46:37

Japan's prime minister Taro Aso has hit hard times after a devastating result for his ruling coalition in crucial local elections in the capital Tokyo and he's now expected to take his Liberal Democratic Party into general elections in late August. The local elections in Tokyo were widely seen as a test for the ruling LDP. And the party is now on the backfoot, with some analysts saying that even a change at the top would not save the government.

Chinese companies doing international trade with yuan currencyAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 16:38:27

Companies in China now have the option of using the Chinese currency the yuan in international trade deals. Beijing has quietly expanded the limited use of the yuan which was formally restricted to regular traders in the border regions with Vietnam and Laos. The changes are on a trial basis and in future might be expanded through the ASEAN region.

Punk's not dead, it's in IndonesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 19:04:36

An explosive punk band, fronted by an Australian singer, is causing a stir in Indonesia.

Vietnamese methodone trial to be expandedAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 18:58:15

A clinical trial of methadone for Vietnam's heroin addicts has shown positive results. The Health Ministry started trials in six clinics early last year and has recently pledged to open two more rehabilitation centres in Ho Chi Minh city.

Relations btwn China and Australia sour over detained mining employeeAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 18:56:54

The fate of Australian Rio Tinto employee, Stern Hu, detained in China for allegedly stealing state secrets, is testing the limits of Australia's relationship with China. Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has expressed exasperation that he's had to glean information about the allegations from public sources .. a foreign ministry media conference and a state security public website. Its information he says should be coming through official channels, where many requests have been and continue to be made.

US CIA security chief to visit PhilippinesAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 19:01:17

The United States CIA boss Leon Panetta is set to make a timely visit to the Philippines where he'll meet President Gloria Arroyo and members of the Philippines intelligence service as they grapple with a concerted and deadly offensive by militant groups in the country's south. In the past week, at least 8 people have been killed in Mindanao where the militant Abu Sayyaf group, as well as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have undertaken a series of bomb attacks designed to disrupt the government's efforts to stamp out the insurgency. There are also concerns that the violence could spread to the capital, Manila.

Warning on doing business with ChinaAudioTranscript

Updated 10/07/2009 19:38:38

Companies doing business with China are being warned the country presents uncertainties that shouldn't be taken lightly, as there's little separation between politics and business.

ICRC ordered to scale down operations in Sri LankaAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2009 20:55:17

Sri Lanka has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross to scale down relief operations for civilian war victims. The ICRC says it is withdrawing staff from the northeast of the island which was the focus of the final government offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels that ended in outright victory in May.

Australian consular officials to see detained mining executiv in ChinaAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2009 20:55:23

Australian consular officials have been granted permission to visit detained Australian mining executive Stern Hu in China. China's made spying allegations against Rio's top iron ore executive. Hu and three Chinese colleagues have now been formally arrested on charges of stealing state secrets. The resulting diplomatic flurry will also see Australia's Trade minister Simon Crean make direct representations when he makes a previously scheduled visit to Shanghai on Saturday.

Dietary supplements big business in AsiaAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2009 20:54:53

Rising disposable incomes among Asia's growing middle class have led to an increase in dietary problems such as obesity and diabetes. This new set of problems have spurred growth for one industry in Asia - the health food sector. Across the continent, companies producing healthy food supplements like multi-vitamins and traditional health tonics are reporting significant rise in profits.

Three women killed in sorcery-related attacks in Papua New GuineaAudio

Updated 09/07/2009 20:54:58

The belief that unexplained deaths must be the result of sorcery is still widely held in Papua New Guinea. Relatives of the dead often vent their grief on elderly women. Police say this week in the Chimbu province three women have been killed in sorcery-related attacks and two others are in hospital.

Economists welcome re-election of SBY in IndonesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 09/07/2009 20:55:04

Economists are welcoming the apparent re-election this week of reformist Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhyono as good news for south-east Asia's biggest economy.

Markets would welcome SBY victory but want more progressAudioTranscript

Updated 08/07/2009 20:04:18

A win for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would be welcomed by the money markets and the business sector generally, with a second term bringing the potential for a stronger reform effort and a focus on building infrastructure. But critics and supporters of SBY all want one thing - more progress, more quickly.

'Quick count' puts SBY ahead in Indonesia presidential electionsAudioTranscript

Updated 08/07/2009 20:04:18

Indonesia's last presidential election was called on a 'quick count' almost as soon as polls closed, and as polls closed this time a quick count had Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono well ahead of other contesters.

Indonesian voters hope for education funding from next presidentAudio

Updated 08/07/2009 20:04:18

Indonesians have been voting for their next president, or, depending on how you see it, whether to give the incumbent, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, another five years in office. Since April's parliamentary elections, SBY, as he's known locally, has looked set to become the first president in the country's democratic era to be re-elected. But what do Indonesians expect from their next president?

Diplomatic tension over arrest of Aust. mining employee in ChinaAudioTranscript

Updated 08/07/2009 20:04:17

A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Australia and China over the detention by Chinese authorities of an Australian citizen employed by mining giant Rio Tinto. Australian officials have confirmed that Chinese Public Security authorities arrested an Australian passport holder over the weekend, along with three Chinese members of Rio's staff in Shanghai. The Australian foreign ministry has been told the arrests are related to alleged acts of espionage, and critics are again warning of the pitfalls of doing business with Beijing.

Sodomy trial against Malaysian opposition leader postponedAudio

Updated 08/07/2009 20:04:17

A trial against Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was due to start on Wednesday, but it was postponed when his chief defence lawyer fell ill. A new date has yet to be set, but the trial has long threatened to divide opinion in Malaysia, not least among lawyers themselves. The former deputy prime minister has been charged with sodomy under a law dating back to British colonial days. This, after he was jailed on separate sodomy and corruption charges a decade ago. Anwar Ibrahim has vehemently denied new the charge and says it's politically motivated.

US 'architect' of Vietnam War diesAudioTranscript

Updated 07/07/2009 20:59:29

America's 'architect' of the Vietnam War, Robert McNamara, has died at the age of 93. Mr McNamara served as defence secretary from 1961 to 1968 and will be remembered as a key player in America's involvement in the Vietnam War in president Kennedy's administration. But will he be remembered well for the decisions he made.

Decline of religious influence in Indonesian presidential electionsAudio

Updated 07/07/2009 20:59:29

Indonesians are set to vote for their next president on Wednesday, but the elections are already being seen as a victory for secularism. Support for Islamic parties declined sharply during parliamentary elections earlier in the year. And some analysts have been quick to say it's a sign of the declining influence of Islam in the nation's political process. But that's not the whole story.

Situation 'under control' despite more bombs in PhilippinesAudio

Updated 07/07/2009 20:59:29

The southern Philippines has again been the scene of a series of bomb explosions, but this time known Muslim separatist groups, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf, have been slow to claim responsibility. The government says these groups are to blame, but that the armed forces are focussing their efforts on splinter groups instead. Peace negotiations collapsed last year when the Supreme Court stopped a deal to expand an existing Muslim autonomous region on Mindanao. Hundreds of people have been killed since then and thousands have been displaced, leaving the army to chase so-called rogue commanders of the MILF, who are said to have started the most recent violence.

Overseas Uighurs deny stoking tension with Han Chinese in XinjiangAudioTranscript

Updated 07/07/2009 20:59:29

There have been more protests in China's northern province of Xinjiang, where riots on Sunday resulted in more than 150 deaths. Sections of the mostly Muslim Uighur population continue to clash with police and military reinforcements sent to the regional capital Urumqi
Presenter: Karon Snowdon
Speakers: Nury Turkel, former president, Uighur American Association; Roseanne Rife, deputy director for Asia Pacific, Amnesty International

Sub-standard motorcycle helmets risk to children in VietnamAudio

Updated 07/07/2009 20:59:28

In Vietnam, children over the age of six months are now required to wear helmets when riding with their parents on motorcycles. The move has been widely welcomed, but there are concerns that the market is being flooded with sub-standard helmets. These helmets are about five times cheaper than safer ones, and either carry fake quality stamps or none at all.

Candidates' army past still a concern in Indonesia presidential pollsAudioTranscript

Updated 06/07/2009 21:01:47

Campaigning for the Indonesian presidential election has come to an end, with residents due to cast their votes in the nation's second democratic elections since the fall of the Suharto regime on Wednesday. While this election is being seen as another step on a road of democracy, human rights groups still have concerns about the military's influence in the country's political process. In particular, three of the candidates, including the incumbent Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, were former generals during the Suharto era and have been implicated in cases of human rights violations in East Timor and other Indonesian territories.

India aims for nine per cent growth with 'common people' budgetAudioTranscript

Updated 06/07/2009 21:01:49

India has announced its budget for the next financial year and its finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee, hopes it will take the country back to a high growth rate of nine per cent. He also seems to think that the country has seen off the worst of the global financial crisis. But this budget was meant to be one for the 'common people' and while economists say it delivers, they also say it needs more detail on how the country will recover from its current deficit.

WFP joins calls for changes to East Timor food tender processAudioTranscript

Updated 06/07/2009 21:01:50

The World Food Programme and a prominent East Timorese businessman have now voiced their concerns about the tender process for tens of millions of dollars worth of government contracts in East Timor. The ABC has revealed that some of the contracts were awarded to companies involving the prime minister's daughter, and a daughter in law, as well as the wife of a senior minister. Now, the World Food Programme and the prominent businessman have joined the opposition Fretilin party in calling for changes to East Timor's tender process.

More than one hundred reported dead after China Uighur protestAudio

Updated 06/07/2009 21:01:50

While the Chinese government has allegedly attempted to restrict the flow of information about a violent protest over the weekend in the country's northwest, witness reports have been found via social networking portals such as Twitter and YouTube - and it's now thought that more than a hundred people were killed in the protests in Xinjiang. Xinjiang is a large area that borders Central Asia and is home to about eight million Uighur Muslims, who say they have suffered under Chinese government suppression for years.

Cook Islands 'confident' Mini Pacific Games will go aheadAudio

Updated 06/07/2009 21:01:47

It's just over two months before the Cook Islands hosts the Pacific Mini Games and while much of the funds have come from China there are concerns that Cook Islanders will be paying for many more years to come. But the Cook Islands government says the games will go ahead.

East Timor business community defend Xanana GusmaoAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2009 14:50:08

Business leaders in East Timor have defended Xanana Gusmao's approval of a multi-million dollar government contract granted to a company linked to the Prime Minister's daughter.

Concern US unable to protect Hawaii against North Korean missilesAudio

Updated 03/07/2009 18:54:59

A missile defense expert doesn't believe the US ground- and sea-based defense assets can protect Hawaii against North Korean missiles. News overnight says that North Korea has fired at least three short-range missile off its east coast into the sea of Japan. It's vowing to step up its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of a new UN security Council resolution.

Foreign food aid donors stop funding North KoreaAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2009 18:55:53

Since North Korea's nuclear test in May, the World Food Programme says it has not received any new donations from the international community and will struggle to feed millions of ordinary North Koreans.

Cambodia's torture prison survivors testify at tribunalAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2009 18:56:54

In Cambodia, evidence is being heard against the former head of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, Comrade Duch.

Calls for the abolition of caning of migrants in MalaysiaAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2009 18:53:33

Recently it was the issue of domestic maid abuse, now the spotlight is on a 7 year old law also which allows for the caning of migrant workers in Malaysia.

Campaign to boost number of female MPs in PNGAudioTranscript

Updated 03/07/2009 18:53:33

The campaign to increase the number of women in Papua New Guinea's Parliament is once again on in earnest. PNG's only female parliamentarian Dame Carol Kidu will signal the start of the campaign next week. Then, if all things go to plan, the prime minister will put a motion to the vote later this month. Attempts to have a number of women nominated to parliament without facing the electorate failed in March when it was first put up.

General elections for Fiji in 2014AudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 18:42:29

Eight years after he took power in a military coup, Fiji's self appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has promised to hold general elections in 2014. That's five years after his first promise of a public poll. In what he called a "Strategic framework for change", Commodore Bainimarama addressed the nation, on a range of topics covering economic growth, a return to constitutional rule, and a plea for help from aid donor nations.

New Delhi High Court decriminalises gay sexAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 19:08:37

The High Court in New Delhi has issued a landmark ruling decriminalising gay sex between consenting adults, overturning British colonial-era legislation that outlawed homosexuality...although the ruling is non-binding outside the Indian capital. The New Delhi High Court ruled that an existing statute prohibiting homosexual acts was discriminatory and therefore a "violation of fundamental rights" accorded under the constitution. GURUKIRAN spokesman for SANGAMA a Bangalore based sexual minority lobby group.

Hong Kong democracy activists mark 12 years of Chinese controlAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 18:43:22

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong this week, as the special administrative region marked the 12th anniversary of being handed back to China.

As many as 76,000 protestors marched noisily, demanding the right to choose their government and to express frustration on a range of issues, including the administration's response to the economic slowdown.

Iranian protesters use Chinese software to sidestep censorshipAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 18:44:03

Iranian pro-democracy demonstrators have been using software developed by Chinese activists, to access websites banned by the government.

China angered by US trade investigationsAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 18:46:07

Trade relations between China and the United States appear to be souring again, following strong statements by Beijing, accusing the US of abusing WTO rules.

PNG highland leader praised for not seeking to revenge son's deathAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 19:08:15

There's been high praise for the action of a Papua New Guinea highland leader whose son was killed in the aftermath of violent celebrations marking the recent end of Australia's state of origin series. Western Highlands MP Puri Ruing called on his clan not to retaliate for the death of his 21 year old son's and appealed for the law to be able to take its course. PNG's Governor General, Sir Paulias Matane, has described the MP's announcement as a "breakthrough," saying his response is an example for all. Sir Paulias has told Radio Australia's Tok Pisin service that Mr Ruing's attitude reflects his own beliefs, which he's dubbed the "Six F Philosophy."

Trouble brewing for Sri Lanka's tea industryAudioTranscript

Updated 02/07/2009 19:08:15

Tea is one of Sri Lanka's largest export earners and world tea prices are currently up but one sector of the country's tea growing industry is facing tough times. Problems with soil fertility coupled with a severe drought earlier this year has lead to thousands of subsistence farmers in Kotmale having to destroy their tea bushes. The farmers were resettled in Kotmale 25 years ago, after their traditional farmlands were flooded by a hydro-irrigation reservoir. Now Sri Lanka's Tea Research Institute is in the process of developing drought resistant tea crops and looking at other ways of helping sustain these struggling small farmers

Fiji's Interim Prime Minister's address to the nationAudioTranscript

Updated 01/07/2009 19:08:54

Australia's Foreign Minister says the coup leader's commitment to elections in Fiji in September 2014 is unacceptable to Australia, the Pacific Islands Forum and the international community. Fiji has been suspended from the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum and is expected to face similar action from the British Commonwealth after Commodore Bainimarama broke a promise to hold elections to restore democracy by March this year.

Sri Lanka accuses IMF of politicising financial aidAudioTranscript

Updated 01/07/2009 19:07:57

Sri Lanka has accused the International Monetary Fund of politicising financial assistance, after the IMF withheld a substantial aid package due to human rights concerns. Earlier this year, the island nation asked for 1-point-9 billion US dollars from the IMF to put towards its national trade deficit. Sri Lanka's Trade Minister says the loan has been put off due to political pressure from the United States and other Western nations, who are unhappy about allegations of war crimes and mistreatment of those displaced by the war against the Tamil Tigers.

Indonesia's presidential candidates in fourth debateAudioTranscript

Updated 01/07/2009 19:01:49

Indonesia's vice presidential candidates short on substance in the fourth televised debate ahead of presidential elections in a weeks time. The debate was moderated by the Chair of the Indonesian Medical Association and focused on health, education and the environment. Taking part were three vice presidential candidates - former central bank governor, Boediono, running with incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; and two former generals Prabowo and Wiranto, running on the Megawati and Jusuf Kalla tickets respectively.

Combat, cooking and cleaning tips to help cyber addicts in VietnamAudioTranscript

Updated 01/07/2009 19:01:41

Vietnam has begun a new cyber addict treatment programme to help a growing number of teenagers hooked on web-based computer games. Modelled on similar programmes in China and South Korea, the ten day programme includes military training, lessons in how to cook and clean, team building, community work, and it ends with a public apology.