The disappearance of Malaysian flight MH370 launched a massive search but also underlined the importance of communication, writes Geetha Kanniah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who argues that both communication technology and style of communication are important in times of disaster. MH 370 made world headlines in the past few weeks; a sad story …

"Communication and a race against time" Read More »

It amazes me to see how far they go to keep other cultures alive, writes Geetha Kanniah, an 18-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, as she discusses her experience of the religious and cultural tolerance of Indonesia during a recent trip. Mutualism: a symbiotic relationship that keeps the world running. We learn it in our sciences- …

“Appreciation of history yields respect for others” Read More »

In early January 2014, Geetha Kanniah, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, joined a team of amateur and experienced mountain climbers to hike up hills and mountains every weekend. Their objective is the Everest base camp, but there are important lessons to be learned along the way. Our objective: to trek up to base camp …

"Climbing Mount Kinabalu is mind over matter" Read More »

Malaysia is struggling with increasing cost of living, writes Geetha Kanniah, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, as she looks at how oil prices and taxes have far-reaching impact on the economy. Here’s my financial predicament – as a college student, my parents give me RM50.00 (USD 14) every two weeks, mainly for food and supplies. I …

"My financial predicament teaches some lessons" Read More »

Children brim with positive spirit and eagerness to learn in spite of dire surroundings, writes Geetha Kanniah, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia who is volunteering to teach at a refugee centre.  I hope I can get you to picture this: I get off the bus, a two hour journey from home and walk towards …

"Refugee children embrace opportunity to learn" Read More »

Limiting global warming is the focus of the upcoming Paris Climate Conference, writes Geetha Kanniah, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who argues the real work will start once the agreement is reached.  With the highly anticipated COP21 rapidly approaching, organisations are promoting renewable energy as fast as they can, hoping to accomplish more in the …

“Looking for green progress at COP21” Read More »

An infectious outbreak raises questions about personal choice and public health, writes Santhiya Ramadas, 26, a Correspondent from Malaysia, as she looks at the issue of vaccinations. There is a current fear among Malaysian parents over the outbreak of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) which the nation’s authorities are taking urgent and crucial …

“Diseases, vaccinations and religious beliefs” Read More »

Language is the principal medium through which we connect with our fellow human beings, writes Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 16, a Correspondent from Malaysia, who argues that English has grown to be a global link among those of different cultures. Language enables us to communicate with each other; it allows us to exchange our ideas and opinions. …

“English language has become a global link” Read More »

Elections around the globe have made news this year, and Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 16, a Correspondent from Malaysia, explains why it is crucial that everyone who has a vote uses his or her right to cast a ballot.  This year, the subject of voting has been intensely discussed globally. This unceasing international hype will certainly come …

“Exercising your voice and your say” Read More »

In a year-end review, Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 17, a Correspondent from Malaysia, highlights the major political shifts, trends and achievements that could shape democracy in an evolving and influential part of the globe. 2016 was a trying year on many fronts. Global markets contracted and growth slowed, even in commercial giants like India and …

“Democracy in Southeast Asia: 2016 in review” Read More »