Southeast Asia


Vodafone Wireless Winners, UK DNA Database, Swine Flu Questions Answered, and Airplanes!

CellscopeOn this week’s Technology Podcast, we hear about some wireless technologies that could improve lives across the globe. Check out the cell phone that’s been modded into a microscope! We also take an in-depth look at Britain’s DNA database, and the political ruckus that it’s causing. You sent your swine flu questions in, so we take 15 minutes and try to answer some of them. And we finish with another competition — Airbus wants to fly more efficiently, and is asking for help. The finalists include one team that wants to fly gaggles of planes in an inverted “V” formation…like geese. Listen

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Education in Cambodia (6:00)

The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports that only a third of Cambodia’s population is fully literate. The Cambodian government blames the brutal reign of the Khmer Rouge. Others blame current government corruption.

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Former Rebel Tackles Deforestation in Indonesia (7:00)

Jocelyn Ford reports on the efforts of a former rebel turned governor to stop deforestation in the Indonesian province of Aceh.

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Global Hit (4:50)

South African musician Hugh Masekela turns 70 this year. He muses on politics, music, and freedom in today’s Global Hit.

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Thousands displaced in Sri Lanka violence (4:15)

Anchor Katy Clark speaks with the BBC’s Charles Haviland in Sri Lanka about the latest chapter in the country’s 25-year civil war. The Sri Lankan military is fighting its way into the last slice of territory held by Tamil Tiger rebels. Tens of thousands of civilians are trying to flee the area, and there are [...]

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Protests escalate in Thailand (5:00)

In Thailand, there were clashes today between government forces and protesters in Bangkok. The Thai government has vowed to use “every means necessary” to end the chaos. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Lucy Williamson in Bangkok. download

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Corruption may endanger Khmer rouge tribunals (4:30)

The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports on how accusations of corruption is affecting the trial of former Khmer Rouge officials in Cambodia. Among other things, international monitors say Cambodian staff members on the tribunal are forced to give kickbacks to government officials. download

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