Asia This Week
Malala's movement for girls' education + Japan seeks imports from Southeast Asia - soccer players (2013x14)
: 20, 2013
MALALA'S MOVEMENT FOR GIRLS' EDUCATION
Islamic extremists shot Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai
last Oct., to stop her from advocating education for girls. They
failed. After recovering from serious injuries, she delivered a
speech at the United Nations headquarters on the occasion of her
16th birthday. Religious objections aren't the only obstacle to
schooling. Some people in Pakistan adhere to a longstanding view
that girls do not need education. Many others simply can't afford
it. A non–governmental organization based in Pakistan has awarded
"Malala scholarships" to 40 girls in Malala's hometown. They can
go to school, but many others are not so fortunate.
JAPAN SEEKS IMPORTS FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA: SOCCER PLAYERS
Japan's professional soccer teams see Southeast Asian players
as a way of expanding their appeal. Among them is FC Ryukyu, based
in Okinawa. It has acquired the services of 2 athletes who played
for the Malaysian national team. Many reporters came from Malaysia
to cover their Japanese debut. Some Malaysian broadcasters have
gone so far as to negotiate for the rights to show the games in
their country. A used car dealer operating in Southeast Asian
nations is one of the sponsors of FC Ryukyu, and is pleased with
all the attention. The sport is a game but also a business.