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Check FAQAbout Dave
I'm a five-time Emmy nominated journalist with extensive experience in television, radio and multimedia news. I'm adept at live breaking news and packaged stories. My reports have been featured by Deutsche Welle, Reuters Broadcast, CBC, BBC, NPR, VOA and Time.com. I have my own equipment and can work as a one-man-band VJ, radio correspondent/producer or as part of a team. I've been working in Southeast Asia for the past decade reporting on foreign affairs, social issues, politics, economics, natural disasters and human interest stories. My assignments include covering the region's stateless Rohingya Muslim community, human trafficking syndicates that are enslaving tens of thousands of victims, the 2022 presidential election in the Philippines and the Myanmar pro-democracy movement's struggle against the military before as well as after the 2021 coup. I also train television and digital video journalists in the region.
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Portfolio
Documents Reveal Details About Site Struck by Deadly Landslide
A deadly landslide at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Malaysia, killed 31 people, raising questions about the operation's legality and safety. The farm was on land owned by Malaysia Botanical Gardens Resort, linked to the wealthy Kong family, and was not zoned for development. Despite an EIA report indicating the area was unsafe for development, the farm operated without clear authorization, and the Selangor state government, previously the landowner, has yet to provide answers. Families of the victims demand accountability and prevention measures.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Accused of Placing Political Power Ahead of Principles
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's Prime Minister, faces accusations of prioritizing political power over his anti-corruption principles. Controversy arose after corruption charges against his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, were dropped. Critics suggest Anwar may have struck a deal for political support, compromising his reformist stance. Anwar denies interfering in the legal process. Political science professor Wong Chin-Huat and senior fellow Azmi Hassan offer differing views on Anwar's involvement and the necessity of his political tactics. Anwar's supporters express disappointment over unfulfilled promises, while he contends with the growing strength of the conservative opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional.
Comprehensive Sex Education Remains Controversial in the Philippines
Comprehensive sex education remains a contentious issue in the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country. Jomarie Oliva, a community mobilizer for Likhaan Center for Women's Health, conducts workshops for teens on reproductive health and contraceptives, which are not commonly taught in schools. The Catholic Church, holding significant influence, opposes the teaching of contraceptives, advocating for natural birth control and abstinence. Despite a reproductive health law passed in 2012, implementation in schools has been slow, facing resistance from some administrators. Advocates argue that comprehensive education allows teens to make responsible decisions, but many still lack access to these lessons. The Department of Education has not provided details on the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education.
Comprehensive Sex Education Remains Controversial in the Philippines
In the Philippines, there is an ongoing debate about teaching teenagers about contraceptives, despite comprehensive sex education being required in public schools. Not all schools are implementing the education, reflecting the controversy in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.
Philippines Presidential Election Live For CBC
Modern Day Slavery: Human Trafficking Syndicates Enslave Tens Of Thousands Of Victims From Across Asia.
Torture Victims Try To Derail Dictator's Son: Decades after being tortured during the reign of the late-dictator Ferdinand Marcos Senior, victims try to block his son's path to the presidency.
A Catholic Priest Breaks Ranks With The Church By Campaigning In Philippines Presidential Election
Malaysia New Prime Minister Two-Way For Deutsche Welle
Covid-19 Small Businesses Going Bust: Government stimulus programs are not enough to keep many small mom & pop shops from going out of business. The upcoming closure of a popular cafe demonstrates the problems so many small businesses face.
Covid-19 A Once Booming Burger Chain Tries To Keep From Going Belly Up: A Malaysian Burger Chain Takes Unusual Steps To Try To Keep From Going Out Of Business
Preserving Inle Lake: Concerns are growing that one of Myanmar's treasures might one-day dry up and disappear. A local environmentalist takes steps to try to preserve it for future generations.
Live Breaking News: Deadly Landslide
Analysis: Myanmar Military Coup
Philippines Tries to Build Trust in Routine Vaccines
In the Philippines, there is a significant number of children who have not received routine vaccinations. Health care workers are currently engaged in a major inoculation drive to address this issue.
On Anniversary of Malaysian Campsite Landslide, Victims’ Families, Survivors Seek Answers
On the anniversary of a landslide at Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali, Malaysia, which killed 31 people, including Vincent Khor Wei Fong's wife and son, survivors and victims' families gathered to remember the deceased and seek answers. A government report cited high rainfall as the cause but did not address why the farm and campsite were allowed in a risky area, despite a 2013 environmental impact assessment advising against development. The report also failed to clarify which government body authorized the development. The land is owned by Malaysia Botanical Gardens Resort, directed by Kong Yew Foong and Kong Hon Kong. Victims' families, seeking accountability and justice, have hired a lawyer to investigate and prepare for potential lawsuits.
Malaysia’s New Prime Minister Faces Early Tests
The Lim family in Malaysia is struggling with rising living costs, with their food bill increasing by about 30% in the past year. ERA Consumer Malaysia reports significant price hikes in milk, vegetables, and pork. The new Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who aims to address the economy and cost-of-living issues, has proposed targeted subsidies and tax breaks. Anwar's administration also faces challenges such as responding to a recent landslide and potential large-scale natural disasters during the monsoon season. Political science professor Wong Chin-Huat suggests that reintroducing a goods and services tax could help cover subsidy costs.
Young Voters Poised to Determine Malaysian Election Outcome
In the upcoming Malaysian election on November 19, young voters, who make up about 60% of the electorate, are expected to play a decisive role. Political candidates and coalitions are actively engaging with this demographic, offering policies such as free education and higher minimum wages to appeal to them. Concerns among young voters include the cost of living, job prospects, and corruption, highlighted by the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Najib Razak for graft. Political parties are rebranding their leaders to gain the trust of the youth, who generally distrust politicians and political parties. The article features various young individuals discussing their concerns and the political climate.
Marcos-Era Torture Victims Try to Derail Son's Candidacy in Philippine Vote
Victims of torture during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s dictatorship in the Philippines are campaigning against the presidential candidacy of his son, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., who is leading in polls for the May 9 election. Danilo dela Fuente and Santiago Matela, who suffered under the elder Marcos's regime, are sharing their experiences to educate the public and hold the Marcos family accountable for past abuses and corruption. Despite their efforts, they face skepticism from some, like Nerissa Roa Azana, who dismisses their stories as fake news. Human Rights Watch researcher Carlos Conde highlights the role of social media disinformation in shaping the perceptions of younger voters about the Marcos era.
Malaysia's COVID Woes Spotlight 'Terrible' Migrant Worker Housing
Malaysia is enforcing new worker housing standards after a COVID-19 outbreak at Top Glove, the world's leading latex glove maker, with most cases linked to migrant worker dormitories. Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced immediate enforcement and fines for substandard housing. Human Resource Minister Saravanan Murugan described some dorm conditions as 'terrible' and initiated investigations into Top Glove subsidiaries. Labor rights groups have long criticized the poor living conditions for migrant workers. Despite Act 446, which extends housing standards to all sectors, and the Human Resource Ministry conducting surprise inspections, companies like Top Glove have been slow to comply, leading to the country's largest COVID-19 cluster. Employers are seeking more time and government assistance, fearing fines could further harm businesses already struggling due to the pandemic.
Russia's Putin Says No to Lockdown Despite Spiking COVID Cases
Russia is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, with over 1.5 million cases and 27,301 fatalities. Despite the strain on the healthcare system, President Vladimir Putin has ruled out a national lockdown, which had previously impacted the economy and his approval ratings. Moscow has implemented limited measures to combat the second wave, but regions outside the capital are facing severe challenges, including hospital bed shortages and a ban on medical professionals speaking to the media. The government is promoting the Sputnik V vaccine, which is still undergoing testing, while some local incidents highlight the dire situation in various parts of the country.
How Cultural Differences Help Asian Countries Beat COVID-19, While US Struggles
Asian countries like Malaysia have successfully curbed COVID-19 spread due to cultural factors such as collectivism, trust in government, and proactive measures, contrasting with the United States' struggle with the pandemic. The U.S. has seen defiance against stay-at-home orders and resistance to mask-wearing, leading to surges in infections. East Asian cultural influences, such as Confucianism, and experiences with past outbreaks have contributed to effective responses in the region. The U.S. government's delayed response and distrust in authorities have been highlighted as issues. Asian nations have been recognized for their efforts by U.S. officials, who have sought collaboration and shared experiences.
Malaysian Volunteers Produce PPE at Home for Front Lines
In Malaysia, volunteers like William Alvisse and his family have transformed their home into a production hub for personal protective equipment (PPE) to support front-line healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing 3-D printers, they have produced thousands of face shields, contributing to a larger volunteer effort across Malaysia that has created over 400,000 face shields, 2,000 aero chambers, and several hundred incubation boxes. The University of Malaya Medical Center and its staff, including Dr. Kathreena Kadir, have benefited from these donations. The 3-D Printing Malaysia Community for COVID-19, co-founded by Wan Cheng Huat, has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, which have been largely self-funded and driven by a desire to help during the crisis.
1 in 5 Rohingya Child Refugees Suffer Severe Mental Health Issues
Almost 20% of Rohingya children in Bangladesh refugee camps suffer from severe mental health issues, with the crisis attributed to violence experienced during Myanmar's military crackdown and daily life stress in the camps. Save the Children and other aid groups provide mental health counseling but face challenges in reaching all affected children. Despite education efforts, only 11% of youth have access to education, and there is no foreseeable end to the refugees' situation, with calls for Myanmar to facilitate voluntary repatriation remaining unheeded.
Rohingya Refugee Committees Address Women’s Camp Concerns
In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Rohingya refugee camp committees, which include equal representation of men and women, are addressing daily concerns such as the need for sanitary pads, better lighting, and new clothes. The committees advocate for refugees in meetings with the UNHCR and relay issues to the Bangladeshi government and NGOs. The UNHCR aims to expand these committees across all camps within a year. The committees help communicate the challenges faced by refugees, although they do not have rule-making authority. The Rohingya community's patriarchal norms present challenges, but female committee members like Tahera Begum and Ayesha Khatun are seen as role models and are helping to bring women's issues to the forefront.
Aid Groups in Bangladesh Take On Rohingya Child Malnutrition
Special measures are being implemented by aid groups to address severe malnutrition among Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh's camps, aiming to prevent long-term health consequences.
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