AGN Morning Update | 13 March 2025
Welcome to today’s AGN Morning Update, bringing you the latest headlines from Malaysia, the international scene, and across Asia.
🇲🇾 Malaysia: UM Leads in QS World University Rankings
Universiti Malaya (UM) continues to set the benchmark in Malaysian higher education by securing top spots in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Out of 46 subject entries, 20 have made it to the world’s top 100. The university’s highest-ranked subjects include Library and Information (ranked 29th) and Education (ranked 38th), which made a significant leap from its previous position at 70th. UM also performed well in English Language and Literature, Data Science and AI, Social Sciences, Engineering, and more. This achievement highlights Malaysia’s growing presence in global higher education, with 277 subject entries across 55 disciplines, making it the most represented country in Southeast Asia in these rankings.
🚀 International: NASA Successfully Launches PUNCH & SPHEREx Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
NASA has successfully launched its PUNCH and SPHEREx missions aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch, which took place at 11:10 PM ET (0310 UTC), marks a significant milestone in space exploration. PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) will study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, while SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) will map the sky in near-infrared light to study cosmic history and the formation of galaxies. This dual mission is set to provide groundbreaking insights into both solar and cosmic phenomena.
🌏 Asia: Duterte Arrives in the Netherlands to Face ICC Charges
A chartered plane carrying former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has landed in the Netherlands, where he will face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte, who is accused of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs, was transferred to a detention facility on the Dutch coast. The ICC has been investigating extrajudicial killings that occurred under his administration, with allegations of overseeing death squads. His upcoming court appearance will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and other breaking news. Follow AGN Global News for the latest developments.
