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Despite a low undergraduate GPA of 2.99/4.0, Vietnamese student Trinh Phuong Quan secured a 50% scholarship for a master's program in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University, ranked third globally. Quan, who also holds a master's in Sustainable Design from NUS and a bachelor's from HCMC University of Architecture, applied in early 2022. Stanford waived GRE requirements, focusing on transcripts, statement of purpose, and English proficiency—Quan was exempt from the latter due to prior study in Singapore.

Reflecting on his low GPA, Quan admitted it stemmed from both grading system transitions and personal lack of focus. Still, he provided context by showing he ranked in the top 5% of his class and listing 10 architectural awards. He submitted his NUS transcript to strengthen his case.

Quan offered three application tips: (1) GPA is more important than some believe, as it reflects consistency and discipline. If GPA is low, applicants should explain the context and highlight class rank. (2) The statement of purpose should focus on professional goals and how the program aligns with them, not personal stories or achievements. Quan emphasized his interest in sustainable architecture and his plan to finish the program in one year. (3) Be honest—exaggerations in applications can lead to rejection, regardless of credentials.

He concluded that Vietnamese degrees can be strong enough for top universities if applicants work hard, and an IELTS 7.0 is sufficient for U.S. graduate study.

Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) is negotiating with China for a one-year relaxation of airport slot usage rules to help Thai airlines adjust flight allocations amid a continued decline in Chinese tourist arrivals. Once Thailand's top tourism source, Chinese visitor numbers remain low due to post-pandemic behavioral shifts and safety concerns. In response, Thai airlines are targeting growth in Middle Eastern and ASEAN markets, with CAAT prioritizing high-spending Chinese tourists for the year-end peak.

From February to June 2025, Thailand saw 72.68 million air passengers—13.11% below pre-pandemic levels—with 39.31 million international and 33.37 million domestic travelers. Thai Airways reports increasing bookings for late 2025 and expects other markets to make up for the Chinese shortfall. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has revised its 2025 forecast for Chinese arrivals to 5 million, down from 6.9 million, and is focusing on charter flights, better tour packages, and broader city connections.

CAAT also aims to bolster Thailand's role as a regional aviation hub through infrastructure expansion and more air routes. Two new carriers, FlyIntira and Siam Wings Airline, were recently licensed. Meanwhile, the Thai government assures tourists that the country remains safe, noting that recent border incidents are limited to specific provinces.

Japanese actress Maki Yoko, 43, has announced she is expecting her second child with her 27-year-old boyfriend, actor Katsushika Shin. In a video shared via Oricon, Maki proudly revealed her baby bump and described the pregnancy as “a miracle,” expressing both joy and caution due to her age.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining her mental well-being during this time. Maki, known for her roles in Infection and The Grudge (2004), had her first child in 2009 with ex-husband Reio Katayama. Her relationship with Katsushika, who appeared in the 2025 crime drama Keishicho Mayaku Torishimarika Mogura, became public in 2023.

Ten Indian nationals were denied entry into Malaysia on July 25 despite the country's visa-free policy for Indian passport holders. During a seven-hour immigration operation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport targeting high-risk flights, authorities screened over 400 travelers and rejected 99, including 10 Indian men.

Officials cited suspicious travel histories and vague reasons for visiting as reasons for the denial. The individuals underwent background checks and interviews before being deported. This comes as Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry to Indian tourists until the end of 2026 to support its tourism recovery.

Beijing officials admitted they were unprepared for the extreme rainfall that hit the city between July 23–29, resulting in 44 deaths and nine missing persons, mostly in rural suburbs. The toll includes 31 fatalities at an elderly care center in Taishitun. The storms forced widespread evacuations, submerged homes, and cut off roads and electricity.

Top city official Xia Linmao acknowledged gaps in weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure in mountainous areas. Local leaders, including Miyun district's Communist Party chief, also admitted to lacking awareness of extreme weather risks. The incident highlights China's growing vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, despite its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060.