Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia Intensify Preparations, Tensions Ahead of 2025 Elections

In August 2025, several countries in Asia faced significant political and electoral challenges, with Bangladesh preparing a comprehensive roadmap for its general elections amid political tension, Myanmar's military junta pushing forward controversial election plans alongside military offensives, and Cambodia intensifying crackdowns on dissent while escalating border tensions with Thailand. Meanwhile, in the United States, Genentech announced plans to build a $700 million manufacturing facility in North Carolina to produce metabolic medicines, highlighting the role of federal programs initiated under President Donald Trump that aim to accelerate domestic manufacturing investments. On the sustainability front, efforts to improve energy efficiency and resilience in commercial lighting are advancing, with new voluntary reporting standards proposed to address lifecycle environmental impacts beyond energy consumption. New Jersey continues to grapple with updating its Energy Master Plan, facing political and public resistance to ambitious clean energy goals, reflecting broader challenges in achieving consensus on energy policy transitions. Additionally, in California, efforts to enhance home resilience against wildfires through energy-efficient building codes and specific protective measures like ember-resistant attic screens have proven effective, demonstrating the importance of integrating energy efficiency with disaster preparedness.