Brenden Hiskins
@bhiskins1984.bsky.social
My interests are Asia literacy in Australia. I have a Masters degree in Asian Studies from Monash University and a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Melbourne. My Linktree page is http://www.linktr.ee/brendenhiskins/
Pinned
Postings Over Christmas-New Year Period 2025/26
An announcement for how my various channels will work from next month until mid-January 2026. Beginning on Monday 1 December 2025 through 11 January 2026, the BlueSky and Mastodon channels will be …
bhiskins.wordpress.com
Please note that beginning 1 December 2025 at 0001 AEDT (UTC+1100), there will be changes due to the Christmas-New Year Period. You can get more details on the changes on my personal website at bhiskins.wordpress.com/2025/11/03/p....
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
Unlike the 🇺🇸 USA ... in 🇦🇺 Australia we're not stupid, in school we're all educationally taught public health & safety protocols for pandemics, natural disasters etc ... to maturely stick on the same, page. If there is any threat...they never sugar coat it… knowing we won't be stupid dealing with it.
December 1, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Unlike the 🇺🇸 USA ... in 🇦🇺 Australia we're not stupid, in school we're all educationally taught public health & safety protocols for pandemics, natural disasters etc ... to maturely stick on the same, page. If there is any threat...they never sugar coat it… knowing we won't be stupid dealing with it.
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
6 years today the first COVID case was identified in a man in Wuhan marking the beginning of a global pandemic that changed the world. We are way less prepared today to face another pandemic than we were back then. This fact makes me sad.
November 30, 2025 at 10:52 PM
6 years today the first COVID case was identified in a man in Wuhan marking the beginning of a global pandemic that changed the world. We are way less prepared today to face another pandemic than we were back then. This fact makes me sad.
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
“Asia capability is not a niche concern. It underpins Australia’s ability to maintain social cohesion, navigate geopolitical tensions, and…” Read Zane Goebel in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australians-risk-becoming-strangers-our-own-region
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australians-risk-becoming-strangers-our-own-region
Australians risk becoming “strangers in our own region”
A parliamentary inquiry confronts decades of decline in language learning and cultural knowledge of the region.
www.lowyinstitute.org
December 1, 2025 at 1:36 AM
“Asia capability is not a niche concern. It underpins Australia’s ability to maintain social cohesion, navigate geopolitical tensions, and…” Read Zane Goebel in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australians-risk-becoming-strangers-our-own-region
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australians-risk-becoming-strangers-our-own-region
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
“The possibility remains that external powers are exploiting the institutional rivalry between police…” Read Jennifer Williams, Nava Nuraniyah and Julian Droogan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-interference-indonesia-s-buzzer-networks
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-interference-indonesia-s-buzzer-networks
Foreign interference and Indonesia's buzzer networks
New X data reveals the networks amplifying false narratives, yet attribution remains frustratingly elusive.
www.lowyinstitute.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:51 AM
“The possibility remains that external powers are exploiting the institutional rivalry between police…” Read Jennifer Williams, Nava Nuraniyah and Julian Droogan in The Interpreter.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-interference-indonesia-s-buzzer-networks
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/foreign-interference-indonesia-s-buzzer-networks
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
South Korea: Lee vows to address unresolved ‘acts of insurrection’ ahead of 1st anniversary of martial law bid – IANS nagpuroranges.com/south-korea-...
December 1, 2025 at 4:35 AM
South Korea: Lee vows to address unresolved ‘acts of insurrection’ ahead of 1st anniversary of martial law bid – IANS nagpuroranges.com/south-korea-...
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
Pope Leo XIV calls creation of Palestinian state “the only solution” to Israeli–Palestinian conflict
youtu.be/pTSUl6BW_3k
youtu.be/pTSUl6BW_3k
Pope Leo XIV calls creation of Palestinian state “the only solution” to Israeli–Palestinian conflict
YouTube video by ONEST
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 6:02 AM
Pope Leo XIV calls creation of Palestinian state “the only solution” to Israeli–Palestinian conflict
youtu.be/pTSUl6BW_3k
youtu.be/pTSUl6BW_3k
The G20 main page has been updated for the US Presidency (and the G20 Leaders Meeting in Miami). And a warning, once you have seen this image, you cannot unsee this image
December 1, 2025 at 7:05 AM
The G20 main page has been updated for the US Presidency (and the G20 Leaders Meeting in Miami). And a warning, once you have seen this image, you cannot unsee this image
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
⚠️ BREAKING:
Scientists Detect Live H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) in Ticks Feeding on Gulls, Raising Alarms Over a Possible New Transmission Vector
Scientists Detect Live H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) in Ticks Feeding on Gulls, Raising Alarms Over a Possible New Transmission Vector
December 1, 2025 at 2:03 AM
⚠️ BREAKING:
Scientists Detect Live H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) in Ticks Feeding on Gulls, Raising Alarms Over a Possible New Transmission Vector
Scientists Detect Live H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4b) in Ticks Feeding on Gulls, Raising Alarms Over a Possible New Transmission Vector
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
⚠️ BREAKING:
Scientists Warn H5N1 Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Ever
The virus is spreading across the world and mutating into an expanding family of viral strains unlike anything seen before.
Scientists Warn H5N1 Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Ever
The virus is spreading across the world and mutating into an expanding family of viral strains unlike anything seen before.
November 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
⚠️ BREAKING:
Scientists Warn H5N1 Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Ever
The virus is spreading across the world and mutating into an expanding family of viral strains unlike anything seen before.
Scientists Warn H5N1 Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Ever
The virus is spreading across the world and mutating into an expanding family of viral strains unlike anything seen before.
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
⚠️ BREAKING:
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
November 30, 2025 at 1:38 AM
⚠️ BREAKING:
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Spain 🇪🇸 Reintroduces Mask Mandate as COVID-19 and Flu Surge Push Hospitals Toward Crisis
Reposted by Brenden Hiskins
🚨 BREAKING:
University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow Warn Bird Flu Viruses Can Withstand Fever, Posing a Major Threat to Humans
University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow Warn Bird Flu Viruses Can Withstand Fever, Posing a Major Threat to Humans
November 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
🚨 BREAKING:
University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow Warn Bird Flu Viruses Can Withstand Fever, Posing a Major Threat to Humans
University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow Warn Bird Flu Viruses Can Withstand Fever, Posing a Major Threat to Humans
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
December 1, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
A note that starting today until mid-January, there will only be posts on Monday to Friday and I will finish up at 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) Monday to Friday only. There will be no posts Saturdays or Sundays due to Christmas-New Year. Normal programming will resume on 12 January 2026.
November 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
A note that starting today until mid-January, there will only be posts on Monday to Friday and I will finish up at 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) Monday to Friday only. There will be no posts Saturdays or Sundays due to Christmas-New Year. Normal programming will resume on 12 January 2026.
It is now 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
November 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
It is now 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
For those who are interested, the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2025 is now available at power.lowyinstitute.org, and there will be a series of articles on the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2025 on my personal website in early 2026.
Map - Lowy Institute Asia Power Index
Map the distribution of power across 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific with @LowyInstitute Asia Power Index
power.lowyinstitute.org
November 30, 2025 at 3:32 AM
For those who are interested, the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2025 is now available at power.lowyinstitute.org, and there will be a series of articles on the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2025 on my personal website in early 2026.
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
November 30, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2200 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
It is now 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
November 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM
It is now 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone on BlueSky and Mastodon.
This has been flying under the radar, but The Korea Times has been running a series of articles called "Korean Art Odyssey". The following link is for the fifth article in the series, but do check out all the articles in the series. www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/ar...
Beyond K-wave: Can museums turn pop culture-driven curiosity into lasting understanding? - The Korea Times
DENVER, Colo./WASHINGTON — For decades, the American public’s image of Korea, if it existed at all, was largely confined to the 1950-53 war and the...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
November 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM
This has been flying under the radar, but The Korea Times has been running a series of articles called "Korean Art Odyssey". The following link is for the fifth article in the series, but do check out all the articles in the series. www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/ar...
We are still recovering from COVID-19, but there are reports that the bird flu that had been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and mammals could lead to a pandemic that would be worse than the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to WHO the risk of the development of a human pandemic remains low
November 29, 2025 at 8:08 AM
We are still recovering from COVID-19, but there are reports that the bird flu that had been spreading among wild birds, poultry, and mammals could lead to a pandemic that would be worse than the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to WHO the risk of the development of a human pandemic remains low
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
November 29, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Hello and welcome to another day here on BlueSky and Mastodon. I will be with you until 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) tonight. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Lets get into today here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
Time is up for this week's quiz. If you guessed that the SKY universities in South Korea are Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei, then you are correct.
Next quiz will be in mid-January 2026.
Next quiz will be in mid-January 2026.
November 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Time is up for this week's quiz. If you guessed that the SKY universities in South Korea are Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei, then you are correct.
Next quiz will be in mid-January 2026.
Next quiz will be in mid-January 2026.
It is now 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
BrendenHiskins | Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
www.linktr.ee
November 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
It is now 2300 AEDT (UTC+1100) and it is time for me to love you and leave you here on BlueSky and Mastodon. You can check out all my content 24/7 through Linktree at www.linktr.ee/brendenhiski... at your leisure. Until tomorrow, it is good night to everyone here on BlueSky and Mastodon.
At the current time, there is a lot of tension between China and Japan following comments about Taiwan by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi. This had resulted in restrictions on cultural exchanges between the two nations, similar to the Hallyu ban a couple of years ago. www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainmen...
Chinese fans brace for curbs on Japanese culture, echoing hallyu ban - The Korea Times
What was meant to be an ordinary concert for fans of Japanese singer-songwriter Kokia in Beijing turned into disappointment when the show was abrup...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
November 28, 2025 at 8:09 AM
At the current time, there is a lot of tension between China and Japan following comments about Taiwan by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi. This had resulted in restrictions on cultural exchanges between the two nations, similar to the Hallyu ban a couple of years ago. www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainmen...
A lot of people say that the best time to learn a foreign language is when you are a child. But is this necessarily true? Well, according to this 2017 article by Warren Midgley, this is not necessarily true, and that the best method is dependent on how old you are. www.weforum.org/stories/2017...
Think you've missed your chance to learn another language? You're wrong
Being young may not be the most important factor in learning a second language.
www.weforum.org
November 28, 2025 at 6:54 AM
A lot of people say that the best time to learn a foreign language is when you are a child. But is this necessarily true? Well, according to this 2017 article by Warren Midgley, this is not necessarily true, and that the best method is dependent on how old you are. www.weforum.org/stories/2017...
US President Donald Trump wants to control Australia's immigration policy through the acquisition of immigration data and no outrage from anyone in Australia (theconversation.com/trump-wants-...). Imagine the outrage if Xi Jinping want immigration data from Australia and not Trump? Cue the outrage.
Trump wants Australian data on migrant crime. This will only scapegoat vulnerable people
The Trump administration claims “mass migration” is a threat to “Western civilisation”. But research shows migrants don’t commit crimes at disproportionate rates.
theconversation.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:27 AM
US President Donald Trump wants to control Australia's immigration policy through the acquisition of immigration data and no outrage from anyone in Australia (theconversation.com/trump-wants-...). Imagine the outrage if Xi Jinping want immigration data from Australia and not Trump? Cue the outrage.