School safety and discipline: Penang, Malaysia launched action after a probe into alleged humiliation, physical violence and threats by a teacher against a Year Six pupil, with the teacher removed from direct contact and the child referred for counselling. Violence prevention funding: The Philippines’ 2027 national budget proposal would add guidance counselors, with P802m earmarked to hire 2,021 new roles to strengthen mental health support and early intervention. Back-to-school logistics and access: Qatar reported 2.2m students starting the 2026/27 year after ministry preparations; Sarawak said schools will reopen based on air quality readings, with outdoor activities paused at higher pollution levels. Capacity and learning conditions: Legazpi City inaugurated an eight-classroom building for Rawis Integrated School to end shifting schedules, while Qatar also approved opening six new government schools and appointing/reshuffling principals. Equity and language in higher education: Maharashtra will set up Marathi departments across private colleges and universities. Accountability in schools: Rajasthan suspended a school principal after a viral video allegation involving girl students. Higher education and AI: Universities in Australia are using AI avatars and “study buddy” tools, sparking debate over whether teaching is being hollowed out.