• OPINION

  Education and the creative economy

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 02/04/2018

  » Following the raging success of the soap opera Buppaesannivas (Love Destiny), Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha floated the idea to help fund the production of Thai dramas that incorporate historical and cultural elements. If this sounds familiar, it should.

• OPINION

  Regulate innovation but don't kill it

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 23/04/2018

  » It's been an exhausting few weeks for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who stands accused of failing to prevent major data breaches and malign interference in the political process in the US and elsewhere. The CEO of the world's largest social network was roasted by US lawmakers in 10 hours of hearings for failing to protect Facebook users' private data.

• OPINION

  Curing our plastic addiction

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 14/05/2018

  » My recent visit to Taiwan reminded me of how little my own country is doing to reduce plastic waste. On an island where shoppers have to pay for plastic shopping bags, the next step is a blanket ban on single-use plastic items including straws, shopping bags, utensils and beverage cups by 2030.

• OPINION

  Creating a healthier future

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 04/06/2018

  » In response to the rapid expansion of its greying population, Singapore has introduced compulsory healthcare insurance for elderly citizens. CareShield Life, an enhanced version of the existing eldercare programme, will require all Singaporeans aged between 30 and 40 to be enrolled from 2020. Policyholders who become unable to manage basic daily functions will receive S$600 (14,320 baht) a month, increasing over time to keep pace with long-term care costs.

• OPINION

  Time to embrace the future

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 25/06/2018

  » Last week was an extremely fruitful one for innovation and tech enthusiasts in Bangkok. The capital hosted the first SingularityU Thailand Summit, Techsauce Global and the blockchain-focused Block Club Meet Up. It was my privilege to attend all of them to see and hear and be inspired by the groundbreaking advances that are transforming everything around us.

• OPINION

  The battle for greener cities

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 16/07/2018

  » Last week, images of Delhi residents wearing green saris and scarves and hugging tree trunks wrapped with cloth banners that read "Save Me" spread across social media. Citizens by the thousands had united to halt a government plan to develop residential projects that would axe thousands of trees in a single neighbourhood.

• OPINION

  Damming our way into trouble

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 06/08/2018

  » Over the past two weeks, volunteers and rescuers have been battling thick mud and floods in Attapeu province of Laos to find survivors of a deadly dam collapse.

• OPINION

  Our chemical-free future

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 27/08/2018

  » When I think of my grandmother, I always think of her in the kitchen. Growing up as the happy recipient of her home-cooked meals, I sometimes would join her there as she passed along tidbits of her cooking wisdom.

• OPINION

  Myanmar's illusory growth

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 24/09/2018

  » Since it began opening up to the world in 2011, Myanmar has been one of the most hyped economies in the region. With promising economic growth averaging 7% a year, a young workforce and abundant resources, the country of 53 million seems to present boundless opportunities for local and foreign investors alike.

• OPINION

  Ending the war against women

  Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 15/10/2018

  » Two exceptionally brave individuals, Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege, have received this year's Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end rape as a weapon of war. Their courage and persistence deserve to be applauded.

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