Showing 41 - 50 of 360
Show women some respect
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/11/2023
» Nov 25 will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Despite the event being almost two weeks away, local women's advocacy groups this week are calling on the Election Commission (EC) to work with parliament to draft a new code of ethics to prevent election candidates accused of sexual harassment or assault from participating in politics.
Getting historic renovations right
Oped, Atch Sreshthaputra, Published on 09/11/2023
» There has been some good news about the conservation of heritage architecture in Thailand in recent years -- but bad news as well. First, the good part: our society is waking up to the value of heritage. Despite little public funding and weak legal protection, some old buildings and sites are being conserved. Many people, companies and institutions throughout the nation now recognise that preserving our historic architectural resources improves our economy, communities and quality of life.
Reshaping Japan research funding
Oped, Published on 08/11/2023
» Rightly concerned about a decline in Japanese universities' research capabilities, the Japanese government has created a ¥10 trillion (2.4 trillion baht) fund to address the problem. While cash accounts for around 11% of the new University Fund of Japan (UFJ), the remaining 89% takes the form of a 20-year "loan" from the government, which borrowed the money from the market at a very low interest rate.
Santa Srettha faces test
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/10/2023
» The government's 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme has drawn question marks after more than 100 of the country's noted economists signed a petition urging the government to revise the scheme.
France's latest crude, culinary counter-offensive
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 08/09/2023
» The French government has just published a decree banning the use of terms like "steak", "spare ribs" and "ham" on plant-based foods. Sausages and "poultry nuggets" will escape the ban so long as the plant protein content is less than 6%.
The presidential poll isn't perfect. Vote anyway
News, Published on 31/08/2023
» Predictability is the name of the game in Singapore's elections. The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and its candidates always win handsomely. And while their margin of success is the envy of political parties and politicians the world over, for the PAP every single point counts. It is a sign of just how satisfied Singapore's 3.5 million or so citizens are with the ruling party. And a signal of whether longevity and legitimacy amount to the same thing.
Making Asean more relevant to youth
Oped, Published on 31/08/2023
» International Youth Day is celebrated annually in August. Growing up as a young person in Singapore in the 1980-90s, I was more in tune with the arts, music, and literature of American and British influences than I was with local and regional popular culture. I was also more familiar with Western-based landmarks, for example the Eiffel Tower, than I was with those in Southeast Asia, such as Borobudur Temple. That was how oblivious I was of the region I was living in.
Rethinking education for gifted pupils
News, Published on 28/08/2023
» In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the pursuit of academic excellence remains a cornerstone of societal progress. However, a critical aspect often overlooked in this pursuit is the education of gifted students. In Thailand, as in many parts of the world, the emphasis has largely been on ensuring struggling students make it through the system. Yet, it is time to direct our focus towards nurturing the untapped potential of gifted students, giving them the space and support they need to flourish and contribute meaningfully to our society.
America's 'new' China narrative hits the stands
Oped, Published on 24/08/2023
» Three recent articles in The New York Times have signalled a "new" narrative about China. Only weeks ago, China was America's fearsome "peer competitor" on the world stage. But now, we are told, it is a wounded dragon. Once a threat by dint of its inexorable rise, now it poses a threat because it is in decline.
Will India be a new economic superpower?
Oped, Published on 11/08/2023
» In March 1985, the Wall Street Journal showered India's new prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi, with its highest praise. In an editorial titled "Rajiv Reagan", the newspaper compared the 40-year-old Gandhi to "another famous tax cutter we know", and declared that deregulation and tax cuts had triggered a "minor revolution" in India.