Showing 1 - 10 of 32
'Learn' how to drive
Oped, Postbag, Published on 21/09/2024
» Re: "No justice for Nong Cartoon", (Editorial, Sept 19).
Venice suffers from 'beauty curse'
Oped, Published on 10/09/2024
» Countries with great wealth or natural abundance often fall victim to their own blessings. Economists have long known that resource-rich countries can get stuck in cycles of slow economic growth, intense environmental degradation, and weak democratic institutions. But places endowed with a unique artistic and architectural heritage also can suffer from this "resource curse". Breathtaking monuments from a storied past can generate economic rents and sectoral distortions, not unlike those created by large reserves of fossil fuels and precious minerals.
Can AI revolutionise prosperity?
Oped, Published on 06/09/2024
» As global economic growth slows, many hope technological innovation is a potential solution. The International Monetary Fund's latest World Economic Outlook, for example, highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to boost productivity and GDP. But the report also warns that given the uncertainties surrounding the extent of AI's impact, such forecasts should be approached with a dose of caution. While AI could usher in an era of prosperity, this outcome depends on how these emerging technologies evolve.
UHC needs more funds
News, Editorial, Published on 05/09/2024
» With a Shinawatra returning to Government House, seeing the lavishing upgrade in the 30-baht universal healthcare coverage (UHC) is unsurprising. Nicknamed "the Gold Card" public healthcare system, it was conceived in 2002 under a Thai Rak Thai-led government with Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister.
In the modern era, who holds the right to truth?
Oped, Geoff Mulgan, Published on 28/08/2024
» Hardly a week goes by without a new piece of misinformation circulating online, from the freshet of conspiracy theories unleashed by the attempt on former US president Donald Trump's life to Elon Musk tweeting the far right's false claim that the United Kingdom has a two-tier policing policy. Truth is under attack, and people know it. According to a recent global survey conducted by the United Nations, more than 85% of respondents were worried about the impact of online disinformation.
Uniting to end gender violence
News, Published on 22/08/2024
» In Southeast Asia, deeply ingrained traditional gender norms often designate women and girls as primary caretakers, leading to a stark gender imbalance in both household responsibilities and societal roles. This deeply embedded gender bias, along with the uneven distribution of unpaid care work, exacerbates the challenges women face, often trapping them in abusive situations and perpetuating a cycle of inequality and economic dependence. Over time, women's autonomy and decision-making power are eroded, increasing the risk of domestic violence -- a global crisis hidden in plain sight.
Revamping development strategy
Oped, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 17/08/2024
» Thailand's economic trajectory is teetering on the edge of regression, demanding immediate attention. Thailand's growth rates in the first quarter of 2024 fell behind all Asean member countries except Myanmar. These facts cast serious doubts on the efficacy of traditional economic development strategies. The primary goal of enhancing the well-being of Thai citizens is at stake.
China needs to step back from decentralisation
Oped, Published on 10/08/2024
» The decentralisation of decision-making from the central government to local authorities is widely regarded as one of China's most effective policy reforms in the past four decades. As the Communist Party's priorities shifted from class struggle to economic development, decentralisation turned out to be a tremendous catalyst for growth.
Data can unlock more financing
Oped, Published on 06/08/2024
» Late last month, the United Nations convened world leaders and development experts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to try to focus minds on the need for more development finance. In the face of tight government budgets, a looming debt crisis, and the chronic challenge of attracting private investment, the outlook for many developing countries -- especially in Africa -- seems bleak.
Getting employed after retirement
Oped, Published on 25/07/2024
» The question of what to do after retirement and employment becomes increasingly pertinent in countries around the world including Malaysia which is making its transition into an ageing society, with an extended average lifespan of 74.8 years, according to 2023 data from the Department of Statistics.