Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Fragile, uneven recovery
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/01/2022
» The world has entered 2022 facing numerous uncertainties. After two years of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the emergence of the Omicron variant now poses challenges to economies even in countries where vaccination rates are high.
Year of Turbulence
Asia focus, Published on 27/12/2021
» Pandemic drags on recovery: In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many Asian countries had enviable success, avoiding large-scale outbreaks and mass deaths. But the arrival of the more transmissible Delta variant this year and sluggish vaccine rollouts compounded by low availability sent cases surging. Combined with poor monitoring and easy movement among countries, often unofficially, Southeast Asia became a virus hotspot. The ballooning health crisis collided with churning political discontent in the case of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Economically, the new wave of infections, and attendant restrictions imposed to curb the spread, stalled recoveries. After nearly two years of strict border controls, many countries started to loosen up and live with Covid. But the rise of the Omicron variant now threatens to scuttle those tentative reopening plans and usher in a third year of economic anxiety.
Ensuring a well-fed world
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 09/08/2021
» Food is the one of the main pillars of our life. However, this essential pillar is being tested in this highly challenging time. Covid-19 has reduced incomes, caused economic shock and threatened food systems around the globe.
FFP was singled out
Oped, Postbag, Published on 14/03/2020
» Re: "It's not just about FFP", (PostBag, March 12). Khun Piya Samyan defends the Constitutional Court dissolving the Future Forward Party, because "it did violate the law regarding acquisition of income". This is about the "rule of law that is equally applied to all". I fully agree with Khun Piya that the law must be applied without fear or favour -- for if not, the government would be weaponising the law to slay its enemies, so to speak.
Stuck in neutral
Asia focus, Published on 27/01/2020
» Amid ongoing uncertainties including trade tariffs and geopolitical tensions, global economic growth prospects look dim for 2020, partly due to a disappointing performance in major Asian economies.
Time to deliver
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» The Myanmar government knows it needs to improve the country's economic performance and extend the benefits of development more evenly across society. With elections only a year away, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) needs some big wins to prove to the country's entrepreneurs and the urban middle class that it is pro-business.
Sinking Cities
Asia focus, Published on 02/09/2019
» One of the most pressing challenges the world is facing as a result of climate change is rising sea levels. Scientists predict that oceans will rise by between 0.3 and 2.5 metres by 2100. This will put many coastal areas at risk, with potentially catastrophic consequences for large cities.
Dam victims deserve 'non-spin' response
News, Published on 01/08/2018
» The breaching and subsequent flooding of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Company dam in southern Laos is clearly a disaster. Some 27 people have already been confirmed dead (at the time of writing), while a further 100 remain missing. Numerous villages have been affected by the deluge, with some seemingly beyond recovery.
Welcoming more kids not enough
News, Curtis S Chin, Published on 29/12/2015
» As the year comes to a close, it's worth taking a look back at one of China's major policy decisions in its efforts to address a slowing economy and a growing demographic challenge.
Asian stocks down over Glum manufacturing data
Business, Published on 28/09/2015
» Recap: Downbeat manufacturing data from the US and China stoked fresh worries over the global economy and sent Asian stock markets down. Sahaviriya Steel Industries Plc's debt woes also rattled Thai stocks with its shares and those of its three major lenders coming under a selling spree.