Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Time to tone down Taiwan tensions
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 08/08/2022
» It was a picture-perfect shot, really. That was my thought when I saw US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi standing side by side with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei last Wednesday. But the one-day visit to the self-ruled island by the 82-year-old American politician has created no end of tension, not only for the US and China but also many of their allies across the Asia Pacific region.
Food security an urgent priority
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 04/07/2022
» While an earlier meeting of G-20 delegates in Yogyakarta focused on strengthening the global health system, it is no surprise that the Russia-Ukraine war dominated talks at the summit of the Group of Seven rich nations last week.
The case for a four-day work week
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 09/05/2022
» Having a work-life balance is a growing priority for many workers. It has come into even sharper focus as employees learn how to live with the pressure brought by the protracted coronavirus pandemic.
Coming to grips with Omicron
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 06/12/2021
» The world was shaken again last week as the latest coronavirus variant emerged. First detected in South Africa a week earlier, Omicron is now a "variant of concern" -- the most serious category used by the World Health Organization, which said it poses a "very high" risk to public health.
Vaccine confusion must end
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 10/05/2021
» As a new wave of the global pandemic creates growing urgency in many parts of the world, Covid-19 vaccines have been in short supply. Only a handful of rich economies, among them the US and European countries, along with China, have secured sufficient supplies for their domestic vaccination programmes.
Make time to enjoy Japan
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 02/12/2019
» Landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport early on a Sunday morning (5.30 am), I was pleasantly surprised to find how convenient it was to commute to the city hotel where I had reserved a room for my one-week visit. I was welcomed at the airport exit by a Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) staffer who accompanied me to an airport bus that took me on a non-stop journey to the hotel.
Medical costs need creative rethink
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 21/01/2019
» The persistent thick haze that has blanketed Bangkok in recent weeks has led to growing disenchantment with the government and calls for meaningful action. I find it hard to believe that authorities appear to have put so little effort into planning for such outbreaks of pollution and properly warning citizens.
India needs a better EV future
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/11/2018
» I don't travel often to India and I haven't been there for a while, so I was surprised to hear last week that the country may halt the use of private vehicles in New Delhi if air pollution in the capital gets any worse.
A crack in the Great Firewall?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 02/07/2018
» Whenever China announces policies to open up its economy or facilitate investment from abroad, the news is usually welcomed at home and abroad, but such policies or measures need to be fair. Not welcome are those that create discrimination or lead to greater disparity.
China's sexist tech titans
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 30/04/2018
» The news that Alibaba is pouring US$320 billion into developing a "digital hub" in the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor has not been greeted with universal applause in Thailand. Concerns are rising about the potential negative impacts on small local operators once the Chinese e-commerce giant cements its foothold.