Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Our planet in peril
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/01/2020
» After three years, this will be my last commentary for Asia Focus. Time has flown by since I first sat behind this keyboard, and I have often used this space to vent my anger at dictators and complain about climate change. I will miss having this outlet for expression.
The scourge of human trafficking
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 28/10/2019
» The case of 39 people, most Vietnamese, found dead in a refrigerated trailer in Britain highlighted the fact that human trafficking and modern slavery are still a huge problem for Asia, and the entire world for that matter.
Hong Kong violence has to end
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 29/07/2019
» It all began with hundreds of thousands of people marching through the streets of Hong Kong against a proposed extradition law. It was a sight to behold because it was a non-violent protest against a repressive law that would have allowed the Communist Party of China to pursue its political opponents in the self-ruled city, dare I say, country. Then it turned ugly.
Next-level noodles
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 03/06/2019
» A staple for millions of Asian workers, students and many others living abroad, instant noodles are the region's favourite comfort food. In the cupboards of shacks and mansions alike, you'll find cups and pouches ready to be mixed with water and served. And competition in the market is fierce.
Plastic peril
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/05/2019
» The spectacle of the ever-changing sunset above a beach in front of a five-star resort on a beautiful Pacific island was a memory I will cherish forever. But my reverie was rudely interrupted by the sight that greeted me on a public beach nearby.
ADB leads ocean clean-up
Business, Erich Parpart, Published on 04/05/2019
» The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a US$5 billion (160 billion baht) healthy oceans action plan for Asia-Pacific on May 2 at its 52nd annual board of governors meeting.
Duterte can run but he can't hide
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 25/03/2019
» Last week the Philippines became the second country in the world to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after Burundi, which left in 2017. Many observers, myself included, see this as an attempt to evade an investigation into President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs, but it is not going to work.
Media freedom in the dock
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 18/02/2019
» The decision by Philippine authorities to arrest journalist Maria Ressa and the move by Thailand’s broadcast regulator to suspend the broadcaster Voice TV are the latest examples of how press freedom in Southeast Asia is deteriorating.
Save us from climate deniers
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 30/07/2018
» Are natural disasters happening more frequently or are we just hearing more about them because we live in a communication-saturated world?
Back from the dead
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 29/01/2018
» Once considered dead after US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the deal signed by his predecessor, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has come back to life with its 11 remaining members agreeing to move on with the giant free-trade agreement.