Showing 1 - 10 of 53
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.
Off the beaten track
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 06/01/2020
» What are you afraid of the most when travelling off the map? For most people, lack of security and accessibility probably top the list. With world tourism growing exponentially on the back of cheap flights, and GPS making it easy for anyone to find their destination, getting away from tourist traps is growing more popular in Asia.
Future farming
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 16/12/2019
» Agriculture is probably one of the last things that come to mind when one talks about artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the developing world. But it is poised to become the key to increasing productivity as the world races to feed a projected 9.7 billion people by 2050.
Connected communicator
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 16/12/2019
» Anyone meeting Baxter Jolly for the first time might be surprised to learn that he used to be an equities trader. A people person full of smiles, he doesn't seem like the type who would be sitting in front of five computer screens all day. But the experience in the high-pressure world of the stock market, he says, served him well when he switched gears and entered public relations.
Data dilemma
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 02/12/2019
» In the digital world, data is king. Businesses now understand that in order to stay relevant and ahead of competitors, they need data to know more about their customers. The more you know, the more products and services you can sell in a more personalised way, which is what buyers want.
Virtuous circle
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 07/10/2019
» The circular economy -- an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and promoting the continual use of resources -- is not something that can happen in isolation. It requires everyone from the beginning to end of the supply chain to embrace the spirit and practice of 3R: recycle, reuse and reduce.
Want to be invincible? Learn to innovate
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 16/09/2019
» If a company is continuously reinventing itself, it has a good chance of staying ahead of the competition. The problem for many companies is that once they become successful, or find a business model that works, they tend to focus on that and forget to renew themselves, says Alexander Osterwalder, a Swiss business theorist and author.
Playing it cool
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 09/09/2019
» When it comes to sports, skiing and skating are the last activities anyone associates with Southeast Asia. Outside of a few indoor skating rinks in big cities, the only ice you'll find is in drinks. And as for snow, it's non-existent except at the highest reaches of remote and forbidding Hkakabo Razi in northern Myanmar.
Good as gold
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 09/09/2019
» It is common knowledge among traders that when geopolitical tensions rise, so too does the price of gold as it is considered a safe haven compared with other investments. But Robin Lee believes gold trading shouldn't be limited only to deep-pocketed market professionals. In his view, it is a good tool for anyone interested in saving.
Charging the EV market
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 01/07/2019
» While electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to be cheaper than internal combustion engine (ICE) or conventional vehicles in Europe in just three years from now, green vehicles are still far too costly for most drivers in Southeast Asia. A lack of subsidies and infrastructure is holding back EV adoption in the region, experts say.