Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Forest loss slowing in Indonesia and Malaysia
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 03/05/2021
» The pandemic prevented major countries and corporations from achieving environmental goals last year as they diverted resources toward economic recovery. Global rainforest conservation took one of its largest hits in almost two decades, with primary forest loss increasing by 12% from 2019, according to satellite data from Global Forest Watch.
Risks and rewards of Asia's automation boom
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 22/03/2021
» The ability of automation to disrupt businesses and economies is not a new phenomenon. In the 1800s the factory system in Europe and the development of mechanised production, particularly in the textiles and manufacturing sectors, transformed the world of work and industry and gave rise to workers' movements that smashed the equipment they said was taking their jobs.
What's next for Asian aviation?
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 08/03/2021
» The recent resurgence of Covid-19 infections across the region has snuffed out hopes that demand for travel will returning to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon. Last month, seat occupancy on Thai carriers fell to 13% of pre-virus levels, after an initial bump up to 46% in late December.
Banking on the unbanked
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 22/02/2021
» Southeast Asia's fintech scene is going from strength to strength, with the regional industry valued at up to US$100 billion at the end of last year. Yet it has so far only produced a handful of unicorns -- startups valued at more than $1 billion.
Alternative foods take the next step
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 15/02/2021
» Earth's population will expand to about 10 billion people by 2050, putting incredible strain on our ability to feed everyone. Added stresses from climate change will only increase pressure on the planet's natural resources. Heading off these challenges means we need to start getting creative about food production now.
China now tops world's movie market
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 28/12/2020
» China recently surpassed the United States to become the world's biggest movie market by ticket sales for the first time. China recorded box-office revenue of US$1.99 billion from January to October, topping US sales of $1.94 billion.
Raising the stakes with lab-grown meat
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 21/12/2020
» Singapore recently became the first government to approve the use of lab-grown meat as an ingredient in food. Many have seen the move as a bellwether for the development of a global synthetic meat market -- an innovative sector which in the long term could significantly reduce our reliance on the slaughter of animals for food while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Carbon-neutral China
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 05/10/2020
» While US President Donald Trump concentrated on turning up the political heat on China in his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Xi Jinping surprised many by using his speech to announce China's ambition to become a world leader in tackling global warming and become carbon-neutral by 2060.
Questions surround cutting-edge tech
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 07/09/2020
» As 5G technology continues to roll out around the world and digital storage becomes cheaper and more efficient, the profound impact this will have on the business world is becoming clearer than ever.
China's quantum progress
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 29/06/2020
» China has taken a step forward in the race to master the practical applications of quantum communications in space, using pairs of light particles called photons to send secure messages.