Showing 1 - 10 of 19
Streamlined Toshiba retools for a new era
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 19/09/2016
» Companies are frequently compelled to rethink strategy whenever they encounter external or internal stumbling blocks. The Tokyo-based multinational Toshiba Corporation is no exception. It has undertaken a major restructuring to revive earnings and stakeholders' confidence after a tough year of negative news that included an accounting scandal.
Faith and vision
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 08/08/2016
» The success of many big businesses is attributed to the person at the top, to the point where some chief executives become celebrities and cult figures. Francis Yeoh has steered one of Malaysia's most successful multinational businesses since 1988, but he has no time for such hero-worship.
Relief as rain falls, but drought's aftermath to linger
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 30/05/2016
» The arrival of long-awaited rain this month has brought relief across large swathes of Asia from one of the worst heatwaves in decades. But the impact of the recent drought will be felt for months to come in the form of lower crop output, higher food prices and economic hardship for farmers.
Even as demand softens, China jet market is crucial
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 25/04/2016
» The growing number of Asian business moguls, especially in China, has made the region a promising new frontier for business jet makers. Greater China alone is the third largest market in a forecast by Bombardier, with 876 future deliveries worth US$33 billion, compared with the country's fleet of 300 at the end of last year.
Tourists behaving badly
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 18/04/2016
» The celebrated cherry blossom season has just ended. Flights from Bangkok to Japan were packed but I was able to find a seat on a low-cost carrier among dozens of other travellers speaking a familiar language.
Climate challenge
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 11/04/2016
» In 2011, a record-breaking flood in Thailand caused total economic damages of US$46 billion. Last year, more than 2,000 people died in India when record-breaking temperatures hit 48 degrees Celsius. Globally, 2015 was the hottest year on record.
Clash of the titans
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 22/03/2016
» The world's two biggest aircraft manufacturers; Airbus and Boeing, foresee tremendous demand coming out of Asia Pacific in the coming decades, especially for single-aisle planes from flourishing low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Oil price gyrations make fuel hedging riskier for airlines
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 15/02/2016
» In the face of plummeting oil prices that are expected to stay low at least through the end of this year, airlines might be expected to step up hedging to secure low-priced jet fuel and improve their bottom line.
Out and about
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 08/02/2016
» The growing acceptance of same-sex relationships -- including the landmark US Supreme Court decision last year that made gay marriage legal in all 50 states -- has spurred major changes in society. But discrimination persists in many parts of the world, and the rainbow community continues to fight for gender equality and acceptance, not only in their home countries but also when travelling abroad.
Getting the message
Asia focus, Wanant Kerdchuen, Published on 07/12/2015
» There was a time not long ago when mobile phone operators began to realise that voice calling was a low-margin commodity and they needed a better way to make money. As short messaging service caught on, they were confident they'd found a more lucrative solution. Now SMS is under siege from internet-based chat applications, which are also threatening mobile operators' voice business.