Showing 61 - 70 of 114
Open data policy the key to success
News, Published on 22/03/2017
» The rapid pace of technological development gives us a powerful factor of production: data. Data can help reveal people's true preferences and patterns of behaviour. It can tell us how they live, move around and interact with one another. If used effectively, data can tremendously improve businesses as it helps them tailor products and services that cater to specific demand. Nowadays, data-driven businesses such as Facebook, Uber, Amazon and Airbnb have much higher valuations than their counterparts in traditional media, retail, car manufacturers and the hotel industry which all own vast amounts of tangible assets.
Challenge of Asia's governments is to work with aid
News, Published on 23/01/2017
» Governments across Asia have to address massive challenges -- climate change, rapidly aging populations, urbanisation and immigration -- that often outpace their financial and human capabilities. Collaboration with other sectors is increasingly seen as a way to use additional financial resources, solicit innovative ideas and tap into expertise that government may be lacking. Governments aiming to get things done at all in today's world benefit from engaging NGOs, businesses, charities and social enterprises.
Region needs innovative water plan
News, Jeremy Bird, Published on 10/11/2016
» The recurrent threat of both flooding and drought looms large over many parts of the Mekong region. This variability is natural but is increasing due to climate change. Their destructive effects can be either relieved or compounded depending on the way dams are operated.
No need to revisit dam
News, Editorial, Published on 15/09/2016
» Emotions are running high after the controversial Mae Wong dam project was dusted off amid reports it might be up for a possible fast-track approval through Section 44 of the interim charter. Extreme sentiments, however, do not lie at the heart of the matter regarding this large-scale project. It's data, and its careful consideration to determine whether the project is a worthy investment.
Don't be stung by Zika complacency
News, Surasak Glahan, Published on 08/09/2016
» What will you do if you come down with a fever, rash, red eyes, muscle and joint pain? Some of us may just take some paracetamol assuming we have contracted seasonal flu, or have a rest.
USAID, the wolf in sheep's clothing in the Mekong
News, Montree Chantawong, Published on 23/07/2016
» In 1994, the then Mekong Committee Secretariat released a report on 12 proposed hydropower projects on the lower Mekong mainstream. The proposed projects, which included the Sambor Dam in Kratie province in Cambodia, were initially criticised for their environmental impact and unfeasible finances.
As dams dry up, time to weigh alternatives
News, Published on 07/04/2016
» This week the Ubolratana dam, the first hydroelectric power project developed in the Northeast, ran dry. Opened in 1966 on the Pong River in Khon Kaen, the dam is the victim of mismanagement of the irrigation system and of global climate change.
Water needs back-to-basics approach
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 04/01/2016
» As we enter 2016, I believe many people typically think up New Year's resolutions, and that is perfectly fine. I have had no New Year's resolutions in so long that I can't remember the last time I unsuccessfully made one. This year is more or less the same.
A question of common sense
Life, Usnisa Sukhsvasti, Published on 23/11/2015
» I've been asking the wrong question all my life. From the moment you embark on a professional career, you ask: "How high is my salary going to be?". My starting salary upon graduating was a mere pittance -- a couple of thousand baht for a bachelor's degree entrance level job in government service. That was more than a few years ago, mind you.
Silence on investment projects is not the answer
News, Published on 16/07/2015
» Over the past three months, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has written to investors, developers, an international audit company and an environmental research institute to ask for the public disclosure of information relating to two of Myanmar's largest economic development projects: the Dawei and Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The ICJ asked for information regarding environmental impact assessments (EIA), environmental management plans, and financial audit reports. The ICJ received no substantive responses.