Showing 1 - 10 of 137
Middle powers in the US-China trade war
Oped, Published on 14/05/2025
» As US tariffs begin to reshape global trade flows, many countries are worried that a tsunami of discounted Chinese goods, originally destined for America, will hit their shores. To keep them out, especially as recessionary pressures mount, some may be inclined to impose their own tariffs on Chinese imports. In that case, China would be cut off entirely from international trade, delivering an unexpected victory for US President Donald Trump, who would undoubtedly claim credit for this new Great Wall.
Social Security Fund needs to reform
News, Editorial, Published on 26/02/2025
» It is good news that the fury over claims of lavish spending by the Social Security Office (SSO) has become a call for major reform of the Social Security Fund (SSF).
Social Security Office spending concerns
Oped, Editorial, Published on 19/02/2025
» Concerns raised about budget spending on communication and PR by the Social Security Office (SSO) have brought a much-needed spotlight on the agency that oversees the Social Security Fund (SSF).
What climate spending really costs the globe
Oped, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 24/01/2025
» Across the world, public finances are stretched dangerously thin. Per person growth continues dropping while costs are climbing for pensions, education, healthcare, and defence. These urgent priorities could easily require an additional 3-6% of GDP. Yet green campaigners are loudly calling for governments to spend up to 25% of our GDP choking growth in the name of climate change.
Labour rights in a mutating world
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 02/12/2024
» The world of work is undergoing significant changes amidst risks in a precarious setting. The poly-crisis surrounding the workplace ranges from health risks from global warming and climate change to political constraints and demographic changes with an ageing population in several parts of the world. The challenge is thus to respond with more preparedness in the life cycle of existence, where work is a major contributor to not only human livelihood but also self-esteem, a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging. In particular, the following issues thus deserve greater attention.
India must close its gender jobs gap
News, Published on 07/11/2024
» While female workforce participation consistently lags behind men's globally, there are deep regional disparities, with the largest gender employment gaps found in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) states and South Asia.
Govt indifference haunts Tak Bai deaths
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 02/11/2024
» The Paetongtarn Shinawatra government may be relieved that the Tak Bai lawsuit is over after the case was dismissed by a court following the expiry of the statute of limitations at midnight on Oct 25. But this could restart difficulties in the restive deep South.
EU needs to focus on innovation
News, Published on 14/10/2024
» In the three decades after World War II, Western Europe caught up with the United States in terms of per capita GDP. But since the mid-1990s, this trend has reversed, with the US growing twice as fast as Europe.
Protection in the megatrend age
Oped, Published on 08/10/2024
» Social protection systems are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
New IMF debt deal needs a rejig
Oped, Published on 03/10/2024
» Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka's president, recently lost his re-election bid after voters overwhelmingly rejected the debt-restructuring deals he negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other creditors. Instead, Sri Lankans elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the left-wing National People's Power (NPP) alliance and a vocal critic of IMF-imposed austerity measures, who has vowed to renegotiate the country's agreement with the fund.