Showing 1 - 10 of 15
Year of Turbulence
Asia focus, Published on 27/12/2021
» Pandemic drags on recovery: In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many Asian countries had enviable success, avoiding large-scale outbreaks and mass deaths. But the arrival of the more transmissible Delta variant this year and sluggish vaccine rollouts compounded by low availability sent cases surging. Combined with poor monitoring and easy movement among countries, often unofficially, Southeast Asia became a virus hotspot. The ballooning health crisis collided with churning political discontent in the case of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Economically, the new wave of infections, and attendant restrictions imposed to curb the spread, stalled recoveries. After nearly two years of strict border controls, many countries started to loosen up and live with Covid. But the rise of the Omicron variant now threatens to scuttle those tentative reopening plans and usher in a third year of economic anxiety.
The Squid Game K-shock
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/10/2021
» When I saw the K-pop sensations BTS taking centre stage at the United Nations headquarters in New York ahead of the General Assembly last month, I was surprised by the cheerful mood of the world-renowned boy band from Asia.
Currencies slump, funds flee emerging markets
Business, Published on 08/09/2018
» Recap: Emerging stock markets, especially those in Asia, experienced heavy fund outflows as concerns mounted over the health of emerging economies in general, and contagion impact from the likes of Argentina and Turkey. The Indonesian rupiah hit a two-decade low and the Indian rupee also lost more ground. US-China trade tensions continue to cast a pall over markets as well.
At home in Asean
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/02/2018
» The first thing that impressed me about Hideaki Iwasaki, country director for the Thailand Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was his fluent English. I assumed it was the result of his educational background.
Delivering success
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 11/12/2017
» Asia's first driverless trucks began operating in October at the ExxonMobil plant on Jurong Island in Singapore, while fleets of autonomous delivery vehicles are expected to get rolling on Great Britain's motorways next year. These are just some of the headline-making developments in the brave new world of transport being promoted by the likes of Google, Tesla, Uber and major vehicle manufacturers.
Energy-Heavy set slips as equities surge elsewhere
Business, Published on 05/06/2017
» Recap: Asian and European stocks rallied after a record-breaking run on Wall Street, propelled by American hiring data that bolstered confidence in the global economy. Japan's Nikkei ended Friday above 20,000 for the first time since December 2015. Oil headed for a three-week low, however, capping gains on the energy-heavy Thai stock market.
Regional rail contender
Asia focus, Prangthong Jitcharoenkul, Published on 10/10/2016
» The rail technology leader Bombardier is seeking a stronger presence in Asia through its headquarters in Bangkok, says the company's vice-president for Asia Pacific.
BTS bets big on property
Business, Kanana Katharangsiporn, Published on 19/09/2016
» SET-listed firm BTS Group Holdings Plc is restructuring its property business to support a five-year residential development plan worth 100 billion baht and expand its commercial property segment.
Charter vote lifts set in good week for stocks
Business, Published on 15/08/2016
» Recap: Asian stock markets advanced last week, buoyed by a big gain in US jobs in July and a slowdown in the decline of Chinese producer prices. The Thai stock market rallied as investors' confidence in political stability improved after voters endorsed the draft constitution by a margin of 61% to 39% in the Aug 7 referendum. The SET was closed on Friday so there has been no market reaction yet to a series of deadly bombings that hit five southern provinces.
Asian markets await jobs data with bated breath
Business, Published on 05/10/2015
» Recap: Asian stock markets changed little as investors awaited US jobs data, crucial information for the US Federal Reserve in deciding on its first rate hike in years. However, banking stocks were under selling pressure on investor concerns that larger loan-loss provisions to cushion against rising non-performing loans could erode third-quarter profits.