Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Year of Turbulence
Asia focus, Asia Focus Team, 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.
Huge tasks for Japan's new leader
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 04/10/2021
» When I first heard that two women -- Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda -- were seeking the leadership of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), I was blessed with a hopeful thought that maybe the result of last Wednesday's election could bring real change to Japanese society.
Four-way street
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 13/09/2021
» 'China versus the Quad" emerged as the theme of a recent panel discussion about the four-nation grouping and how it could shape its relations with other major players in the Indo-Pacific region.
US' diplomatic overtures to Asean
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 16/08/2021
» The visit by US Vice President Kamala Harris to Southeast Asia later this month underlines the importance of the 10-member bloc to US foreign policy strategy under Joe Biden's presidency.
Green recovery
Asia focus, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 21/06/2021
» While Covid-19 continues to rage across the world, the Singapore government is pushing ahead with an ambitious sustainability strategy to build back an even stringer economy and society in the post-pandemic era.
Why China is anxious about the Quad
Asia focus, Mohammad Mushfiqul Haque Mukit, Published on 24/05/2021
» Bangladesh's relations with China would be "substantially damaged" if the country joins the "Quad", a US-led security initiative that includes mutual neighbour India, declares Li Jiming, the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh.
Are the Olympics worth it?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/05/2021
» In an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Japan from today is barring the entry of foreign nationals who have recently travelled to Thailand and six other countries: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, Saint Lucia, East Timor and Mongolia. That brings to 159 the number of countries and regions under such restrictions by Tokyo.
Helping women from the ground up
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/03/2021
» We women have had a couple of things to celebrate lately. The first thing that comes to my mind is the Japanese government's decision last Tuesday -- the day after International Women's Day -- to nominate Junko Nakagawa to the board of the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
A year like no other
Asia focus, Published on 28/12/2020
» In a world under siege from a relentless virus, Asia's resilience was tested to the utmost. Asia Focus staff look back at key events
China should try a softer tone
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 30/11/2020
» Chinese President Xi Jinping has been outspoken lately, taking advantage of the leadership vacuum in Washington where Donald Trump is still sulking after his election defeat and Joe Biden won't take office for seven more weeks.