Showing 1 - 10 of 364
Time to tone down Taiwan tensions
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 08/08/2022
» It was a picture-perfect shot, really. That was my thought when I saw US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi standing side by side with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei last Wednesday. But the one-day visit to the self-ruled island by the 82-year-old American politician has created no end of tension, not only for the US and China but also many of their allies across the Asia Pacific region.
Sri Lanka syndrome: Is Bangladesh out of danger?
Asia focus, Kamal Uddin Mazumder, Published on 08/08/2022
» With global inflation rising and the fear of fuel and food crises looming large, clouds are gathering on the economic horizon of South Asian countries. Sri Lanka in particular remains mired in a crisis driven by a mix of high indebtedness, soaring inflation and poor economic management.
Why Bangladesh won't face a Sri Lanka-style crisis
Asia focus, John Rozario, Published on 01/08/2022
» The economic and political disaster in Sri Lanka has been a hot topic in recent months, with commentators looking around for signs of similar trouble in other emerging market economies.
Collaboration for the climate
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 18/07/2022
» A commitment to cooperation between countries in Southeast Asia remains the key to tackling climate change as its impact continues to take a greater toll on the region's economy and people, say experts.
Funding the future
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/07/2022
» Makhtar Diop is energetic, always eager to learn new things, and a humble leader. Since becoming managing director of the International Finance Corp (IFC) in March last year, the Senegalese economist has been actively exploring potential areas where the World Bank affiliate could expand as a financial backer, including the health sector, with a focus on Africa.
Behavioural changes key to more effective recycling
Asia focus, Ellen Martin and Jeremy Douglas, Published on 04/07/2022
» Environmental sustainability has been top-of-mind in recent years, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, as we witnessed the (almost immediate) positive effects brought about by a reduction in travel and activity.
Frontier markets fret
Asia focus, W Audi Pattarapatumthong, Published on 20/06/2022
» 2022 has been another challenging year for Asian frontier markets against the backdrop of a recovery from the protracted coronavirus pandemic. The challenges have been magnified by the impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and high commodity prices that are exacerbating inflationary pressures, even as global demand for manufactured goods remains weak.
New Asean-US era
Asia focus, Apiradee Treerutkuarkul, Published on 13/06/2022
» The special summit held last month in Washington between US President Joe Biden and nine Southeast Asian leaders clearly emphasised his administration's attempts to engage the region it sees as central to countering China's rising influence in Asia and beyond.
Steps to wellness
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 13/06/2022
» It takes about 90 minutes for an eight-seater plane departing Suvarnabhumi International Airport to reach an airport on a small island in Trat province in eastern Thailand. Then all the guests of Soneva Kiri, a luxury resort operated by an award-winning sustainable resort operator, board a speedboat for the five-minute trip to their destination on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood.
Zero plastics is not a practical solution
Asia focus, Simon Baldwin, Published on 13/06/2022
» Few materials have been more widely used than plastic due to its sheer durability, versatility and cost efficiency. Since the first synthetic plastic was produced in 1907, it has made its way into every facet of modern life, from space exploration to keeping food fresh in our kitchens.