Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Tech disrupted by reality
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 20/06/2022
» When Covid-19 emerged more than two years ago, millions of people including myself suddenly found ourselves stuck at home. To survive the unprecedented challenges and stress, I started to befriend mobile apps I hadn't used before to buy things and pay bills online, among them the e-commerce platform Shopee.
Journeys of discovery
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 16/08/2021
» Sipping green tea after having a Thai lunch at his house, Farid Bidgoli looks relaxed yet energetic, and ready for an interview. From his appearance and accent, the 42-year-old executive looks exactly like someone from the UK where he was born, though he is half Iranian with a spirit inherited from his father.
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
How South Korea stopped Covid-19 early
Asia focus, Myoung-hee Kim, Published on 11/05/2020
» South Korea experienced one of the world's largest initial outbreaks of Covid-19 outside China. But, unlike the United States and many European countries, we have been able to contain and drastically reduce the spread of the virus, at least so far -- and without imposing a nationwide lockdown.
Funny business
Asia focus, Nikhil Kumar, Published on 16/03/2020
» Navin Prabhakar became a household name in 2005 when he appeared on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge on television. Today he is among the standup comedians making a good living by making corporate executives and employees laugh.
Indian court case lifts lid on kidnappings for marriage
Asia focus, By Narendra Kaushik in New Delhi, Published on 02/09/2019
» Vinod Kumar Yadav still shudders when he recalls his 48-hour long marriage ordeal in December 2017. His was no match made in heaven. On the contrary, he was kidnapped, beaten up by the bride's family and hired goons and forced to tie the knot at gunpoint.
Hong Kong violence has to end
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 29/07/2019
» It all began with hundreds of thousands of people marching through the streets of Hong Kong against a proposed extradition law. It was a sight to behold because it was a non-violent protest against a repressive law that would have allowed the Communist Party of China to pursue its political opponents in the self-ruled city, dare I say, country. Then it turned ugly.
Indo-Pakistani marriages uncoupled by politics
Asia focus, Narendra Kaushik in New Delhi, Published on 29/07/2019
» Parakram Singh Bhatti, a 23-year-old Indian man, married his Pakistani bride Primal Kaur Sodha, 22, on Jan 25 this year. Mr Bhatti and his family travelled by Thar Express train to Pakistan for the marriage, which was solemnised three days after Mr Bhatti's brother, Ompal Singh, wed Kiran Kaur, a cousin of Ms Primal.
Out of the nest
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 06/05/2019
» Bankers and traders sharing war stories over drinks is a common sight all over the world, and Lawrence Morgan came to know a few popular hangouts during his career in the financial world with JPMorgan (no relation) in London and Hong Kong. But not many bankers end up deciding that owning a bar beats working on the trading floor.
Banks and tech firms: if you can't beat them, join them
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/08/2018
» Who will win the race between tech giants and banking behemoths? Experts say the current trend points more toward partnership than direct competition, but technology companies are pulling away while traditional players are catching up.