Showing 1 - 10 of 216
How realistic are China's semiconductor ambitions?
Asia focus, Keun Lee, Published on 18/07/2022
» When US President Joe Biden landed in South Korea last month, he headed straight for Samsung's massive semiconductor factory outside Seoul. There, he met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Samsung Electronics vice-chairman Lee Jae-yong, and praised the construction of a US$17-billion Samsung semiconductor factory in Texas. The economic and strategic importance of semiconductors could not have been made any clearer.
Creating Asean's interconnected energy future
Asia focus, Kar Min Lim and Marko Lackovic, Published on 04/07/2022
» A comprehensive interconnection of Southeast Asia's power grid has been a long-held dream, first emerging into serious discourse in the 1980s. Now, almost four decades later, we might finally be approaching a moment when the pressure for climate action moves this idea towards a more established reality.
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.
Climate needs urgent actions now
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 27/06/2022
» Cities around the world are no strangers to riverine flooding. In December 2021, the four main rivers running through Kuala Lumpur hit dangerous levels, causing nearby rail lines to shut down and halting mobility across the city. In March this year, storms prompted flood warnings along Australia's east coast, including in Sydney. Thousands of residents had to flee their homes.
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.
Biden-BTS summit fuels hope
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 06/06/2022
» Perhaps Joe Biden's pursuit to engage more with Asia has just started. Just days after a trip to South Korea and Japan late last month, his first visit to Asia as US president, the 79-year-old leader followed up with a message that touched the hearts of millions of Asians, particularly those living in his country.
The Quad at a crossroads
Asia focus, Brahma Chellaney, Published on 23/05/2022
» When the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue was first conceived as a strategic coalition of the four leading democracies in the Indo-Pacific, many doubted it would amount to much. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi mocked it as a "headline-grabbing idea" that would dissipate "like the sea foam in the Pacific or Indian Ocean".
China debates a financial stability guarantee fund
Asia focus, Wei Hongxu, Published on 16/05/2022
» A Chinese government proposal for a financial stability guarantee fund to safeguard against systemic risks has attracted attention from many parties. Some have differing opinions on how to best resolve the current financial risks related to defaults and debt reduction, especially among property developers.
Time for plastic detox
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 09/05/2022
» Anyone who has ever strolled along a beach is familiar with the sight … plastic straws, snack packaging, some of it dating back years, plastic bottles and other junk washed up on the sand. It's enough to spoil your vacation memories -- and it's also part of a global crisis.