Showing 1 - 10 of 39
Japan's crucial moments after Abe murder
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/07/2022
» It was a bullet that some people said would change Japan forever, and it certainly had people outside taking a closer look at the world's third largest economy. For me, hearing the news that Shinzo Abe had been shot on July 8 was a shock similar to the events of Sept 11, 2001, which most people agree changed the world.
Pakistan a hub for South-Central Asian integration
Asia focus, Bilal Khan, Published on 10/01/2022
» Kyrgyzstan has become the latest country to formally express its desire to join the multi-billion-dollar China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) linking Western China with the Pakistani deep seaport of Gwadar at the mouth of Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
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.
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.
Powering up rooftop solar in Thailand
Asia focus, Marko Lackovic and Isada Hiranwiwatkul, Published on 04/10/2021
» 2020 was a record-breaking year for renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic power will be at the forefront of this continued opportunity in 2021-22, with renewable energy expected to account for 90% of new capacity expansion globally.
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.
Falling birth rates spell trouble for Southeast Asia
Asia focus, Thaweelap Rittapirom, Published on 14/06/2021
» Birth rates have been declining in nearly every country for decades, alarming demographers and causing governments to begin asking a hard question -- what happens if our population growth stalls, or even begins to slide backwards?
Innovation race
Asia focus, Apiradee Treerutkuarkul, Published on 05/04/2021
» Asia's middle-income countries have undergone significant economic transformation and enjoyed dramatic growth in the past decade. Yet, many still lack the ability to create innovation essential for driving productivity, economic development and sustainability, all of which are critical for their future prosperity.
On the platforms
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 15/03/2021
» Work is no longer something that takes place only in brick-and-mortar stores, high-rise office buildings or factories, but also in virtual space, thanks to the rise of fast and always-on information technology.
We need better leadership
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 19/10/2020
» As the political temperature in Thailand is rising again, with thousands of young people on the streets to voice their displeasure with the government, the country is looking for strong yet sensible leadership. I think all of you agree.