Showing 1 - 10 of 72
Myanmar's twin crises loom
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 01/08/2022
» While the rest of the world continues to be preoccupied by Covid-19 and fallout from Russia-Ukraine war, the downward spiral of Myanmar continues. A once-promising frontier market risks slipping into a Sri Lanka-like economic crisis, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis created by the cruelty of its military junta.
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.
Robust and risky Asean
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 30/05/2022
» Asian economies are looking ahead with optimism for a recovery in economic growth but with some reservations about the current global dynamics marked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising inflation and commodity prices.
Time to move on from Zero Covid
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 23/05/2022
» It's finally time for Shanghai residents to breathe easier and feel a greater sense of freedom. After nearly two months of lockdown, the commercial hub of 25 million started to allow more people to go out to buy groceries for the first time last Thursday after a fifth straight day of no new Covid-19 infections outside quarantine areas.
Will China's 'common prosperity' survive Putin's war?
Asia focus, George Magnus, Published on 18/04/2022
» Last month, as Russian forces shelled Ukrainian cities and Covid-19 infections soared, Communist Party of China (CPC) leaders gathered for their most important annual political meetings: the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Carbon neutral quest
Asia focus, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 28/03/2022
» Setting net-zero targets has moved higher on many Asian corporate agendas.
Wasted Year
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 21/02/2022
» Once perceived as Asia's final frontier, Myanmar has been tested severely by dual shocks -- a surge in Covid-19 cases in 2021 and the military coup that has brought its economy close to a standstill and left its people suffering from ongoing violence.
Myanmar tests Asean unity again
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 07/02/2022
» Feb 1 was a day of celebration as millions marked the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. But it was also a day of sober reflection as it reminded us about the military takeover in Myanmar exactly a year ago.
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.
Climate commitments must be backed by more action
Asia focus, Alfonso Garcia Mora, Published on 06/12/2021
» At the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, governments and private sector committed to new targets to achieve net-zero emissions. Notably, 137 global leaders which possess 90% of the world's forests have signed up to a pledge to half and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.