Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Can Yoon heal South Korea?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 21/03/2022
» In the run-up to the South Korean presidential election on March 9, most observers were focusing mainly on regional implications the poll might have and the regional agendas that the new leader of Asia's fourth-largest economy would pursue.
Big ideas will define a post-Covid world
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 04/01/2021
» The rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations in a number of countries provides light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, even if it doesn't spell the end of the crisis. When we finally make the transition from the current state to the next normal, we may not be sure what the world will look like, but we do know there are a few big ideas in play that could shape the near future.
RCEP poised to deliver big dividends
Asia focus, Ong Bo Yang, Published on 14/12/2020
» The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was finally signed in November after eight years of difficult negotiations. Its members -- the 10 Asean nations plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea -- represent a very diverse mix, with varying interests and priorities.
Myanmar maps out recovery and reform
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 23/11/2020
» The Myanmar government is putting the finishing touches on an ambitious new economic recovery and reform plan. To be announced during the current transition period following the Nov 8 elections, it will be part of the strategic plan for the next five years.
What the RCEP will mean
Asia focus, Suwatchai Songwanich, Published on 23/11/2020
» The long-awaited Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was finally signed on Nov 15 during a virtual meeting between leaders of the 10 Asean member states and five dialogue partners — China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
New hope in a post-Trump world
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 16/11/2020
» Following Thai politics is making me increasingly frustrated, and I'm losing hope that things will ever get back to normal. Case in point: not only do we have a cabinet minister who served four years in an Australian prison for drug trafficking, but now one of his wives has been appointed to a position in the Prime Minister's Office.
After the Covid election
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/11/2020
» Myanmar's "Covid election" has dominated the local psyche for more than a month now. The coronavirus crisis changed the nature of campaigning for the Nov 8 polls, severely affected the voting process and delayed the second stage of the government's pandemic recovery plans. While everyone was preoccupied with the polls, the country was virtually on hold.
Indonesia's virus response: Not tough enough?
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 04/05/2020
» The Indonesian government has been facing a barrage of criticism over its response, perceived by many as lacklustre and uncoordinated, to the Covid-19 crisis.
Healers need help
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 20/04/2020
» Indonesian doctors have had to up their game as they face exponential growth in coronavirus infections that have yet to peak. The challenge is compounded by dire shortage of personal protective gear and medical equipment, and a growing number of fallen comrades.
The pendulum is swinging
Asia focus, Patpon Sabpaitoon, Published on 02/03/2020
» Politics in the "Land of the Free" has entered a new era with the help of social platforms and internet ubiquity. Thailand is more politically diverse than it was just a few years ago when the kingdom was divided into three camps: anti-Thaksin, pro-Thaksin and those who were just indifferent to politics.