Showing 1 - 10 of 35
Funding the future
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/07/2022
» Makhtar Diop is energetic, always eager to learn new things, and a humble leader. Since becoming managing director of the International Finance Corp (IFC) in March last year, the Senegalese economist has been actively exploring potential areas where the World Bank affiliate could expand as a financial backer, including the health sector, with a focus on Africa.
Ancient brew has retro appeal in South Korea
Asia focus, Chang W Lee and Mike Ives of the New York Times, Published on 07/02/2022
» SEOUL: Jeong Mi-hee used to buy a lot of whisky in airports. When the coronavirus pandemic brought her business travel to halt, she started paying more attention to local drinks she had overlooked.
Myanmar soldiers collecting bills at gunpoint
Asia focus, By Richard C Paddock of the New York Times, Published on 31/01/2022
» The schoolteacher had just got out of bed when four Myanmar army soldiers pounded on her door. Her electricity payment was overdue, they said, and ordered her to pay it immediately at the government power company office.
'Out with man haters', cry Korean anti-feminists
Asia focus, Choe Sang-Hun of the New York Times, Published on 17/01/2022
» SEOUL: They have shown up whenever women rallied against sexual violence and gender bias in South Korea. Dozens of young men, mostly dressed in black, taunted the protesters, squealing and chanting, "Thud! Thud!" to imitate the noise they said the "ugly feminist pigs" made when they walked.
Thai at heart
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 15/11/2021
» Born and bred in the city-state, Raymond Han is 100% Singaporean. But his bond to Thailand goes deep, spanning almost two decades. It has led him to where he is now as a top executive of Patra Porcelain, which has been making some of the country's best-known products since 1982.
Indonesian village turns trash into Covid helper
Asia focus, Prasto Wardoyo of Reuters, Published on 20/09/2021
» TEMBOK GEDE, East Java: A homemade robot designed by Indonesian villagers and scientists for fun has found a new use during the pandemic -- bringing food and, hopefully, a smile, to self-isolating residents who have contracted Covid-19.
Has Asia lost its way?
Asia focus, W Audi Pattarapatumthong, Published on 26/07/2021
» For over seven decades, Asian countries have steered their way through all kinds of difficulties and managed to emerge stronger. Remarkably high rates of economic growth, strong trade and investment and sound development policies have all contributed to a marked improvement in the quality of life of their citizens.
Sharing the Mekong
Asia focus, Paritta Wangkiat, Published on 29/03/2021
» "The Mekong River is the source of prosperity," an old saying goes, and it was once true for Pongsak Saitongmart. The 69-year-old former fisherman and his family of five largely depended on income from fishing and a vegetable farm fed by water from the Mekong.
Seeds of resilience
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 03/08/2020
» Khing Khing Soe has been growing rice, groundnuts, pigeon peas, sesame, chickpeas and onions for over two decades on her farm at Ba Lon village in Myingyan district of Myanmar. But in the past three years declining rainfall as a result of climate change has reduced her crop yields by about 30%.
Halal travel closer at home
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 20/07/2020
» Indonesia is gradually getting back to business with further relaxation of restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus, but tour operators, notably those that organise Hajj trips and minor pilgrimages (umrah) to Saudi Arabia, remain closed.