Showing 1 - 10 of 41
The fight for press freedom is local
Asia focus, Jos Midas Bartman, Published on 20/06/2022
» A macabre political thriller recently unfolded in the Philippine province of Palawan, an island known mostly for its rich biodiversity and pristine beaches.
China must rethink Zero Covid
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 25/04/2022
» It finally feels like the world, collectively, is moving in one direction. Toward reopening. Toward the new normal. Hong Kong, after some of the world's strictest quarantine rules kept Covid-19 at bay for almost two years, last Thursday reopened gyms, beauty parlours, theme parks and cinemas for the first time in more than four months.
More young people in Myanmar taking up arms
Asia focus, Than Lwin Aye, Published on 28/02/2022
» Young people in Mon State who not long ago were actively engaged in campaigning for elections in Myanmar have shifted from protesting in the streets against the military to taking up arms to defend their rights and freedoms.
Three-way link
Asia focus, Apiradee Treerutkuarkul, Published on 07/02/2022
» Facing an increasingly uncertain strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region, the United States and one of its key allies -- South Korea -- are pursuing increased cooperation beyond Northeast Asia, a path that is expected to lead them to Southeast Asia.
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.
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.
All hail Asean's warrior princess
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 08/03/2021
» I couldn't believe that I hadn't been to the cinema for nearly a year. Blame Covid-19 for putting movie theatres off-limits, leaving us no choice but to entertain ourselves at home. It's no substitute for the pleasure of the big silver screen, but for the sake of my health, I had no choice.
A year like no other
Asia focus, Published on 28/12/2020
» In a world under siege from a relentless virus, Asia's resilience was tested to the utmost. Asia Focus staff look back at key events
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.