Showing 1 - 10 of 122
Why Hong Kong matters
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/07/2017
» Twenty years ago on the evening of June 30, all eyes turned to Hong Kong as the tiny territory, known as a regional financial hub, global toy manufacturer and epitome of a free society, was returned to mainland China after 155 years of British rule. As a fan of the city and a regular visitor, I still remember that emotionally charged day.
Fast train to where, exactly?
Asia focus, Published on 14/08/2017
» Described by the British historian Peter Hopkirk as "the greatest assistance to the civil power in the administration of the country", an expansive railway network can bring prosperity to the settlements alongside its rails and the region it serves.
Nothing 'moderate' about Malaysia
Asia focus, Freddie Hayward, Published on 04/09/2017
» Last month, the Malaysian chapter of the group Atheist Republic posted a photo of its annual social gathering. The caption read: "Atheists from all walks of life came to meet one another … each sharing their stories and forming new friendships that hopefully last a lifetime! We rock!" What seemed like a harmless meeting of like-minded people quickly turned into a national controversy.
Gearing up for an EV world
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/09/2017
» It's welcome news for the environment when China sets out to ban the production and sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles. Even though there's no definite timetable yet, the announcement by the world's largest automobile market is already diving up the shares of automakers and battery makers in Asia, including the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) leader BYD.
Transgender voices must be heard
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 25/09/2017
» The room was filled with positive vibrations when participants from various walks of life gathered recently for an evening event to promote legal gender recognition of transgender people in Asia.
Enjoy the calm while it lasts
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 23/10/2017
» China's economy slowed marginally from 6.9% growth in the first half to 6.8% in the third quarter but is still on course to beat Beijing's full-year target of 6.5%. It was the sort of good news Communist Party bigshots were waiting to hear, coming a day after President Xi Jinping's stirring three-hour speech to their twice-a-decade congress.
More green space, please
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 08/01/2018
» Hong Kong covers an area of 2,800 square kilometres with a population of 7.3 million. It has one of the highest population densities in the world at about 6,400 people per square kilometre and rents are the highest in Asia. However, it has still managed to build more than 70 parks for its citizens to find refuge from urban stress.
Asean's busy election calendar
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/01/2018
» What should we expect for Asean in 2018? On the economic front, the overall picture remains unclear even though export growth is likely to continue on the back of improving global demand. But what is certain is that domestic politics will ultimately dominate the headlines.
Pyongyang's charm offensive
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 19/02/2018
» A budget of US$2.6 million to ensure red-carpet treatment for North Koreans at the Winter Olympics is just one sign of South Korea's eagerness to revive dialogue with its dangerous neighbour. The North appears equally keen, based on the high-profile visit to Pyeongchang by Kim Yo-jong, the Supreme Leader's sister and Pyongyang's PR queen.
Lese majeste law and reality
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 26/03/2018
» The lese majeste law in Thailand is a sensitive subject that most people prefer to avoid talking about. Under Article 112 of the criminal code, anyone can file a lese majeste complaint against anyone else and the police are obligated to investigate every single complaint. The courts can sentence anyone who "defames, insults or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent or the regent" to jail terms of between three and 15 years.