Showing 1 - 10 of 128
Success to savour
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/01/2018
» We arrive at the House of Jack Rabbit on the Bellarine Peninsula after the normal lunch hour on a Wednesday but the tables at its café are almost fully occupied. From the outside, the panoramic view is unrivalled, taking in Port Phillip Bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne.
Food wizards of Oz
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/01/2018
» Stepping into Bibelot Chocolates on Coventry Street in South Melbourne, I am in search of a hot drink after a stroll in the cool breeze. It was spring when I visited, with on-and-off showers and the temperature a brisk 17C, so hot chocolate was just what I needed.
Home cooking
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 22/01/2018
» We arrive at Brae early for our scheduled morning meeting with owner and chef Dan Hunter. That gives us time to chill out amid the natural Victoria farmland, take a deep breath of fresh air and adjust to the chilly breezes that ripple across from the country town of Birregurra.
Hanoi puts car policy in reverse
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 29/01/2018
» I shouldn't be surprised, but Vietnam's imposition of stringent checks on imported vehicles has sent shockwaves through international automakers, local consumers and also investors who see the country as a promising destination.
How free is Hong Kong?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 12/02/2018
» Acouple of incidents in Hong Kong caught my attention last week. The first was a report that the worsening influenza outbreak in the territory had prompted authorities to shut all kindergartens and primary schools just days before the scheduled Lunar New Year holidays. The flu has been especially severe this winter, having caused 111 deaths since January, and health experts warn it may not yet have peaked.
Cambodian tourism shrugs off political turmoil
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/03/2018
» Tourism, the largest industry in Cambodia, outstripping even the garment industry, has shrugged off the impact of escalating political tensions in the country, as international visitors have been drawn by improved cultural and infrastructure links with China.
Hearing women's voices
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 19/03/2018
» As a woman, I am happy to hear that Gina Haspel has been nominated by US President Donald Trump as the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Currently the CIA deputy chief, she has been tipped to succeed Mike Pompeo, who is to replace the ousted secretary of state Rex Tillerson. If confirmed by the Senate, Ms Haspel would become the first woman to lead the country's spy agency.
China's sexist tech titans
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 30/04/2018
» The news that Alibaba is pouring US$320 billion into developing a "digital hub" in the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor has not been greeted with universal applause in Thailand. Concerns are rising about the potential negative impacts on small local operators once the Chinese e-commerce giant cements its foothold.
Asean balancing act
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 14/05/2018
» China's growing influence in Asia and beyond is real. Beijing's escalating confrontation with the United States and threats of a trade war between the two superpowers are also pressing, with experts saying that would put the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the most difficult position in its 50-year history.
Hong Kong's new mission
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 28/05/2018
» Hong Kong's developed financial market, strategic location and increasing government budget for innovation and technology could further enhance the territory's capacity to help mobilise funds to support sustainable development globally.