Economy and industry
In Asia's space-starved cities, urban planners bring 'dead' land to life
Urban planners and authorities in fast expanding Asian cities are increasingly turning to unused land underneath bridges, flyovers and viaducts to create much-needed public spaces. With rapid urbanization, a construction boom in South and Southeast Asian cities is resulting in more offices, houses and apartments, ...
It’s decision time for Southeast Asia as power demand soars
Southeast Asia’s energy demand is expected to grow by two-thirds by 2040, requiring massive investment in new energy generation and transmission. Installed capacity will double from 240 gigawatts to 565 gigawatts, which amounts to adding a bit more than Japan’s total electricity capacity. Keep reading ...
Vietnam says Facebook violated controversial cybersecurity law
Facebook has violated Vietnam’s new cybersecurity law by allowing users to post anti-government comments on the platform, state media said on Wednesday, days after the controversial legislation took effect in the communist-ruled country. Despite economic reforms and increasing openness to social change, Vietnam’s Communist Party retains tight ...
Thai-Chinese high-speed rail opened up to foreign finance
The government has allowed the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway planned from Bangkok to Nong Khai to secure funding from overseas financial institutions, instead of from only domestic ones as earlier stipulated. Keep reading ...
How China’s Big Overseas Initiative Threatens Global Climate Progress
China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a colossal infrastructure plan that could transform the economies of nations around the world. But with its focus on coal-fired power plants, the effort could obliterate any chance of reducing emissions and tip the world into catastrophic climate change. Read ...
Pending US-China talks give investors hope
Global stock markets rallied ahead of the upcoming US-China trade negotiations amid reports of easing tensions. But investor confidence remains fragile as market participants are monitoring the US government shutdown and a sharp fall in Apple share prices after it warned of slowing sales. Keep reading ...
Việt Nam to test 5G mobile network this year
Việt Nam will enhance its telecommunications infrastructure, expand its broadband network and develop 5G mobile connectivity this year. Keep reading ...
Sudden Public Hearing on Mekong “Rapids-Blasting” Project Catches Community Group by Surprise
As a new year dawns, the waters of the Mekong River remain turbulent with uncertainty. While many take holidays and prepare for the new year, the people of the Mekong face an unknown future. Earlier this month, residents along the Mekong in Chiang Rai were preparing ...
Long An maintains top position in FDI attraction in Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta province of Long An last year issued licenses to 90 new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a combined capital of 450 million USD, thus maintaining its leading position in FDI attraction in the region, according to local authorities. Statistics also show that ...
Environmental damage continues months after Laos dam collapse
IN July, a hydroelectric dam collapse in Laos released five billion cubic meters of water into surrounding countryside – the equivalent of two million Olympic swimming pools. The resulting flood killed dozens, devastated communities, forced thousands to flee and ripped through areas of protected rainforest. The ...
