Contributor
Business & Society Correspondent
Daniel Okafor follows capital, labour and inequality across Asian markets for Pacific Press Asia.
SINGAPORE —An Italian award for a Taiwan novel titled ‘Ghost Town’ underscores growing concerns over underutilized urban spaces and the long-term viability of rapid development models.
SINGAPORE —Declarations of technological partnership with the US, India, and potentially other nations underscore a strategy, but lack specific outcomes for validation.
SINGAPORE —Repeated incidents raise questions about the reliability of advanced medical services in a key Asia-Pacific hub.
SINGAPORE —The decision to not acquire Denso's spark plug and exhaust sensor businesses signals a strategic recalibration, moving away from legacy component manufacturing.
SINGAPORE —The arrival of new HSR trains was met with calls for expedited service, but regulatory testing protocols prioritize safety over immediate deployment.
SINGAPORE —Insurance premiums for Himalayan hydropower projects are increasing, driven by rising climate-related flood risks and recent glacier collapses, posing financial challenges to regional energy development.
The festival's sustained local support demonstrates a value beyond tourism, offering a blueprint for cultural preservation as an economic asset in the Asia-Pacific.
The replacement of the Resource Management Act is presented as a catalyst for infrastructure development, but the shift demands scrutiny over environmental trade-offs, particularly for Asia-Pacific nations considering similar policy directions.
SINGAPORE —An official's statement on the unlikelihood of arms sales cancellation highlights a consistent US foreign policy approach, with implications for regional stability.
Hawai‘i's new requirement for financial education presents a model for the Asia-Pacific, but the challenge lies in measurable effectiveness.
A century-long ban on hand-pounded kalo, following a 1911 cholera outbreak, demonstrates the durable economic and cultural impact of broad governmental food safety interventions. Such history holds lessons for Asia-Pacific economies, including Thailand, facing similar policy challenges.
Colombia's experience with dragonfly cataloging highlights potential blind spots for species records in diverse regions.
The recent trade dispute between the United States and Canada suggests broader challenges for supply chain resilience and economic stability in Southeast Asia.
BANGKOK —Daniel Okafor reports from the Bangkok fringes, where ancient tradition meets modern sensibilities in a 'reimagined' floating market experience.
SINGAPORE —As Sydney's fintech scene matures, questions arise about its competitive edge against Singapore and Hong Kong's agile regulatory environments.
BANGKOK —An Exclusive Interview with CEO Apichart Chutrakul on Sansiri PCL's Strategic Pivot to High-End Regional Havens like Hua Hin and Koh Samui.
BANGKOK —From humble internet cafes to professional stadiums, the Kingdom's gaming scene is carving out a significant economic and cultural niche by 2026, offering new pathways for a generation.
BANGKOK —From humble street-side stands to avant-garde design havens, the Thai capital is carving out a distinctive, globally relevant coffee identity.
An exclusive conversation with Dr. Elena Petrova on navigating the post-pandemic, digital landscape to create more resonant, accessible art experiences.
As industries scramble for climate solutions, the promise of carbon capture technology looms large. But beneath the shiny rhetoric, ethical dilemmas and practical hurdles cast long shadows.
BANGKOK —From collapsing mangroves to submerged fishing villages, the Kingdom's precious coastlines are on the front lines of a global crisis. Daniel Okafor reports on the stark realities and the tenacious fight for survival.
PHUKET —As global travel patterns evolve, the Pearl of the Andaman recalibrates its strategy, moving beyond mass tourism to court a more discerning visitor.
SINGAPORE —Daniel Okafor reports from Japan, where the Setouchi Triennale 2026 is transforming forgotten islands into vibrant canvases, breathing new life into communities on the brink.
SINGAPORE —A Pacific Press Correspondent charts the inaugural 'Wellness Journey' cruise, discovering ancient healing and culinary traditions from Can Tho to Chau Doc.
SINGAPORE —Cambodian Epidemiologist's Innovations Offer a Lifeline to Vulnerable Communities