Contributor
Southeast Asia Correspondent
Nguyen Thi Lan writes from Ho Chi Minh City on trade, cities and consumer change in Vietnam.
SINGAPORE —England's comprehensive football win, while geographically distant, highlights the commercial influence of its domestic league across Asia-Pacific markets.
SINGAPORE —The recent coordinated release of oil reserves aims to stabilize global prices, but its impact on regional energy security and demand dynamics for nations like Thailand remains a critical assessment.
SINGAPORE —The Taipei Times report of an ex-cyber official's indictment underscores a systemic risk for Asia-Pacific digital infrastructure, challenging notions of localized threats.
SINGAPORE —A Shanghai woman's search for a former tutor illuminates the unexpected durability of individual influence across generations and borders, challenging a focus on institutional ties.
SINGAPORE —A planned US initial public offering by smart ring maker Oura has been postponed, reflecting investor unease that extends beyond technology to broader economic conditions affecting Asia-Pacific markets.
SINGAPORE —Allegations against a prominent football club intertwine with British political figures, highlighting the complexities of international sports ownership and political accountability.
SINGAPORE —Book Bar's move to a larger community centre space suggests a unique consumption pattern for physical literary content, distinct from general Asia-Pacific digital trends.
SINGAPORE —A new digital portal in Singapore addresses refund issues for beverage container returns, revealing the complexity of consumer adoption that impacts circular economy goals across Asia-Pacific.
SINGAPORE —The alleged attack on a flydubai pilot by a colleague highlights vulnerabilities in airline security protocols, prompting re-evaluation of personnel screening across the region's operations.
SINGAPORE —North Korea's rejection of responsibility for the recent Demilitarized Zone mine blasts reflects a pattern of denial that complicates regional stability and international accountability.
SINGAPORE —Tokyo's new investment mechanism aims to boost its shipbuilders, but regional competition and global demand trends will shape its impact on nations like Thailand.
SINGAPORE —A Vietnamese student's choice to pursue higher education in China signals a change in traditional flows, raising questions about academic and economic influence across Asia.
SINGAPORE —Taiwan's sustained ties with Eswatini highlight the intricate balance of foreign policy priorities and the evolving calculus of economic influence in the region.
SINGAPORE —The Senate's approval of a comprehensive framework addresses immediate concerns, but its practical implementation and wider relevance across Southeast Asia warrant scrutiny.
HONG KONG —While new venues indicate robust demand for premium leisure, data limitations constrain broader regional conclusions.
SINGAPORE —James Payosing's move to UP underscores an intensifying domestic competition for skilled players, challenging conventional export models across Southeast Asia.
The Synvest Group's purchase of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed properties reflects a domestic-focused investment trend, distinct from broader Asia-Pacific movements.
The Gathering Summit draws thousands of Canadian executives, but its direct utility for businesses in markets like Thailand lacks measurable evidence of cross-regional brand success.
SINGAPORE —British Columbia's decision to build BC Ferries locally, reversing a plan for Chinese construction, signals potential shifts in North American procurement, with implications for Asian manufacturing sectors.
The Vancouver market's final season and liquidation signal a wider trend beyond local event economics.
SINGAPORE —DPP's focus on election integrity suggests evolving tactics and regional implications for Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE —The Philippine Arena event for Alex Eala highlights a gap between public enthusiasm and established professional pathways, presenting a challenge for regional tennis development.
SINGAPORE —The clemency for Mary Jane Veloso may reflect changing priorities in Philippine foreign relations, moving beyond established bilateral concerns.
SINGAPORE —Most of the $20 billion in disclosed opportunities depend on basic transport and logistics, with minimal progress on high-tech projects.
The almost 50% decrease in graduate job openings in a year suggests a broader economic constraint, particularly for export-dependent economies in Southeast Asia.
A Portuguese school's concrete extension sparks reflection on balancing tradition and innovation in Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving cities.
PHUKET —Phuket's Sala, a beacon of refined design and conscious luxury, redefines the modern resort experience by weaving age-old Thai aesthetics with groundbreaking sustainability.
From ancient terracing to vertical hydroponics, communities worldwide are merging ancestral wisdom with modern ingenuity to secure their harvests.
SINGAPORE —International School of Bangkok charts a course for 2025-2026, targeting future-readiness. Pacific Press assesses if these changes truly serve the diverse needs of its expat student body.
SINGAPORE —As Tokyo and Seoul grapple with hyper-urbanization, innovative designers are proving that less space can still mean more life. Nguyen Thi Lan investigates the rise of micro-housing.