Life in the era of fintech: The evolving story of ASEAN’s banks
Fintech startups are disrupting traditional banking across the globe. How are ASEAN’s banks responding to this crisis of obsolescence?
Singapore’s defence ties: A balancing act
Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe’s visit to Singapore last month saw him deliver a highly anticipated speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue and enhance China’s bilateral defence pact with the city-state host.
Bracing for change: Singaporeans jump on the skills of tomorrow
Will picking up new skills be enough to protect Singaporeans from automation-induced job losses in uncertain times ahead?
Why has the long hunt for Soeharto’s ill-gotten wealth not produced results?
Attempts to return plundered public funds have been going on since the fall of Soeharto’s regime in 1998. As tackling graft becomes a national priority, why has the Soeharto family evaded justice?
Too many mangoes: a bumper harvest puts the spotlight on Filipino supply chains
A glut of mangos has left the government is scrambling to sell them before it’s too late. But poorly-regulated supply chains hamper international sales.
Lao government contests findings of UN poverty report
The Lao government has rejected the findings of a UN report that claims the country’s economic model isn’t helping poverty and inequality.
Will global economic uncertainty help the People’s Action Party in the polls?
Clouds of economic uncertainty hang over the Asia-Pacific. Singapore’s economy is suffering. But the People’s Action Party (PAP) hope heightened global economic fears will bring a boon at the polls.
Why credit cards desperately need innovation despite bumper global growth
Credit card usage is on the rise in markets across the world. But the positives are offset by the rise of digital payment solutions, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Myanmar’s internet blackout violates rights but could be the first of many
The Myanmar government has shut down internet access in Rakhine State for over a week. Critics say the military may be using the blackout as cover to commit atrocities and warn of new authoritarian tactics and abuse of power.
One nation, many religions: Thailand needs to fully embrace its diversity
At a time of heightened nationalism, Thailand needs to double down on promoting harmony between religions.