Topic
Economy
Can Trump’s Tariffs Slow Down China’s Push to Lead High-tech Supply Chains?
By Yingfan Chen and Dingding Chen
With the incoming president's renewed threats of massive tariffs on China, it’s worth revisiting whether such policies actually achieve the desired result.
Microfinance Mouthpiece 60 Decibels Drops Case for Defense of Cambodia
By David Whitehouse
The microfinance industry's own boosters are struggling to put a positive spin on the country's debt crisis.
Japan’s 2 Trillion Yen AI Stimulus
By Shashank S. Patel
Tokyo is poised to roll out a long-awaited stimulus package that will enable Japanese firms to gain global share in the fields of semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Is Xi Jinping Undermining China’s Path to Tech Superiority?
By Deborah Lehr
Once a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial activity, China’s startup scene is now facing significant challenges as venture capital funding drops.
Is Thailand’s Power Grid a Gas Guzzler?
By Sribala Subramanian
The country's recent LNG splurge has strained the national budget.
Thailand Announces New Holidays in Bid to Stoke Tourism Growth
By Sebastian Strangio
The country is already on track for a full recovery from the downturn that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s in Malaysia’s 2025 Budget?
By James Guild
The country continues to make attempts to reduce its heavy reliance on petroleum-related revenues.
Thai Economists Warn of Political Interference in Central Bank Selection
By Sebastian Strangio
The government has nominated ex-Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong, a loyalist of the ruling Pheu Thai party, as the next chairman of the Bank of Thailand.
‘America First’ and Threading the Needle on Tech Sovereignty
By Corey Lee Bell and Elena Collinson
A disproportionately hardline policy from the incoming Trump administration could ultimately see a more isolated U.S. lose the tech war, and a great deal more.
Why Has High Speed Rail Failed in Kazakhstan?
By Joe Luc Barnes
Kazakhstan once harbored grand plans for a high-speed rail network. While its neighbors have pushed ahead with such projects, why has HSR fallen out of favor in Astana?
China Unveils $1.7 Trillion Package to Address Mounting Local Debt Woes
By Lizzi C. Lee
Despite comprehensive plans, market skepticism persists amid limited consumer stimulus and lingering long-term fiscal challenges.
The Financial Struggles at Indonesian Textile Giant Sritex, Explained
By James Guild
The garment manufacturer is struggling with a heavy debt burden, a slump in demand, and a flood of inexpensive imports.