Asia
AsiaNet Forum 2025: Shaping the Future of Asia’s Media and PR Industry
Industry leaders from the media and PR sectors gathered at a high-profile conference in Singapore to advocate for greater collaboration between PR firms and news agencies, urging them to combine their strengths in delivering accurate information timely.
The AsiaNet Board Meeting & Forum, held on January 22-23, brought together key stakeholders to discuss ways to empower Asia’s media and PR sectors. With a focus on innovation, digital transformation and cross-industry collaboration, the event underscored AsiaNet’s commitment to fostering growth and adapting to evolving technological landscapes.
A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Amrita Sidhu of Medianet, centred on strategies to optimise media operations in the digital age. Its panelists included:
* Nahar Khan, Executive Editor of UNB
* Pannee Yongpiyakul, Managing Director of Dataxet
* Anubha Verma, Chief Marketing Officer of Press Trust of India (PTI)
* Michiko Fujimoto, Director of Kyodo JBN
The panel explored how each agency is embracing AI within their operations. All participants agreed that, while AI presents significant opportunities, a cautious approach is necessary to preserve the credibility and trust built over decades.
AsiaNet Board Meeting & Forum urges embracing innovation
This year’s forum was themed "Embracing Innovation," highlighting the critical need for media and PR organisations to leverage technology to improve efficiency, audience engagement and competitiveness.
Key discussion points included:
* Digital transformation to modernise operations and enhance effectiveness
* Cross-industry collaboration to pool expertise and create synergies
* Innovation as a driver for sustainable growth and regional progress
Prominent representatives from AsiaNet partners, including Xinhua, VNA, Yonhap, Bernama, Medianet, United News of Bangladesh (UNB), and Kyodo News, were in attendance.
Nahar Khan, discussing as a panelist at the session, shared that UNB embraces the transformative potential of AI to enhance workflows and storytelling, but firmly believes that people must remain at the centre - shaping its application with human judgment, ethics and creativity. She added that AI-driven tools have made way for a more creative, collaborative, data-driven and a responsive newsroom environment.
Pannee Yongpiyakul shared that at Dataxet Thailand, their innovation process blends business-driven strategic planning with customer-driven insights, enabling informed decisions on pursuing and implementing innovations effectively. He also said that their technical team continuously monitors technological developments to assess their potential impact on the company and its operations.
Anubha Verma emphasised that while AI presents immense opportunities for PTI and the whole media industry, it is crucial to adopt a cautious approach to preserve the credibility and trust that have been built over decades.
Michiko Fujimoto discussed how Kyodo News, Japan's leading news agency, approaches AI within their organization.
The AsiaNet Board Meeting & Forum 2025 reaffirmed the organisation’s mission to empower its members with tools and strategies essential for thriving in the digital era. By uniting key players from Asia’s media and PR sectors, the forum set the foundation for a more innovative, collaborative and resilient regional media ecosystem.
28 days ago
Japan, Philippines to urge Trump: Maintain US engagement in Asia
Japan and the Philippines intend to emphasise to President-elect Donald Trump the critical importance of continued U.S. involvement in upholding the rule of law in Asia, particularly amid escalating security concerns, Japan's Foreign Minister said on Wednesday, reports AP.
Under President Joe Biden, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines have been fostering a strategic alliance to address China's increasingly assertive actions in the contested South China Sea and East China Sea. However, Trump's "America First" policy has raised doubts about the future extent of U.S. engagement in the region.
Blinken heads to Asia, Europe on last expected trip as top US diplomat
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, speaking at a news conference alongside his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo in Manila, stated, "We will communicate to the next U.S. administration that constructive U.S. engagement in this region is not only crucial for us but also beneficial for the U.S. itself."
Iwaya confirmed his plans to attend Trump’s inauguration on January 20 as Japan remains a close treaty ally of the U.S., alongside the Philippines.
Musk hiring cheaper tech servants from Asia: Alleges Bernie Sanders
"Given the increasingly severe strategic environment in the region, Japan prioritises both bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and strengthening trilateral collaboration with the United States," Iwaya noted.
Rising tensions between Chinese and Philippine coast guards in the heavily trafficked South China Sea have heightened fears of a larger conflict, potentially drawing in the U.S. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defend Philippine forces under their mutual defence treaty if they face armed attacks in the region.
"The South China Sea issue is a legitimate international concern as it directly impacts regional peace and stability," Iwaya remarked. He added that Japan firmly opposes any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force and urged for a de-escalation of tensions.
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, cautioned that China’s actions are becoming increasingly provocative, stating, "China is pushing us to the wall," and noting that "all options are on the table," including new international legal challenges.
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The Philippine coast guard reported that a large Chinese coast guard vessel recently patrolled the contested Scarborough Shoal and approached the northwestern Philippine coast, coming within 77 nautical miles (143 kilometres).
Meanwhile, a Chinese official in Beijing reiterated that the South China Sea falls under China’s established sovereignty, asserting that their coast guard’s activities are lawful and justified. China has consistently accused the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia of encroaching on what it considers its territorial waters.
Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo said the latest developments would be discussed during a scheduled meeting on Thursday in Xiamen between Chinese and Philippine diplomats. The two nations have engaged in ongoing talks through the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, aiming to manage disputes and prevent them from escalating into armed conflict.
1 month ago
Musk hiring cheaper tech servants from Asia: Alleges Bernie Sanders
US Senator Bernie Sanders has sharply criticised Elon Musk, accusing the tech magnate of exploiting the H-1B visa system to hire lower-wage foreign workers, particularly from India, instead of employing highly skilled American labour.
Sanders, known for his staunch advocacy for workers' rights, has called for significant reforms to the visa programme to protect local jobs.
Speaking on Thursday, Sanders argued that Musk’s reliance on the H-1B programme is motivated more by cost-cutting than by filling a skills gap. "Elon Musk is wrong," Sanders posted on social media platform X.
"The H-1B visa programme’s primary purpose is not to bring in the best and the brightest, but to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage labour from abroad."
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The Senator highlighted that companies like Tesla have used the programme to hire workers for roles such as associate accountants and mechanical engineers, positions he believes should first be offered to qualified Americans.
Sanders also noted Tesla's decision to lay off over 7,500 American workers earlier this year while continuing to employ H-1B visa holders.
The debate over the H-1B visa programme has long been contentious, with critics alleging that it undermines American workers by allowing corporations to prioritise cheaper foreign labour. Sanders joins a growing chorus of political voices, including Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, who have called for a reassessment of the programme.
However, Musk has consistently defended the H-1B visa system, claiming it addresses a critical shortage of highly skilled tech talent in the United States. Musk has pointed out that many engineers who have contributed to the success of his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, entered the US through the programme.
In response to Sanders’ accusations, Musk reiterated his position, stating that the US education system struggles to produce enough top-tier engineering talent.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, a close ally of Musk, echoed these sentiments, calling for an overhaul of the US education system to better prepare the domestic workforce.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, expressing support for the H-1B programme. He argued that the US must continue to attract skilled individuals to maintain its economic competitiveness.
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The controversy over the H-1B programme reflects broader tensions between safeguarding American jobs and ensuring access to global talent in a competitive tech landscape.
As the debate intensifies, policymakers face mounting pressure to strike a balance that addresses both concerns.
Source: With inputs from Indian media
1 month ago
MASK Associates (Pvt.) Ltd wins Asia's most promising SMEs Award
MASK Associates (Pvt.) LTD, a leading manufacturer and exporter of jute and jute-based products, has been named Asia's Most Promising SMEs 2024 by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES Awards).
Established in 2012, the ACES Awards recognise outstanding companies across Asia for their commitment to business excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
ACES Awards committee said "MASK Associates (PVT) LTD., drives sustainable growth through responsible innovation. With a commitment to balancing growth with responsibility, MASK Associates has become a key player in the global jute industry, responding to rising demand for sustainable products."
Over the years, MASK Associates has evolved into a recognized brand known for reliability, quality, and innovation. Its ability to adapt to shifting market trends has enabled it to expand product offerings and explore new markets while remaining committed to its core values. This adaptability reflects a forward-thinking approach that positions the company for continued growth.
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MASK Associates has shown a clear business direction by integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. The company's zero-waste production model ensures that every part of the jute plant is utilized, reducing waste and environmental impact. The company's adherence to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards reflects its commitment to both quality management and environmental responsibility, said a press release.
2 months ago
Despite economic success, rapidly-aging developing Asia unprepared to ensure elderly wellbeing: ADB
The number of people aged 60 and above in developing Asia and the Pacific is set to nearly double by 2050 to 1.2 billion—or about a quarter of the total population—significantly increasing the need for pension and welfare programs as well as healthcare services, said a new report on Thursday (May 02, 2024).
At the same time, economies have an opportunity to reap a “silver dividend” in the form of additional productivity from older people, which could boost gross domestic product in the region by 0.9% on average, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“Asia and the Pacific’s rapid development is a success story, but it’s also fueling a huge demographic shift, and the pressure is rising,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park.
“Governments need to prepare now if they’re going to be able to help hundreds of millions of people in the region age well. Policies should support lifetime investment in health, education, skills, and financial preparedness for retirement. Family and social ties are also important to foster healthy and productive populations of older people and maximize their contribution to society.”
Developing Asia and the Pacific is unprepared to secure the well-being of its rapidly aging population as the growing share of older people in the region face challenges from low pension coverage to health problems, social isolation, and limited access to essential services, according to the multilateral development bank.
ADB, WTO strengthen collaboration for sustainable economic growth in Asia-Pacific region
While longer lifespans reflect the region’s development success, comprehensive policy reforms are urgently needed to support the welfare of older people, according to “Aging Well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report,” released on Thursday by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at its 57th Annual Meeting.
According to the report, 40% of people over age 60 in Asia and the Pacific lack access to any form of pension—with women disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to do unpaid domestic work.
As a result, many older people in the region have no choice but to work well beyond retirement age to survive.
Among those still working at age 65 or older, 94% work in the informal sector, which typically doesn’t provide basic labor protections or pension benefits.
Physical and mental health challenges also increase with age.
FBCCI urges govt policy to facilitate backward linkage industries
Around 60% of older people in Asia and the Pacific do not attend or receive regular health checks, while 31% report depressive symptoms owing to illness, social isolation, and economic insecurity.
Older women in the region are also more likely than older men to suffer from ill health, from depression to diabetes and hypertension.
The report recommended a wide range of policy measures to support healthy and economically secure aging.
Among these are government-assisted health insurance and pension plans, improved health infrastructure, and free annual check-ups and lifestyle evaluations.
Policy makers should aim for universal healthcare coverage, while basic labor protections should be extended to older informal workers, according to the report.
By making mandatory retirement ages more flexible, helping older people stay healthy, and providing them with suitable work opportunities as well as lifelong learning and skills development, economies in the region can help older people stay productive longer.
Read more: Developing Asian economies’ growth expected to be sustained at 4.9% this year and the next, ADB President says ahead of Annual Meeting
9 months ago
10 Most Affordable Destinations in Indonesia: Winter retreats on a budget
When stepping into Indonesia, every globetrotter finds it to be a treasure-trove of islands. A nation adorned with natural wonders, each island tells a tale of its own. Especially the historical attractions along with spectacular beaches hold surprises for winter wanderlusts. Unveiling the budget-friendly gems, this list meanders through Indonesia's winter retreats. These are the most affordable tourist spots in the Indonesian archipelago.
10 Best Budget-Friendly Indonesian Destinations to Visit in Winter
Gili Islands
A trio of small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the Gili Islands are famed for their lush vegetation and world-class diving and snorkeling spots. The underwater world surrounding these islands is a mesmerizing sight, easily accessible from any point along the shoreline.
For those considering a journey from Dhaka to Lombok by air, the most economical per-head deal is USD 334 in parity with BDT 36,689.97, with the exchange rate at USD 1 = BDT 109.85.
Accommodation costs per person are generally IDR 146,755 or BDT 1,027.21 (IDR 1 = BDT 0.007), and a day's worth of meals can be budgeted at IDR 49,993 which is equivalent to BDT 349.93.
Read more: Best Asian Alternatives to the Maldives: Affordable Island Getaways
Ubud
Located in the uplands of Bali, Ubud offers a central hub of attractions. The Royal Palace, situated in the heart of town, is free for visitors, and just down the road lies the Sacred Monkey Forest, a popular destination. A bemo ride takes travelers to the famous Goa Gajah, an elephant cave in Bedulu village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for intricate carvings.
Accommodation costs in Ubud typically IDR 2,142,151 in proportion to BDT 14,993.94, with budget options such as Agung Trisna Bungalows and Inang Villa. The daily charge for food in Ubud is approximately IDR 189,959 equaling BDT 1329.61.
The most cost-effective airfare from Dhaka to Ngurah Rai Airport is USD 252 in parity with BDT 27,682.25.
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1 year ago
Best Asian Alternatives to the Maldives: Affordable Island Getaways
Nestled serenely within the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has lured travelers with its opulent allure. The pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts have made it an icon in high-end travel. Yet, for those with a more budget-conscious spirit, some exotic tourist destinations in the heart of Asia can offer almost similar experiences. Let’s take a look into some of the most popular budget-friendly Asian alternatives to the Maldives.
10 Best Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the Maldives in Asia
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
This tropical paradise, along with its mesmerizing blend of stone and sand beaches, is located in the Andaman Sea. Among this island group comprising six distinct islands, Phi Phi Don is renowned for its Monkey Beach and Maya Bay.
In the case of spending the night, Tropical Garden Bungalows come with a jungle vibe with modern amenities.
The airfare to Phitsanulok, the nearest airport to this place, from Bangladesh starts at USD 230 (BDT 25,264.65 at an exchange rate of USD 1 = BDT 109.85) per person.
Meals cost approximately THB 417 or BDT 1,289.45 (THB 1 = BDT 3.09) per day, while local transportation is estimated at THB 253 or BDT 782.33 daily.
The average cost for a couple's hotel stay in Koh Phi Phi is THB 2,956 (BDT 9,140.58).
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Koh Lipe, Thailand
This hidden gem, located in the Andaman Sea, offers hiking opportunities to take in the island's natural beauty from elevated vantage points. The island provides a variety of amenities, from bars and open-air restaurants to cafes and massage shacks.
1 year ago
Top 25 hotels in Asia, according to Tripadvisor
Asia is often considered the most diverse continent in the world. From winter escapades to tropical retreats, Asia offers a vacation experience unlike any other. To complement these retreat options, there are thousands of hotels and vacation stays available across countries. In this article, let's take a look at 25 of the best hotels in Asia and the amenities that await travellers.
Best Hotels in Asia According to Tripadvisor
This list will focus on ratings taken from Tripadvisor, one of the leading websites for hotel reviews. The platform takes reviews and ratings from thousands of users based on their experience and aggregates them to create their list. Let’s start from the bottom.
#25 Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
The last on the list is Four Seasons Hong Kong. The hotel is situated right across the famous Victoria Harbor adjoining the Hong Kong financial district. Visitors can conveniently access the Hong Kong metro and the famed Star Ferry Terminal.
The specialty of his hotel is the incorporation of several world-leading features into their service. The most notable of them are the two Michelin-starred restaurants: Caprice and Lung King Heen. The latter is also the first authentic Chinese restaurant to receive this honor.
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There is also their award-winning spa experience on the rooftop adjoining the infinity pool overlooking the Hong Kong skyline.
1 year ago
Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Places to See and Amazing Things to Do
Located around the edge of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country bestowed with natural beauty and archaeological heritage. This small country has a mix of everything from luscious beaches down south to the ethereal jungle temples in the north. It’s a maze of amazements waiting to be explored. Let's take a look at the 10 most amazing tourist attractions in Cambida.
10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Cambodia
The Temple of Angkor Wat
It's difficult to find someone who hasn’t heard of the legendary temple of Angkor Wat. This UNESCO world heritage site was built in the 12th Century by the Khmer Empire. There’s a lot to explore other than the main temple of Angkor Wat. The temple of Bayon and Ta Prohm gets a special mention in this regard.
1 year ago
G-7 leaders likely to focus on the war in Ukraine and tensions in Asia at summit in Hiroshima
The symbolism will be palpable when leaders of the world's rich democracies sit down in Hiroshima, a city whose name evokes the tragedy of war, to tackle a host of challenges including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions in Asia.
The attention on the war in Europe comes just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy completed a whirlwind trip to meet many of the Group of Seven leaders now heading to Japan for the summit starting Friday. That tour was aimed at adding to his country's weapons stockpile and building political support ahead of a widely anticipated counteroffensive to reclaim lands occupied by Moscow's forces.
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“Ukraine has driven this sense of common purpose” for the G-7, said Matthew P. Goodman, senior vice president for economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
He said the new commitments Zelenskyy received just ahead of the summit could push members of the bloc to step up their support even further. “There’s a kind of peer pressure that develops in forums like this,” he explained.
G-7 leaders are also girding for the possibility of renewed conflict in Asia as relations with China deteriorate. They are increasingly concerned, among other things, about what they see as Beijing's growing assertiveness, and fear that China could could try to seize Taiwan by force, sparking a wider conflict. China claims the self-governing island as its own and regularly sends ships and warplanes near it.
Also Read: South Korea and Japan use G-7 to push improvement in ties long marked by animosity
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also hopes to highlight the risks of nuclear proliferation during the meeting in Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first atomic bombing.
The prospect of another nuclear attack has been crystalized by nearby North Korea’s nuclear program and spate of recent missile tests, and Russia's threats to use nuclear weapons in its war in Ukraine. China, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal from an estimated 400 warheads today to 1,500 by 2035, according to Pentagon estimates.
Concerns about the strength of the global economy, rising prices and the debt limit crisis in the U.S. will be high on leaders' minds.
G-7 finance ministers and central bank chiefs meeting ahead of the summit pledged to enforce sanctions against Russia, tackle rising inflation, bolster financial systems and help countries burdened by heavy debts.
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The G-7 includes the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and Italy, as well as the European Union.
That group is also lavishing more attention on the needs of the Global South — a term to describe mostly developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America — and has invited countries ranging from South American powerhouse Brazil to the tiny Cook Islands in the South Pacific.
By broadening the conversation beyond the world's richest industrialized nations, the group hopes to strengthen political and economic ties while shoring up support for efforts to isolate Russia and stand up to China's assertiveness around the world, analysts say.
“Japan was shocked when scores of developing countries were reluctant to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine last year," said Mireya Solís, director of the Center for East Asian Policy Studies at The Brookings Institution. “Tokyo believes that this act of war by a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council is a direct threat to the foundations of the postwar international system.”
Getting a diverse set of countries to uphold principles like not changing borders by force advances Japan's foreign policy priorities, and makes good economic sense since their often unsustainable debt loads and rising prices for food and energy are a drag on the global economy, she continued.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be attending. His country, which is overtaking China as the world's most populous and sees itself as a rising superpower, is playing host to a meeting of the much broader group of G-20 leading economies later this year.
For host Kishida, this weekend's meeting is an opportunity to spotlight his country’s more robust foreign policy.
The Japanese prime minister made a surprise trip to Kyiv in March, making him the country's first postwar leader to travel to a war zone, a visit freighted with symbolism given Japan's pacifist constitution but one that he was under domestic pressure to take.
Another notable inclusion in Hiroshima is South Korea, a fellow U.S. ally that has rapidly drawn closer to its former colonial occupier Japan as their relations thawed in the face of shared regional security concerns.
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to hold a separate three-way meeting with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts.
Sung-Yoon Lee, an East Asia expert at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, said that meeting sends a message to China, Russia and North Korea of “solidarity among the democracies in the region and their resolve to stand up to the increasingly threatening autocracies.”
Biden had been expected to make a historic stop in Papua New Guinea and then travel onward to Australia after the Hiroshima meeting, but he scrapped those latter two stops Tuesday to focus on the debt limit debate back in Washington.
The centerpiece of the Australia visit was a meeting of the Quad, a regional security grouping that the U.S. sees as a counterweight to China’s actions in the region. Beijing has criticized the group as an Asian version of the NATO military alliance.
The decision to host the G-7 in Hiroshima is no accident. Kishida, whose family is from the city, hopes the venue will underscore Japan's “commitment to world peace” and build momentum to “realize the ideal of a world without nuclear weapons,” he wrote on the online news site Japan Forward.
The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, destroying the city and killing 140,000 people, then dropped a second on Nagasaki three days later, killing another 70,000. Japan surrendered on Aug. 15, effectively ending World War II and decades of Japanese aggression in Asia.
The shell and skeletal dome of one of the riverside buildings that survived the Hiroshima blast are the focal point of the Peace Memorial Park, which leaders are expected to visit.
1 year ago