How Nepal’s ‘gender responsive’ budget fails the women it claims to serve
The country's gender budgeting system has become a paper exercise—reporting perfect compliance while failing to track whether programmes actually improve women’s lives.
Jinjiang model still shaping China’s growth
Balanced, comprehensive development path turns city into apparel powerhouse.
For many women in Nepal, public transport remains a space of fear
Women who regularly use public transport say harassment remains a routine part of daily travel in the country, yet only a small fraction of cases reach the police.
Not just a live-in helper: Indonesia’s new law changes how its domestic workers see their role
Indonesia has an estimated four million to five million domestic workers, with millions more working overseas, including around 166,000 in Singapore.
Brain stunting – a crisis threatening many Filipino children
“Brain stunting” is what Filipino health professionals call it, even though it is not a clinical diagnosis, health professionals told The Straits Times. It is a term used to…
A disaster that never ends: Mudflow tragedy in Indonesia’s Lapindo still shapes lives 20 years on
Despite the constant threat of flooding, ongoing land subsidence, and mounting health risks linked to contaminated water, soil, and air, residents say there has been no meaningful…
Bhutan’s growth paradox: Strong banks, struggling borrowers
Financial institutions in the country continue to be profitable, with rising deposits and a rebound in credit growth. Yet for many businesses, particularly SMEs, one obstacle…
Music concerts going gangbusters in Southeast Asia, countries vying to gain exclusivity in bringing in biggest star
The live entertainment market generates significant economic uplift through inbound tourism as visitors flock to concerts.
‘Luxurious confinement’: The changing face of Japan’s prisons
Japan’s justice system has long drawn international scrutiny for alleged human rights abuses. However, a paradigm shift is underway. In June 2025, the country implemented its…
For millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers, Eid is where home is
War and financial stress overshadow celebrations for Bangladeshi migrants in the Middle East.