AI powering China’s industrial evolution
'Industry plus artificial intelligence' cresting across Chinese manufacturing landscape, driven by tech companies scrambling to develop AI agents to solve tasks.
Big Picture
Worn clothing imports rise in Pakistan as poverty surges to 45 percent
A significant number of people, unable to afford locally made branded goods, have turned to second-hand clothing markets known as landa bazaars or flea markets.
From would-be fifth tiger to Asia’s sick man: pressure to restructure Thai industry
The World Bank reclassified Thailand as a lower middle-income economy (per capita income above US$1,036) in 1988, amid hopes it would follow Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and…
China’s “emotional economy” fast evolving into a powerful engine for growth: experts
Data from marketing consultancy iiMedia Research showed that the "guzi" economy in China reached a market size of 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, up 40.63 percent from 2023, and is…
What Philippine President Marcos hit, missed in state of the nation address 2025
As President Marcos ended his address, he declared war on corruption, rebuking those engaged in defective flood-control projects that weighed down on millions of people.
China’s birth support policies target demographic changes
While the childcare subsidy is a key step toward easing the financial burden on families, it is not a cure-all. It is imperative that governments at various levels integrate the…
Pakistan calls for boosting UN peacekeeping missions’ role to resolve disputes like Kashmir
Islamabad has repeatedly called for enhancements in UN peacekeeping, with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad in April urging the integration of the use of advanced technologies to…
‘Go global or go bust’: Chinese firms venture overseas to regions like Southeast Asia for greener pastures
Southeast Asia attracts Chinese firms due to growth potential, political ties, and cheaper manufacturing costs, with Singapore favoured as a regional hub.
In Indonesia, malls are full, but shopping bags are empty
Middle-class households are showing more restraint in how they spend. One contributing factor is the rise in layoffs.
K-pop groups fade from charts — are solo artists the new trend?
The rise of solo artists reflects shifting tastes, diversified platforms and the waning impact of idol group comebacks.