What do Koreans think about their lives?
Koreans feel wealthier but less happy while foreign residents show stronger life satisfaction despite lower income and housing security
Economic Affairs
Japan eyes plan to accept up to 1.23 million foreign workers by end of fiscal 2028
The Japanese government will hold discussions with the ruling parties about the plan, and the Cabinet will make a decision in late January.
Indonesia’s nutrition agency faces criticism over free meal program during school break
It was argued that a temporary suspension of the free meal program would enable the government to reallocate its budget to more pressing priorities.
South Korean cinema confronts its toughest year in decades
Multiplexes struggle to fill seats and major productions falter as shifting consumer habits reshape an industry at a crossroads.
Cheap child care? South Korea’s Filipina caregiver program found it wasn’t
The cost of the child care service has reached levels comparable to those provided by Korean nationals in Seoul, as the city failed to implement a lower wage system.
Malaysians go on spending spree with credit cards in December
Bank Negara data shows Malaysians’ credit-card spending spikes in December — with average monthly spending around RM16.62 billion, about 19.3% higher than other months —…
Vietnam’s population to peak around 2059 as ageing accelerates
New projections show Vietnam’s population will keep growing for decades and peak around 2059, before slowing or stabilising — even as ageing, gender imbalance and internal…
Ride-hailing no easy option for students struggling to commute in Kathmandu
In the absence of reliable public transport, students increasingly depend on ride-hailing apps, only to find them unaffordable, unavailable, or unreliable.
Poll finds high approval rating for Japan PM Takaichi’s economic measures
The approval rate appears to be supported by the economic measures put forward by the government, as well as the supplementary budget for fiscal 2025, which funds the general…
Laos eyes reduced aid support as LDC graduation nears
Discussions centered on the opportunities and risks associated with graduation from LDC status and on how various sectors can support the transition period from 2026 to 2029.