Experts wonder whether pro-natalism policies help improve Vietnam’s birth rates
The country's total fertility rate is 1.91 children per woman, lower than the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman and is on a downward trajectory.
Policy Matters
Indigenous peoples’ rights: The ASEAN paradox
Among the member states of the ASEAN, only a few recognise indigenous peoples, let alone protect their rights. Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam are among those that fare the…
Indonesia’s populist policies lead to weak investor confidence, drag stock market down: Analysts
They said there are doubts about whether the Prabowo administration can sustainably fund populist programmes that have placed a strain on already stretched finances and prompted…
Airline power bank ban: Those who flout rules may be fined or have device confiscated, say experts
From April 1, Singapore Airlines and Scoot will prohibit passengers from using or charging power banks in-flight. Other Asian carriers, such as Thai Airways, Eva Air, and China…
Mt. Fuji entry fee to be raised to ¥4,000 in Shizuoka Prefecture
The ordinance also includes restrictions on entry between 2 p.m. and 3 a.m. to prevent “bullet climbing,” or climbing through the night to reach the summit.
AI seen to advance digital governance, industry, ethics in Laos
The Ministry of Technology and Communications is spearheading efforts to integrate AI into government operations and private sector industries, with a focus on key areas such as…
Vietnam accelerates AI adoption in public sector with strategic policy push
Experts, however, warn that major challenges remain, including fragmented data systems, a lack of skilled personnel and inadequate legal frameworks.
Indonesian government continues free meals program during Ramadan with processed food
The move has been highly criticized by nutritionists as such food and beverages have undergone extensive processing and contain added ingredients like preservatives, artificial…
Over 4,000 Kathmandu metropolis staffers deprived of salaries for months
Those deprived of salaries include over 1,700 teachers hired to teach the ‘Nepal Bhasa’ subject in schools under the metropolis jurisdiction, metropolis police, cleaning…
Chief Adviser Yunus orders police to ensure women’s safety
The law enforcers also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of individuals, or to protect the helpless and the poor from the powerful, he added.