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Technology

Global

Technology and Maritime Imperialism in Southeast Asia

Thursday, August 2, 2018

In light of the fierce technology-fueled geopolitical battles being waged on the world stage today, it is time to examine how technology facilitated imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. Specifically, in Southeast Asia, the Dutch and the British used telegraphs, lighthouses, and more as instruments of empire.

Japan

Undersea Cables Are a Vital Link to Cyberspace Stability

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Undersea cables are the bedrock of the global communications system. Yet, they are severely under-protected. Damage to these cables could create havoc. It is of urgent importance that governments and non-state actors work together to build a framework to ensure the security of such key infrastructure.

Global

Innovation Isn’t Just About High-Tech in Asia

Thursday, July 26, 2018

For innovation to serve everyone in emerging economies, it must go beyond the relentless pursuit of the cutting edge. Focusing more on the needs of the majority of Asian emerging market consumers will lead to more sustainable, lasting growth.

Global

The Human Face of Factory Automation

Thursday, June 21, 2018

The fashion industry's supply chain no longer meets the expectations of society and business stakeholders. More digitalization promises to bring more efficiency and transparency. But fashion factories must also foster an open culture that encourages learning and that engages workers in the process.

ASEAN

A Matter of Trust: Media and Politics in Southeast Asia

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Southeast Asians have dwindling confidence in traditional journalism. As a result, social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp have become the main source of information for voters. A combination of wider access to the internet and declining trust in longstanding news sources is changing the dynamics of democracy across the region.

China

Belt and Road’s Future Lies in California

Thursday, June 7, 2018

China’s Belt and Road Initiative seems to focus on connections with Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. But the country’s economic future is really in “netware” technology, similar to America’s. Contrary to how BRI is viewed and talked about now, China’s more profitable path actually points, as illuminated by the likes of Alibaba and Tencent, eastward to California.

Global

How Your Business Can Hedge Against Natural Disasters

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Businesses also incur massive human and economic costs during natural disasters. They can reduce these costs by diversifying geographically and technologically.

China

Shifting Mores, Stagnant Laws: Fertility Politics in East Asia

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Mired in demographic crises, East Asia is looking to new reproductive technologies as a solution. But its restrictive, reluctant embrace of these technologies runs counter to evolving social attitudes.

China

Low-End Globalization: How China Is Developing the Developing World

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Globalization is not just dominated by big brands. Low-cost knock-offs of popular items such as mobile phones also cross the globe, often from China to the rest of the world. Although it operates below the radar, this trade powers growth.

China

Trust in Ratings: China's Social Credit System

Thursday, May 17, 2018

China has launched its "social credit system," hoping to increase social trust. But when value is calculated by opaque algorithms using vast amounts of personal data, what will happen to China, and indeed, what might it mean for the world?

ASEAN

Facebook is Hurting Democracy in Myanmar

Thursday, May 10, 2018

In Myanmar, Buddhist nationalist groups have used Facebook to swamp public opinion with anti-Muslim speech. As elected representatives are pressed to follow these extreme views, Myanmar is showing the world how unreined social media can hurt democracy.

ASEAN

Anti-Fake News Remedies Worse than the Disease in Asia

Thursday, May 3, 2018

False information sways elections, and social media makes it worse. So governments are rushing through laws to block “fake news.” But in Southeast Asia, these laws will do more harm to elections than fake news.

Global

The New Tech of Epidemic Surveillance: A Magic Bullet?

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Technology is transforming epidemiology. However, algorithms, satellites, and drones offer no easy solution. Ethical and political issues need to be considered to ensure that everyone reaps the benefits of these new technologies.

China

China and the Building of Africa’s Information Societies

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Despite suspicions, China's engagement in developing Africa's telecom infrastructure has not led to an imposition of an authoritarian model of information control on the continent. Concerns should rather focus on the promotion of a top-down governmental model of development, which has proved inefficient.

India

India Changing Tack on Space Policy

Thursday, March 29, 2018

India steps up its space policy, shifting its position on militarization. Without adequate global governance, this could extend geopolitical tensions to outer space.

China

Blockchain in China: Tussle Between Control and Openness

Thursday, March 22, 2018

China seems to be of two minds about blockchain, cracking down on cryptocurrencies while recognizing the enormous potential of the technology behind them. Only permissioned, centralized versions of blockchain will be allowed to develop in China, but doesn’t this defeat the purpose of a technology designed to be open, in more ways than one?

Global

Cloned Food on Your Plate?

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Since the practice of cloning farm animals is under-regulated in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the US, European supermarkets may be selling meat and dairy products produced from clones, despite EU banning. With better regulation at both national and global levels, more accurate data could be produced to enhance transparency and traceability.

ASEAN

Asia’s Factory Workers in an AI-Driven World

Thursday, February 22, 2018

To help workers navigate the new digital economy, governments and businesses should invest in social safety net programs and education.