Afghanistan shows what investing in women’s education – or divesting – can do to an economy (January 3, 2025, The Conversation)
Twenty years after the first ban on women’s education ended, the Taliban resumed power in 2021 and has once again banned girls and women from attending school after the sixth grade. The economic cost could potentially reach over a billion dollars – and this doesn’t include the wider social costs associated with lower levels of education for women.
Singapore passes Bill to control bank accounts of scam victims; law will also cover cheating cases (January 7, 2025, The Straits Times)
Some stubborn scam victims lost so much money to scams – despite advice from banks, police, friends and family members – that they asked the Government for financial assistance. But with the passing of the Protection from Scams Bill, the police will be able to control the bank accounts of such victims to prevent them from transferring money to scammers.
Iran population aging fast, bucking government efforts (January 11, 2025, Daily Tribune)
Iran’s once-youthful population is aging fast, fueling economic fears as cash-strapped couples resist a government push for more children. Country’s 86-million-strong population is aging five times faster than it is growing.
Is this the year Laos breaks through? (January 9, 2024, Oman Daily Observer)
Only the most intrepid travellers followed, as Laos, Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, operated few — and no long-haul — flights, and potholed, shoddy roads were the norm. Those who made it…tacked Laos onto multi-country itineraries that included neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, all well-oiled tourism machines. Laos wants to change that.
Don't let the uncouth Indian tag catch on (January 10, 2025, The Economic Times)
Goa, India's popular tourist destination, is experiencing anger against domestic tourists on social media. The region’s 'susegad' spirit is being strained by over-tourism and unruly behavior of many visitors. This situation reflects a broader issue seen in other tourist hotspots globally. Indian tourists need to be more mindful of their behavior.
A Developed Sri Lanka Is in India’s Interest (December 15, 2024, The Wire)
India extended $1.7 billion of debt repayments which was due from Sri Lanka in a proactive manner without the Sri Lankan government even having to reach out to New Delhi. This prevented Sri Lanka from defaulting once again. The Indian government saved the day for the new National People’s Power (NPP) government which was less than a month-old at the time. This amount is almost as much as what the Modi government has spent on subsidising the Micron project. What is India’s position in Sri Lanka and why is it doing this?
Kyrgyzstan Struggles with Enforcing Western Sanctions on Russia (December 27, 2024, RegTech Times)
Kyrgyzstan is struggling to enforce Western sanctions against Russia. Despite efforts to stop the flow of goods that could support Russia’s defense sector, the country faces major challenges due to business interests, limited government resources, and its close relationship with Russia.
‘Talk till my mouth forms ulcers’: Tough times for China live streamers as Hangzhou hub loses shine (January 11, 2025, The Straits Times) (Subscription required)
Amid China's slowing economy, resident occupancy at Regent International has dipped and rental fallen. Standing at 39 storeys high in the heart of Hangzhou, this majestic S-shaped building was once the favoured home of every live streamer in the city.
How Macau’s rise as financial hub opens doors for Hong Kong (January 7, 2025, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)
Like Hong Kong, Macau benefits from the “one country, two systems” model and enjoys similar economic support. In recent years, the city has moved to boost its appeal in the financial market. This adheres to Beijing’s wish to transform Macau into another offshore financial centre. With its robust financial institutions and broad pool of investors, Hong Kong can play a vital role in incubating Macau’s financial market.
Hong Kong struggles to improve conditions in tiny, crowded homes (January 6, 2025, Reuters)
Housing is famously cramped in the Asian financial hub of Hong Kong, thanks to sky-high property prices, but a single toilet and kitchen shared by four families would make for a challenging home situation anywhere.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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