Up & coming: Unpacking South Asia’s growing role in global debt (March 13, 2024, World Bank)
Exploring South Asia’s debt dynamics helps us understand and better manage fiscal risks. Preparing for these challenges is crucial as the world economy embarks on transformations in energy, environment, and trade.
Can Kazakhstan Stay the Course on Economic Reform? (February 8, 2024, The Diplomat)
As Astana moves from crisis management to long-term planning mode, the challenge will be whether the government can stick to its economic reform plans.
What to Know About Declining Birth Rates in East Asia (March 1, 2024, Time)
Until the 1970s, women in the most prosperous Asian economies like South Korea, Japan, and China were having more than five children on average. Today, that trend is starkly different.
Kuwait plans ‘amnesty’ for illegals from March to May (March 2, 2024, Kuwait Times)
We want to open Kuwait, Deputy PM reveals. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah revealed on Saturday that the government is considering an ‘amnesty’ plan to allow residency violators to leave Kuwait starting in March and ending in May, noting that violators could apply for a visa to return to Kuwait via legal and approved channels.
Detained, trafficked, exploited: the plight of lone child migrants stranded in Tunisia (March 11, 2024, The Guardian)
Almost 1,500 unaccompanied children are stuck in the country, where many report being separated from parents, while globally the number of minors making journeys alone is rising
A new city is rising in Egypt. But is it what the country needs? (March 20, 2024, CNN)
In an expanse of desert 30 miles east of Cairo, Egypt, a new city is rising. Already boasting the tallest tower in Africa and the biggest cathedral in the Middle East, the city is one of a series of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s grand megaprojects intended to develop the country’s economy.
Catching a break: How gig workers find rest (March 19, 2024, Rest of World)
Whether they’re ferrying passengers or delivering food orders, gig workers often work 10 to 12 hours a day to make ends meet. As they traverse their cities, these workers scramble to find facilities to meet their basic needs — restrooms, clean places to eat meals, and safe spots to rest.
Singapore tightens rules for hiring foreign professionals (March 4, 2024, Reuters)
Singapore will raise the salary criteria for foreign executives and professionals that companies can hire starting next year, the government announced on Monday.
HK, Macao, Chinese mainland could launch multi-stop, culture-themed travel products to boost inbound tourism: political advisor (March 10, 2024, Global Times)
China's inbound tourism has been on a recovery trajectory since last year, with support measures including easing visa requirements and improved travel products.
Video: Where Will China’s Economy Go in 2024? (March 23, National Committee on U.S-China Relations)
Economists are split on whether the Chinese economy is stable or on the edge of a debt crisis. In this program on March 14, 2024, National Committee President Stephen Orlins joins Amy Celico and Barry Naughton to help make sense of different economic and policy projections for China’s economy in 2024 (and beyond).
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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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