Why is Southeast Asia turning to nuclear power? (April 1, 2025, Deutsche Welle)
Governments across Southeast Asia are eyeing nuclear energy to fuel rapid growth while also meeting ambitious climate goals. But critics say they should instead be focusing on exploiting abundant renewable sources.
Kazakhstan’s coastline communities grapple with a receding Caspian Sea (March 22, 2025, Equal Times)
The Caspian Sea – bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan – spans an area roughly equivalent to the size of Germany. However, it has been steadily shrinking since 1995, with water levels dropping by over two metres. The repercussions are dire for biodiversity and for coastal communities, which are losing their livelihoods and contending with increasingly difficult living conditions.
A $1tn-plus pivot to tourism is unfolding across Saudi Arabia. Can it keep up? (May 15, 2025, Financial Times)
The Red Sea Project is just one element of an even larger plan to make this once closely restricted kingdom a major luxury tourist destination. For a country that has always distinguished itself by sticking to its Islamic traditions, this may strike visitors as slightly odd.
Under the Eternal Blue Sky: How Mongolian Families Are Reimagining Ger Living (May 9, 2025, The Diplomat) (Subscription required)
On the outskirts of Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, lie the ger districts, residential areas filled with traditional dwellings and marked by a lack of connectivity to water and electricity infrastructure. For generations, ger district families like Oyuntuya’s have shaped their lives around coal stoves, often spending upwards of three hours a day just tending to the fire, missing hours of precious time with their families and limiting work opportunities.
UAE to introduce AI classes for children as young as four (May 12, 2025, Financial Times) (Subscription required)
Wealthy Gulf country hopes to become a regional tech hub but has underperformed in education. The country is rolling out an artificial intelligence curriculum from the earliest years in state schools as it seeks to become a regional AI hub and avoid the past “mistake” of not reacting to the spread of social media.
Unpacking the local impacts of foreign interests in Timor-Leste (May 13, 2025, Devpolicy)
Through our Timor-Leste case study, we explored the diversity of foreign interests in relation to police reform and infrastructure development, how these interests were pursued and the impacts at the local level. What we found was a methodological challenge in untangling foreign interests and their local impacts.
Central Asia Planning to Launch Schengen-Like Visa for Tourists (March 20, 2025, ProPakistani)
Central Asia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient cities, could soon undergo a travel revolution. President Japarov’s proposal for a unified visa, reminiscent of Europe’s Schengen Area, aims to simplify travel and enhance regional integration. This ambitious initiative has the potential to redefine how travelers experience the heart of Asia.
Was Made in China 2025 Successful? (May 5, 2025, Rhodium Group)
To answer whether MIC25 was successful, we measure outcomes across four of the plan's main categories: China’s import dependency, dependency on foreign companies, global competitiveness, and technological leadership.
China's 'Loving Meals': A Heartfelt Initiative for Migrant Workers (May 13, 2025, DevDiscourse)
In China, a movement known as 'aixincan' offers free or discounted meals to those in need, particularly benefiting migrant workers in urban areas. This initiative reflects changing social dynamics amid the rise of gig economy jobs, and the erosion of traditional support networks.
Hong Kong’s robustness continues to strengthen its status as an international talent hub (May 2, 2025, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)
Financial services, aviation, shipping, and innovation and technology are among the key industries expected to generate a new surge of growth in Hong Kong. To meet changing business needs, the city is seeking high-calibre professionals from these sectors as part of its strategic approach to talent acquisition.
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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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