Growing or Shrinking? How Indonesia’s Middle Class is Really Doing (March 27, 2025, Fulcrum)
Indonesia’s middle class is the backbone of its economy whose growth relies mostly on household consumption. They also pay a significant share of all indirect tax revenues and help create jobs as business owners. There has, however, been some debate about whether Indonesia’s middle class is shrinking or growing. It is important to get the narrative right.
Asia’s straining middle class (April 17, 2025, Financial Times) (Subscription required)
Bankers and consultants have long touted the opportunities of emerging Asia’s rapidly expanding middle classes to their clients. As incomes have risen, foreign direct investment has duly flooded in, fuelling further growth. But in recent years, the momentum behind the Asian consumer has been slowing.
In Tunisia, snails inch toward replacing red meat as people turn to cheaper protein (April 4, 2025, The Associated Press)
The snails are a lifeline for some in Tunisia, where youth unemployment now hovers above 40% and inflation remains high, three years after spiking to its highest levels in decades. A lack of opportunity has fueled social discontent throughout the country and, increasingly, migration to Europe.
Trump’s tariffs test Vietnam’s role as manufacturing alternative to China (April 10, 2025, Rest of World)
Vietnam remains on edge, even though Donald Trump has put sweeping tariffs on hold, granting the Southeast Asian country a 90-day window for negotiations. As Trump announced 46% tariffs on Vietnamese imports last week, the country’s manufacturing hub of Bac Ninh was gripped by uncertainty. The steep tariff signaled upheaval for small and mid-tier electronics suppliers and tighter margins for global tech giants who have their factories in the province.
Why Mongolia’s Debt Market Is Attracting Strong Investor Appetite (March 26, 2025,The Diplomat) (Subscription required)
Mongolia’s economy and investment environment require constant global engagement. While Mongolia’s landlocked position limits its exposure, it is having new success attracting businesses and investments.
Kyrgyzstan Makes Bold Move — What’s Behind Its Push to Digitize the Middle Corridor? (April 7, 2025, Coinfomania)
Kyrgyzstan is stepping up efforts to revolutionize commerce between Central Asia and Europe by digitalizing the Middle Corridor—a fast-expanding land-based trade corridor that offers a shortcut to traditional sea-based shipping lanes.
The Illicit Oil Trade That is Keeping Libya Divided (March 22, 2025, Sri Lanka Guardian)
The illicit oil trade in Libya, fueled by heavily subsidized fuels being smuggled abroad, is sustaining the country’s rival political factions. The practice has created a steady revenue stream for armed groups, further entrenching divisions and undermining UN efforts to stabilize Libya.
No Lease, No Hassle: Young Renters Check Out Hotel Life (April 8, 2025, Sixth Tone)
China has seen a surge in long-term hotel stays among young adults. With 24/7 gyms and laundry service, more young people are opting for long-term hotel deals over the traditional rental market.
Why renovating flats to make them safe for elderly is a booming business in Hong Kong (April 20, 2025, South China Morning Post) (Subscription required)
In a new trend observed by companies offering the specialised services, customers are becoming younger as more people are willing to spend on renovations at an earlier age to prepare for a safer retirement life and prevent accidents at home.
How will Xi’s visit aid or hamper Southeast Asia countries in their tariff talks with the US? (April 18, 2025, Channel News Asia)
Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping to show they won’t be bullied in tariff negotiations with the US, analysts say. But they add that it remains a delicate balancing act for ASEAN states.
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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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