Lao Socialism with Buddhist Characteristics (April 1, 2025, Monthly Review)
Laos, the only socialist nation among the Theravāda Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia, is profoundly shaped by Buddhist traditions that permeate its history, culture, and daily life. Within this context, the spread of Marxism has inevitably intertwined with deeply rooted Buddhist values and practices. What unique religious, historical, cultural, and social conditions define the Buddhist-influenced socialist model of Laos?
Between ceasefires and catastrophe: Why South Asia needs Anwar’s diplomacy — Phar Kim Beng (May 3, 2025, Malay Mail)
In a moment when major powers appear fatigued, distracted, or indifferent, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must seize a rare opening to assert leadership beyond Asean’s borders. His statesmanship is needed now — not just to restore South-east Asian credibility, but to help steer the broader Indo-Pacific away from catastrophe.
Sustained Growth In MENA Despite Turmoil (April 3, 2025, Global Finance)
Conflict aside, the Middle East is anticipating a period of economic growth. Here are some of the trends shaping the future of the MENA economies.
It’s time for Tajikistan to embrace reform and innovation (April 14, 2025, Emerging Europe)
While remittances, hydropower schemes, and fields have long defined Tajikistan’s economy, the writing on the wall is clear—reinvention is needed. Bold investments in technology and innovation could provide a promising alternative to traditional revenue streams.
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card to be Mandatory for Foreign Tourists from May 1 (April 2, 2025, Skift)
The digital arrival card is a step forward in ensuring a smoother, more tech-driven travel experience in Thailand. But the bigger challenge? Getting travelers, mostly Chinese tourists, to feel confident about visiting again.
What next for Ukraine's economy, the 'Day After'? (April 14, 2025, EU Observer)
From energy and food sovereignty to defence and advanced technology, Ukraine is a nation of the future whose freedom Europe must protect to ensure its own long-term security and resilience—
Geopolitics helps drive Middle Eastern money to Asia as wealthy Gulf investors hedge their bets (April 20, 2025, Fortune)
Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are shifting their focus to the East. Investors in the Gulf are looking to diversify their investments—and Asia, with its young populations, vibrant tech sectors, and fast-growing economies, offers the most exciting opportunities.
Portable internet helps Asia scam centres bypass blackouts (April 25, 2025, The Straits Time)
In February, the Thai and Myanmar authorities worked together to turn off electricity and the internet in an unprecedented operation to free thousands of trafficking victims forced to work in cyber-scam centres in Myanmar. It succeeded, and some 7,000 people from 29 countries were released. But trafficking experts question how significant the blackouts were, and will be, if satellite internet technology such as Starlink, China’s SpaceSail or the French-German Eutelsat becomes abundant in the region.
'Industrial-Scale' Asian Scam Centers Expand Globally (April 24, 2025, Dark Reading)
Asian crime syndicates are running cyber scam centers at a hyperscale, earning tens of billions of dollars and expanding into new markets westward. The convergence of cybercrime, financial fraud, and organized crime poses a significant threat, especially where these syndicates excel at operating under the radar.
Fines and jail terms: Oman urges tourists to dress modestly and respect local customs (April 23, 2025, Gulf News)
Omani authorities have issued fresh guidelines urging tourists and visitors to dress modestly and respect local customs, especially when visiting villages, nature reserves, off-road areas and cultural sites.
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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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