Vietnam
Laos named Southeast Asia’s top budget travel destination
With an average daily spend of just $15.97, including accommodation, food and transport, Laos has emerged as a firm favourite among cost-conscious travellers seeking authentic experiences without breaking the bank.
Hanoi’s economy booms with record foreign investment
Hanoi continues to solidify its position as the driving force of Vietnam’s economy, recording robust growth in the first seven months of 2025, despite ongoing global uncertainties.
US DoE muddies the ClimateCrisis waters with report downplaying the emissions problem
As part of the Trump administration’s attempts to take the Climate Crisis off the agenda, the US Department of Energy has released a report downplaying the impact of fossil fuels on global warming.
Sinkholes on the rise across Asia: a growing danger beneath the surface
The dramatic rescue of a motorist from a sinkhole on a busy Singapore road has cast new light on an alarming trend across Asia – the increasing frequency and severity of sinkholes swallowing roads, vehicles, and in some cases entire buildings.
Vietnam’s Central Bank raises 2025 credit growth quota to bolster economic expansion
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has announced an increase in the 2025 credit growth quota for commercial banks in a bid to stimulate economic growth, as inflation remains under control.
Phu Tho emerges as northern Vietnam’s new high-tech manufacturing hub
One notable project is the UTI high-tech factory, which broke ground in May. Covering four hectares, the facility focuses on the production of electronic components and represents an investment of approximately $20mn.
Vietnam considers multi-storey pig farms to boost livestock efficiency
Vietnam’s pig farming industry accounts for 62–65% of the nation’s total meat production and national output is projected to reach 5.2mn tonnes in 2025, with average per capita pork consumption at 37.04kg.
IMF corrects growth forecast upwards – Statista
Despite uncertain market conditions amid the Trump administration's tariff regime and major global conflicts, the International Monetary Fund has upped its global economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 slightly, Statista reported on July 30.
The Asian take on recognition of a Palestinian State
Muslim-majority nations or those seeking to expand their influence in the Middle East will support or reaffirm recognition. Meanwhile, countries embedded in US frameworks or enjoying ties with Israel are are expected to remain cautious.
Vietnam positioned to become key player in global semiconductor supply chain
Vietnam is poised to become a pivotal link in the global semiconductor industry, according to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng.
The top three ‘megatrends’ set to transform the Asia Pacific region
The rapid development of technologies such as generative AI and the metaverse is already changing how people in Asia Pacific live, work, socialise and shop.
Trump Administration's trade deals so far - Statista
On July 27, the United States and the European Union agreed on a trade deal that is lowering tariffs of 30% on European goods threatened by August to 15%, including on cars.
Recent floods across Asia kill hundreds, leave devastation in their wake
From South and Southeast Asia to Central and East Asia, communities have been grappling with flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outbursts as warming temperatures and shifting monsoon dynamics fuel increasingly erratic weather.
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Intel pulls back from Costa Rica in fresh blow to manufacturing hub
Intel Corp will close its chip assembly and testing facility in Costa Rica as part of a global restructuring programme designed to improve operational efficiency, in the latest withdrawal by a multinational manufacturer from the country.
Energy under siege: How conflict between Thailand and Cambodia threatens regional power security
Though the border clashes began as a political and territorial confrontation, their ripple effects could severely disrupt energy production, especially in areas near the conflict zone where solar installations lie exposed.
IPCC releases dire sixth climate update in run-up to COP30
“Any further delay in global action to slow climate change and adapt to its impacts will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all”.
ASIA BLOG: If the Thailand-Cambodia conflict escalates, Vietnam won’t stand idle – nor will the US and China
The current flare-up between Thailand and Cambodia feels different from previous disputes. What initially appeared to be a limited skirmish over disputed borderland and nationalist rhetoric now carries the faint, unmistakable whiff of escalation.
ICJ declares healthy environment is a human right in landmark climate ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a historic advisory opinion recognising a clean and sustainable environment as a human right, declaring that states which fail to curb emissions may be in violation of international law.
Earth overshoot day is already long past – Statista
July 24 marks this year's Earth Overshoot Day, the day that humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds the resources Earth can regenerate within that year, Statista reports. That day has already long passed.
5G, AI convergence holds key to transformative growth in ASEAN
A new report from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy has called on ASEAN governments to seize a narrowing window of opportunity to drive transformative economic growth through the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence.