International News
ADB Released Unprecedented US$23.6bn for Asia-Pacific’s Climate & Development Challenges in 2023
In a landmark move, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has earmarked a staggering US$23.6 billion for assistance in 2023, with a significant portion, US$9.8 billion, dedicated to combating climate change across the Asia-Pacific region. This announcement, made in a press release dated 25 April 2024, marks the highest annual financing allocated by the ADB for […]
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Malaysia Injects US$8.34bn into Port Expansion to Race with Singapore; Criticises Thai Land Bridge Project
Malaysia has unveiled a monumental investment of US$8.34 billion to bolster its port infrastructure, aimed at challenging neighbouring Singapore’s dominance in maritime trade. The expansion project, strategically positioned along the Malacca Strait, signifies Malaysia’s bid to strengthen its foothold in the competitive global logistics arena. Simultaneously, Malaysia has expressed scepticism towards the Thai Land Bridge, […]
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New Business Model of an Indigenous-Led Project to Deploy 1m Solar Panels & Produce 50k Green Hydrogen for Agriculture
The East Kimberly Clean Energy Project, valued at US$3 billion, is set to revolutionise Australia’s energy landscape by deploying 1 million solar panels combined with existing hydropower infrastructure to produce 50,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. This green hydrogen will be further converted into ammonia for use as sustainable agricultural fertilizer. According to the World […]
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Construction Begins on Quảng Trị’s US$580m Deep-water Port After 4-Year Delay
Construction of the long-awaited Mỹ Thủy deep-water port project in Quảng Trị Southeast Economic Zone finally commenced on Monday, following a four-year delay, according to Vietnamnews on 26 March 2024. Approved by the Prime Minister on 4 January 2019, with a total investment of VNĐ14.2 trillion (US$580 million), this project is of paramount importance to […]
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World Bank Forecasts 4.6% Growth for Developing Asia in 2024, Despite China Declines from 5.2% to 4.4%
The World Bank has projected a growth rate of 4.6% for developing Asia-Pacific countries, excluding China, in 2024, as outlined in their recent economic report released and updated by Asia.nikkei on 1 April 2024. Despite China’s economy moderating to 4.5% from last year’s 5.2%, trade recovery is expected to drive growth in the region, surpassing […]
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87% of Property Developers in Asia Pacific Targeting 100% Green Certified Portfolios by 2030
A recent study by JLL unveils a significant trend in the Asia Pacific region, with nine out of ten commercial real estate occupiers striving to achieve 100% green-certified portfolios by 2030, driven by corporate net zero carbon (NZC) goals. This revelation comes from Retalkasia’s report dated 26 March 2024. According to global real estate consulting […]
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COP28 Targets Tripled Renewable Energy by 2030, Unveils Asia’s US$7bn Solar and US$58bn Wind Power Market
At the recent COP28 summit in Dubai, the world witnessed a monumental agreement among over 100 nations to triple renewable energy production by 2030. This ambitious pact, unparalleled in its scale and urgency, aims to nearly double the current annual growth rate of renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal power, heralding a decisive step […]
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Chinese-Built Dams Imperil Mekong River Health: Threatening Extinction of 1 in 5 Fish Species
Approximately one in five (20%) of the fish species inhabiting the Mekong River are at risk of extinction due to unsustainable hydropower plant development practices, according to the research, spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and 25 other marine and wildlife conservation organizations published on 4 March 2024 updated by SCMP on 22 March […]
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Empowering ASEAN Citizens: Google and ASEAN Foundation Launch Digital Literacy Initiative
Google.org and the ASEAN Foundation have joined forces to introduce the ASEAN Digital Literacy Program (ADLP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating digital literacy among citizens across the ASEAN region, equipping them with essential skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively, according to pattayamail published on 22 March 2024. The unveiling of the ASEAN Digital […]
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Saudi Arabia to Welcome World’s First ‘Dragon Ball’ Theme Park Covering 500km2
Toei Animation has announced that Saudi Arabia will be the site of the world’s inaugural theme park based on the beloved “Dragon Ball” franchise, marking a significant milestone in entertainment ventures. The Japanese studio has entered into a strategic partnership with the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the latter funding construction and associated […]
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