Opinion

On December 27, 2023, a Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER jet carrying 392 passengers and crew members caught fire and crashed shortly after takeoff from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Japan’s busiest airport. The incident, which was caused by a bird strike that damaged the left engine, could have been a major disaster, but miraculously, everyone on board survived and escaped without serious …

Japan is facing a dilemma of how to attract more foreign workers to fill its labor shortage, as the country is no longer the preferred destination for many migrants, according to a business magazine. Toyo Keizai (Dec 2) reported that Japan is losing its appeal for foreign workers due to its low wages, harsh working conditions, and language barrier, compared …

The year 2024 could be a turbulent one for Asia, as several geopolitical flashpoints could escalate into conflicts or crises, according to analysts and observers. One of the most contentious issues is the future of Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, has its own democratically elected …

Korea is often portrayed as a homogeneous nation with a single ethnicity, language, and culture. However, this image is increasingly at odds with the reality of a diverse and multicultural society, where people of different backgrounds, origins, and identities coexist and interact. According to the latest statistics, there are more than 2.5 million foreigners living in Korea, accounting for about …

After a slew of US diplomats visited China and the Chinese Foreign Minister promoting healthy and sustainable China-US relations earlier this month in Washington, the two countries continue to tussle for dominance. There has been little to no change in greater dialogue and communications between the US and China. But this hasn’t hindered trade between the two competitors. Chinese products …

North Korea has been developing and testing its nuclear weapons for decades, claiming that they are necessary to deter a US-led invasion and ensure its survival. However, this argument is flawed and misleading, as North Korea’s nuclear weapons are not a credible deterrent, but a source of instability and insecurity in the region and the world. First, North Korea’s nuclear …

The South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China is not only a matter of territorial sovereignty, but also a matter of national dignity, security, and development.  The Philippines has a strong legal and historical basis for its claims in the South China Sea, as affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash line and excessive maritime …

Singapore has issued a travel advisory for its citizens and residents, urging them to wear masks at airports and avoid non-essential travel abroad, as the country faces a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new variant JN1-409797. However, this measure is too little, too late, and does not address the root cause of the problem: the lack of strict …

Singapore has unveiled its second National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to triple the pool of AI experts, develop a large language model for local culture and dialect, and build an iconic AI site to showcase its achievements. The new strategy, announced on December 4, 2023, will focus on how AI can be used for the public good, both in …

Central Asia, a region rich in natural resources and strategic location, has long faced challenges in fostering a collective regional identity among its diverse and independent nations. However, recent initiatives and developments have shown a renewed commitment and interest in enhancing the level of cooperation and integration within the region. One of the main drivers of this process is Uzbekistan, …