BackStories » Asia

in Asia

Yangon: Lessons From a Neighbor That Banned Bikes

As Saigon is mulling a complete ban on motorbikes – first, in the city’s downtown area and then, city-wide, perhaps - it’s high time to look at the situation in Yangon, where a similar ban was impleme...

in Asia

Singapore Airlines Launches First Flight Powered by Sustainable Biofuels

Earlier this week, Singapore Airlines (SIA) successfully launched its first flight supported by sustainable biofuels.

in Asia

Saigon's Own Suboi Makes 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List

Four Vietnamese citizens were named to this year's Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, which recognizes young difference makers in 10 industries across the continent.

in Asia

Taiwan to Become First Nation in Asia to Outlaw Consumption of Dog and Cat Meat

Animal rights activists have recorded a huge win on the island nation of Taiwan.

in Asia

Thai Women Enter Male-Dominated World of Motorbike Drivers Amid Economic Uncertainty

In traffic-choked Bangkok, women are moving into the traditionally male-dominated field of motorbike taxi drivers.

in Asia

Extreme Heat and Strong Storms Expected to Slam Saigon This Month

As bad weather is expected to continue in coming weeks, dry season downpours similar to those that have recently hit Saigon will return, in addition to brutal heat.

in Asia

Officials Concerned as Vietnamese Laborers Overstay Visas in Korea

Vietnamese labor officials fear that South Korea may stop accepting Vietnamese workers since many have overstayed their visa. 

in Asia

Asia Suffered $83bn in Damage from Disasters Last Year

In 2016, Asia suffered greater financial losses due to natural and man-made catastrophes than any other region in the world, according to a new report.

in Asia

In China, Conservationists Debate Moving Historical Monuments

While Vietnam's headlong rush to modernization wipes out historical monuments and heritage buildings across the country, in recent years China has taken an unorthodox approach to preserving the past: ...

in Asia

US Ambassador to Cambodia Criticized for Demanding Repayment of Wartime Debt

The United States is under fire for asking Cambodia to repay its wartime debts.

in Asia

How Japan Is Using Pokemon GO to Bring Tourists Back to Quake-Hit Areas

Almost a year after Japan’s Kyushu island was rocked by a powerful earthquake, one Pokemon character is helping to boost tourism in the affected Kumamoto and Oita prefectures.

in Asia

Sink or Swim: Bangkok Might Be Underwater by 2032

The future is looking dire for Bangkok as the city continues to sink and sea levels continue to rise.

in Asia

Indonesia Grants 9 Indigenous Communities Rights to Manage Forests

Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently granted the right to manage customary forests to nine indigenous communities.

in Asia

Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia Confirms Identity of Suspect in Kim Jong-Nam Murder

Over the weekend, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the identity of Doan Thi Huong, one of the two primary suspects in the high-profile murder of Kim Jong-Nam, estranged half-brother of ...

in Asia

What We Know So Far About the Assassination of Kim Jong-Nam

It's only February and already an international murder mystery has dominated Southeast Asian news.

in Asia

[Video] Urban Planners Don't Know What to Do With Phnom Penh's 'Shit Canal'

An open drainage canal in Phnom Penh, known as the “shit canal” in English, remains a challenge for urban planners and landscape architects working to transform Cambodia’s capital into a more livable ...

in Asia

UN Reps Call for Regional Coordination Against Growing Terrorist Activity

As other regions in the world combat the rise of extremist groups, two UN representatives are warning that Southeast Asia could face an uptick in terrorist activities in 2017.

in Asia

Japan to Make 2020 Olympics Medals From Recycled Phones

When athletes stand atop their podiums at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, their sparkling gold, silver and bronze medals will all share a special ingredient – recycled mobile phones.

in Asia

Syrian Refugees in Thailand: A Life in Limbo

Instead of heading westward towards Europe – and risk drowning in the Mediterranean during the arduous journey, a slew of Syrian refugees decided to try their luck in Southeast Asia instead. However, ...

in Asia

First-Ever Direct China-UK Freight Train Arrives in London

You can now travel directly from China to the UK by train – well, sort of – if you’re willing to spend the entire trip with socks, clothes and an assortment of other household products.