Wednesday, 30 April 2025

[Post 1174] What's Happening In Myanmar After The 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake | Myanmar In Turmoil


Summary

“Myanmar in Turmoil” captures the immediate aftermath of a devastating earthquake, revealing the struggle for survival amidst collapsed infrastructure, limited aid and civil conflict. The documentary highlights personal stories of loss and resilience, alongside the efforts of local heroes and international organizations.

Tuesday, 29 April 2025

[Post 1173] Launching My Floating Farm: What Will The Locals Think? | Growing Wild: Project Castaway - Part 3/3


Summary

11 months ago Chris came up with an ambitious idea of constructing a floating farm at sea.

Travelling to different coastal communities globally, he and his team of students from the National University of Singapore and Institute of Technical Education talked to fisherman, farmers, marine ecologists and environmental scientists. 

From pen to paper, ideation to fabrication, they refined their design over and over again. Now it’s make or break time - in 30 days, they have to construct and launch Project Castaway in the waters off Bum Bum Island in Semporna, Malaysia. 

And launching it is not the biggest test – convincing the locals in Bum Bum Island to take it on is!

[Post 1172] Japan's Surprising Digital Lag: Why Is It So Weak To Cyberattacks? | Insight


Summary

In December 2024, Japan Airlines was hit by a cyberattack that delayed numerous flights. This follows another breach in 2023 that shut down the country's largest port for over 48 hours. 

For a country with a reputation for high-tech innovations, Japan is surprisingly lagging in digital transformation. In 2024, it ranked 31st in digital competitiveness, behind most advanced economies. The government only scrapped the use of floppy disks as a mandatory storage device in July 2024. Famously, a former Minister for cybersecurity admitted he had never used a computer. From business to defence cooperation, weak cyber safeguards are a liability for the world's fourth-largest economy. 

Now, being behind the curve could catch up to Japan, as it increasingly becomes a target for cyberattacks. What is behind Japan's slow digital transformation, and can it play catch up on cybersecurity?

Monday, 28 April 2025

[Post 1171] Why Thailand is seen as a haven for Chinese retirees


Summary

Chinese silver tourism has been on the rise and some retirees have adopted a “migratory bird” lifestyle, heading south to warmer destinations to escape China’s harsh winters.

CNA speaks to some of these retirees who have chosen Chiang Mai, Thailand as the place to spend their golden years. 

[Post 1170] How will Trump’s tariffs affect jobs, wages and prices in Singapore? | Deep Dive podcast


Summary

The sweeping Trump tariffs are a signal that a new world order is taking shape and one that may affect wages and jobs in Singapore. 

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing tells Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards what the government plans to do and why he doesn't lose sleep over things he cannot control.

Sunday, 27 April 2025

[Post 1169] Asia Addresses Ageing Population Issues: Singapore, China, Taiwan | CNA Correspondent


Summary

Asia has some of the world’s longest life expectancies but living longer is not always a blessing. Loneliness and illness among the elderly are problems facing society. Can new technology offer the answer? 

From Singapore, Krystal Chia examines the rise of longevity clinics and how the region’s rapidly ageing population has accelerated the development of the longevity economy. In Shanghai, Tan Yew Guan looks at the issues of loneliness among the elderly and what unique challenges China faces with its ageing population following rapid urbanisation in recent decades. In Taiwan, Victoria Jen finds out what the island is doing to deal with worsening labour shortages as it becomes a superaged society this year. 

[Post 1168] Thai Street Hawker Makes Restaurant-Style Omakase For As Cheap As US$0.60 | Lunch With Us: Bangkok


Summary

Cancer patient Chuntana introduces us to a one-of-a-kind street hawker in Bangkok, who serves not only humble pork noodles, but also restaurant-standard omakase meals from his van.

Customers name the price – anywhere from 20 baht (US$0.60) to his most lavish order yet,10,000 baht (US$298) -- and Chatree Suksumit, better known as Chef Ah, creates his special menu. It’s all cooked out of his humble modified food van, and can be tailored to special dietary needs.

Chef Ah was at Suphapong Alley 1 in Nong Bon when we met him – but the metropolitan authorities’ clean-up of Bangkok’s streets is threatening hawkers like him, who have been forced to move.