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January 28th, 2021

Overburdened

How Asia's digital commerce boom is creating a tech underclass

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Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin's ups and downs: five things to know

The cryptocurrency's volatility keeps it from being considered 'digital gold'

Bitcoin had a blockbuster year in 2020.
A man and a child wear Make America Great Again caps as they wait for Donald Trump's speech in Des Moines, Iowa, in August 2016: the damage wrought over the last four years will prove hard to banish.
Opinion

Biden inherits a divided nation and a tarnished Trump legacy

Coronavirus and impeachment overhang his presidency

A man shouts as supporters of Donald Trump gather in front of the Capitol Building on Jan.6.
Opinion

US must not underestimate the risks of the Trump cult

Japan's experiences offers a bitter lesson for America

South Korean President Moon Jae-in meets with local and foreign journalists at the presidential Blue House in Seoul on Jan. 18.
The Nikkei View

South Korea's Moon Jae-in must put his words on Japan into action

Significant steps still needed to resolve diplomatic row between Tokyo and Seoul

 2020 was the year that online retailers truly came into their own. Less so, however, for the foot-soldiers of the pandemic: the couriers and other employees crucial to their success. (Photo by Jun Michael Park)
The Big Story

Tech underclass: the harsh reality of Asia's digital commerce boom

How the pandemic economy relies on overburdened and underpaid couriers

Serious shortages of automotive-related chips are prompting global carmakers to cut output.
Business Spotlight

Asia's chip crunch slams the brakes on carmakers' COVID recovery

Assembly lines halt as industry vies with consumer gadgets for semiconductors

The big three Chinese carriers -- China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air China -- held off on 58 planes from Boeing and 53 from Airbus in 2020. (Source photos by Reuters and Getty Images)
Aerospace & Defense Industries

China's big three airlines put off Boeing and Airbus deliveries

State carriers took every plane ordered from domestic maker COMAC

Fast Retailing's flagship Uniqlo Tokyo store has large fitting rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs.
Business trends

Uniqlo to expand disability employment in China and ASEAN

Japanese fashion giant adopts store designs and products for all

SoftBank Group, whose CEO is Masayoshi Son, is seeking to sell British chip design company Arm. (Photo by Kei Higuchi)
Technology

SoftBank's plan to sell Arm to NVIDIA is hitting antitrust wall around the world

Experts also point to national security hurdles for the $40bn deal

India is counting on a mass coronavirus inoculation effort combined with the shipping of domestically-manufactured vaccines to other countries in a bid to eliminate the threat of COVID-19 to its people.
Asia Insight

India pushes COVID shots in two-pronged effort at home and abroad

But supply and other issues pose challenge to domestic rollout for 300 million

U.S. President Joe Biden signs executive orders reversing a host of Trump policies in the White House on Jan. 20.
Politics

Biden hits rewind on Trump, from Paris pact and WHO to immigration

New press secretary says first phone calls 'will be with partners and allies'

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the Davos Agenda meetings on Jan. 25 in a screenshot from the World Economic Forum video feed.
International relations

Xi slams new Cold War, but White House says competition inevitable

Biden to form 'new approach' on China after consulting allies and Congress

“Women always have to fight double and triple hard," says Canadian-born Hong Kong chef May Chow, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef by the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2017.
Life

Acclaimed chef, LGBT advocate leads social, culinary change in Hong Kong

Controversial restaurateur May Chow unbowed by COVID-19 pandemic

Gerakbudaya Bookshop, in Penang, Malaysia, is one of Southeast Asia's "destination" bookstores. (Photo by Kit Yeng Chan)
Tea Leaves

In praise of Southeast Asia's independent booksellers

Region's struggling community of quirky bookstores keep cultural creativity alive