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February 18th, 2021

TRICKLE DOWN

Vaccines came fast, but the virus moves faster -- and Asia is lagging in the race to immunize

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Myanmar Crisis

US sanctions on Myanmar: 5 things to know

Military-linked enterprises bear brunt, but other businesses risk public wrath

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, left, is among the first current and former generals sanctioned by the U.S. under a new executive order by President Joe Biden. (Photos by Reuters)
People hold placards depicting Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally to demand her release in Yangon on Feb. 8: the dynamic is shifting away from the junta.
Opinion

Myanmar's junta is in a much weaker position than many realize

Split the generals from the troops, and the coup will fall apart

Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at the opening ceremony of the 13th National Congress in Hanoi on Jan. 26: the country's development prospects are likely to be more of the same with Trong as party chief.
Opinion

Vietnam's gray old men are losing touch with the new generation

Party rulers increasingly irrelevant to many people unaware of their actual roles

Yoshiro Mori announces his resignation as Japan's Olympics chief after coming under fire for making sexist comments about women, in Tokyo on Feb. 12.  
The Nikkei View

Japan must use Mori's resignation to change outdated thinking

Gender equality and diverse opinions should be embraced

In Asia, both rich and poor countries are lagging in the effort to vaccinate.
The Big Story

Vaccines versus the variants: Asia's race against time

For Japan, Philippines and more, a scientific miracle meets a political mess

Samsung makes strenuous efforts to prevent leaks of sensitive information, with strict security around many of its laboratories and offices. (File photo)
Business Spotlight

Samsung races to guard its secrets as China rivals close in

Headhunting and corporate espionage threaten tech titan's global dominance

Repatriated overseas Philippine workers arrive at an airport in Metro Manila on May 26, 2020.
Economy

Philippine remittances come in at $29.9bn, defying COVID

400,000-worker repatriation raises questions over sustainability of cash inflow

Uniqlo's focus on Asian markets has paid off as the region has fared better in controlling the coronavirus pandemic. 
Retail

Uniqlo outstrips Zara as most valuable clothier at $103bn

Fast Retailing still behind Inditex in revenue and profit margin

The Hong Guang Mini EV's convenience and low price have made it one of China's bestselling "new-energy" vehicles. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)
Electric cars in China

Look out Tesla, SAIC's $4,500 electric car takes China by storm

Marketed as 'commuting tool,' Hong Guang Mini outsells the Model 3

Indonesia and Malaysia, the world's top palm oil producers, face criticism over the industry's environmental cost.
Energy

Palm oil biodiesel makes volatile bet for Indonesia's Pertamina

Cost and ESG risks threaten state energy company's low-carbon pivot

Central banks across Asia are pushing their own digital currency projects.
Asia Insight

China's New Year digital yuan tests hasten Asia e-currency race

Central banks push projects amid COVID but first mover Cambodia sees slow uptake

Under Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar has bought Russian weaponry including MiG-29 jet fighters and the Pantsir-S1 missile system. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters)
Myanmar Crisis

Myanmar embraces Russian arms to offset China's influence

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing cultivates military ties and more with Moscow

Kirin intends to terminate two beer joint ventures with MEHL in Myanmar, becoming the first foreign company to cut its relationship with the company after the coup. (Photo courtesy of Kirin)
Myanmar Crisis

Myanmar coup tests companies on human rights action

Strong response demanded as US prepares tougher sanctions

Flanked by shophouses from different eras, Central: The Original Store is a monolithic addition to the Thai capital’s Charoenkrung Road, a historic area today dominated by antique, silver and jewelry stores. (Courtesy of Central Group)
Life

Retail king resurrects a slice of old Bangkok

How Thailand's Central Group returned to its roots on Bangkok's first paved street

An exhibition on the legendary Japanese manga "Tomorrow's Joe" at the Setagaya Bungakukan in Tokyo.
Tea Leaves

Burn on, Joe: Manga icon lifts a nation's spirits

Saga of 1960s street boxer finds new popularity in Japan