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April 21st, 2022

Asia's nuclear power dilemma

War in Ukraine is driving energy turnarounds

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The Big Story

Asia's nuclear power dilemma: Ukraine war drives energy turnarounds

From Japan to Singapore, Russia sanctions and carbon-zero targets push states to reconsider nuclear energy

The Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant in China, which leads Asia on nuclear power, will begin operation this year. Sanctions on Russian fossil fuel and looming decarbonization deadlines are causing many Asian governments to reconsider their stances on nuclear energy. 
Southeast Asia has become a major market for blockchain gaming, as people are lured by the prospects of earning more by playing games than from their real-life income. (Source photos by AFP/Jiji, courtesy of Immutable and screenshot from Coinbase's website) 
Business Spotlight

Could a Philippines startup become gatekeeper to the metaverse?

Yield Guild Games defies crypto heists and volatility to back nascent blockchain gaming industry

Can the world's third-largest democracy buy discounted oil from Russia, maintain its foreign policy independence and come down on the right side of history?
Asia Insight

Indonesia in spotlight as it weighs buying Russia's 'blood oil'

Ukraine war and skyrocketing fuel prices strip away Jokowi's rare opportunity

GoTo's debut on the Indonesia Stock Exchange has stoked pride in the Southeast Asian country. (Photo courtesy of GoTo)
Startups

Indonesia's GoTo faces critical challenges after landmark IPO

Enhancing competitiveness, turning profits among keys to expanding investor base

Chinese markets have been hit by the "unprecedented” flight of foreign capital after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to the Institute of International Finance.
Datawatch

Foreign cash flees China as investors shun autocracies

Net outflows surge as Ukraine war spooks markets

FLC founder Trinh Van Quyet was arrested last month on stock manipulation charges. (Photo by Tomoya Onishi)
Companies

Vietnam's new conglomerates in crosshairs of corruption crackdown

Arrest of developer FLC's founder highlights fraying of ties with Communist Party

Newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly on April 11.
Economy

Pakistan's new Sharif government tiptoes into economic minefield

Fledgling administration faces unpopular decisions as forex pressure builds

Singapore's Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has emerged as the likely successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (Nikkei montage/AFP/Jiji/Akira Kodaka)
Politics

Singapore's new PM-in-waiting: Who is Lawrence Wong?

49-year-old finance minister from 'ordinary family' raised profile in COVID fight

Girls walk to school through New Delhi's severe smog in November 2021.
Environment

India's toxic air: How pollution and politics put millions at risk

Experts urge action after New Delhi is ranked smoggiest capital again

The response to the war in Ukraine has highlighted how corporations are focusing more what employees and clients want, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said. (Photo by Tetsuya Kitayama)
Interview

Invasion of Ukraine will 're-imagine' globalization: BlackRock CEO

Larry Fink discusses stakeholder capitalism, energy security and Fed policy

Demonstrators take part in an anti-war rally in support of Ukraine in Almaty on Mar. 6: Kazakhstan has allowed large protests against the war.
Opinion

Western powers should exploit Central Asia's unease over Ukraine war

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have both distanced themselves from Moscow

Sri Lankans protested against the surge in prices and shortage of essential commodities at the presidential secretariat in Colombo on April 4.
Opinion

Sri Lanka crisis entirely of its own making

Country faces Lebanon-style economic meltdown

The ReMaker -- aka Yuttana Anothaisintawee -- at his Bangkok workshop. (Courtesy of Artery)
Arts

Thai designers elevate cool side of 'trashion'

Upcycling trend forges a more sustainable future for the fashion industry

At 55, Japanese soccer veteran Kazuyoshi Miura is still playing professionally. For comparison, Teddy Sheringham, the oldest player to appear in the English Premier League, was 40 in his last EPL game in 2006.
Tea Leaves

Asia's aging sports stars never say 'retire'

Durability of the region's professional athletes puzzles outsiders