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December 22nd, 2022

Braving 'crypto winter'

Undeterred by bitcoin's collapse, Kazakhstan launches a new era in digital finance

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The Big Story

Kazakhstan's love of bitcoin undimmed by 'crypto winter'

With 'fully legal' cryptocurrencies, the country hopes to compete in the big leagues of global finance

Money machines: Bitcoin mines are banks of computers dedicated to guessing a 64-digit number in order to win cryptocurrency. Here, ASICs -- specialized bitcoin mining computers -- have been stacked up in the corridors of a mine in Ekibastuz. (Photo by Peter Guest)
Some of America's biggest tech companies are making sweeping job cuts, with potentially devastating effects for workers dependent on employment-based visas. (Nikkei montage/Source photo by Yifan Yu)
Business Spotlight

Asian talent faces U.S. visa crisis as tech sector slashes jobs

America also risks a 'brain drain' as other countries offer easier paths to immigration

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Most read in 2022

TSMC founder Morris Chang says globalization 'almost dead'

Chip veteran's comments come as Apple, AMD cheer shift of production to U.S.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourist arrivals in Asia are expected to return to 2019 levels next year -- putting at risk once again the region's rich environmental and cultural heritage.
Asia Insight

Can ASEAN avoid overtourism as arrivals return to pre-COVID levels?

Governments struggle toward a more sustainable and equitable hospitality sector

More and more Chinese flags can be seen on the streets of Hong Kong lately. (Photo by Takeshi Kihara)
Politics

Hong Kong under pressure to use standard Chinese language

Over half of Hong Kongers now can speak Mandarin as economic dependence grows

Indian demonstrators protest against China in Mumbai on Dec. 13, following the border scuffle in the Tawang area.
International relations

India-China border skirmish signals volatile 'new normal'

Analysts foresee more clashes along nuclear-armed neighbors' disputed boundary

Japan has approved "level-4" drone flights, which will allow operators to pilot aircraft over residential areas, even where they have no direct line of sight.
Technology

Urban drone flights now legal in Japan: 4 things to know

Companies rush to roll out delivery systems with 'Level-4' ban lifted

Kim Jong Un attends a ceremony, in this undated photo released on Oct. 11 by KCNA: Managing North Korea's dictator could be a cooperative effort and shared interest for Washington and Beijing.
Opinion

Ignoring North Korea is not an option for the West

Containing nuclear risk will require broader range of policy tools

Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh, after his arrival in the Saudi capital on Dec. 7. (Handout photo from Saudi Press Agency)
Opinion

U.S. distractions have opened door for China's Arab romance

Xi Jinping is getting a warmer welcome than Biden did in Saudi Arabia

An untitled oil-on-canvas painting by Jiro Yoshihara, made in 1971, features the Gutai leader’s signature circle motif; 230 cm x 315.5 cm, collection of the National Museum of Art, Osaka. (All photos by Edward M. Gomez)
Arts

Delving into Japan's Gutai art movement

Osaka exhibition reexamines pioneering modern artists

Crime and nourishment: A jail-themed restaurant in the Chinese port city of Tianjin. 
Tea Leaves

Escaping from it all -- in prison

Tourists pay for the 'immersive experience' of incarceration