Special Reports

The use of vending machines is on the rise in Thailand, with 58% of Thai consumers indicating a preference for purchasing goods from these machines, according to a survey released on Thursday by market research firm Market Buzzz. Conducted between October 2 and November 7, the survey polled 977 Thai...

From the outset, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasized the critical role of robust national statistics in its success. Recognizing this, Goal 17—focused on strengthening implementation mechanisms and revitalizing global partnerships—includes targets for building statistical capacity and developing measures to track sustainable development progress. As countries implement the Sustainable...

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has projected a 2.4% economic growth rate for the region in 2025, citing domestic consumption as the primary driver. This updated forecast marks a slight increase from the 2.3% estimate made in August, although ECLAC described the region’s...

Demand for public cloud services is accelerating across Asia Pacific as enterprises increasingly recognize the strategic importance of investing in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to compete globally, according to a new report from Information Services Group (ISG). The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Multi Public Cloud Services report highlights...

Binance.US has announced plans to restore its USD services in early 2025, signaling its first significant operational shift since regulatory pressures halted its fiat trading operations. The exchange had suspended dollar deposits and withdrawals in June 2023, following civil claims filed by the SEC that led to restricted banking access....

China’s pursuit of steady economic growth in 2025 is expected to benefit not only its domestic economy but also the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to experts. Policies aimed at boosting domestic demand and stimulating consumption are anticipated to positively influence ASEAN economies through enhanced trade and investment...

Once celebrated as Africa’s first female billionaire, Isabel dos Santos now faces international corruption investigations and sanctions, with the UK government recently labeling her a “notorious kleptocrat.” Dos Santos has publicly dismissed the allegations, describing the UK sanctions imposed in November as politically motivated actions orchestrated by Angola’s government against...

In a bid to enhance international travel opportunities, the Chinese government has announced an extension of its visa-free transit program, allowing citizens from 54 countries to stay in the country for up to 10 days without a visa when en route to a third destination. The State Immigration Administration confirmed...

A landmark report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has revealed that the global economy incurs losses of up to $25 trillion annually because industries such as agriculture, energy, and fishing fail to address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and human health....

The James Irvine Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, has announced a commitment of $220 million through 2031 to advance inclusive economies as part of its Priority Communities initiative. Initially launched in 2020, the initiative focuses on fostering equitable economic growth in Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside—cities identified for...