South Korea: President's Failed Welfare Promise Sparks Criticism

President Park is under fire for her retreat on campaign promises of higher pension and tuition subsidies. Critics say her campaign pledges adopted against her own identity as a conservative candidate,...

Why Indonesia Should Not Raise its Minimum Wage

Rocky Intan explains why a minimum wage hike in Indonesia will harm the country's economy: National and local leaders should resist pressure by some union leaders for an increase in...

Phuket-themed Stamps in Thailand

Mark Jochim features Thailand stamps that showcase the beauty and culture of Phuket, a popular island tourism destination. Interestingly, he notes that Phuket-themed stamps do not include the famous beaches...

Foreign Domestic Migrants’ Flashmob Dance in Hong Kong

Chinese City Invites Web Users to Correct Its ‘Chinglish’

To attract more foreigners to work in Shenzhen, the city has launched a campaign to wipe out poorly translated public signs.

Chinese Rethink Capital Punishment after Execution of Xia Junfeng

The public opinion in China is in support of capital punishment. However, many netizens reflect upon their stand after the execution of street vendor Xia Junfeng. Offbeat China highlights the...

Online Petition Got Sea Turtle Released in the Philippines

Captive sea turtle was used as photo-op to attract tourists. More than 1,500 signed petition to release the sea turtle.

Podcast: China's Big Internet Crackdown

Sinica podcast discusses China's recent crackdown on Big-Vs on Sina Weibo and poses questions about whether Sino Weibo will continue to be popular and if online discussions are already moving away from...

Why Laos Has High Maternal And Infant Mortality Rates

Dee Harlow cites several factors that explain why Laos has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Southeast Asia: Many factors contribute to the inaccessibility of the care expectant...

Vietnamese Blogger Speaks Out Against Government Repression

Nguyen Bac Truyen gave a testimony in a human rights event in Geneva about the repression suffered by bloggers and activists in Vietnam: Since Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang came...

China: Finding Light in the Darkness on Xia Junfeng's Execution Day

The latest artwork from a cartoon blogger "A sad morning dream" tries to make sense of the execution of Xia Junfeng, a street vendor convicted of murder.

Planned Olympic Canoe Racing Course Threatens Tokyo Park

Tokyo and the Japanese Olympic Committee plan to build the racing course in Kansai Rinkai Park, despite 25 years of concerted efforts there to restore its bio-diversity.

South Korea: ‘The Man Must Buy the House’

Although South Korea is still a male-dominated society that ranks toward the bottom of polls in gender equality, more men seem to feel they are losing ground. It is partly true...

China's Disgraced Top Official Bo Xilai Sentenced to Life in Prison

Bo Xilai was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of corruption, taking bribes and abuse of power.

China's Banned Websites to be Allowed in Shanghai

South China Morning Post reported that China will lift a ban on internet access within the Shanghai Free-trade Zone to websites that are currently banned in China, including Facebook, Twitter and...

South Korean Catholic Leaders Protest Spy Agency Scandal

700 Catholic clergy members held a protest against the spy agency's manipulation of the presidential election - the first time in recent decades that the Catholic Church has organized such demonstration.

Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Upset Over Harrison Ford Interview

Harrison Ford conducted a 'tough' interview about Indonesia's forest situation which angered a government minister. Ford was accused of 'harassing' a state institution.

Hong Kong: Typhoon Usagi Passed Nearby

The ‘storm of the century’, Typhoon Usagi, passed through southern China last night had only costed some inconvenience in Hong Kong, such as disrupted transportation service and panic buying in...

Chinese Teenager Accused of Spreading Rumors Online Arrested

The 16-year-old junior high school student had published comments online questioning the official explanation of the recent death of a local worker.

Should Thailand Abolish the Mandatory School Uniform Policy?

Protesters equate the school uniform policy with authoritarianism but supporters believe it is necessary to promote discipline and equality

Indonesian Groups Criticize ‘Miss World’ Contest as ‘Un-Islamic’

Venue of the contest was moved from Jakarta to Bali. Organizers vowed to replace bikinis with Balinese sarongs for the beach wear but protests have continued.