Indonesia throws away huge amounts of plant waste from farms every year. Instead of burning this waste or letting it rot, experts think it could be turned into something useful. Most research in the country focuses on burning the waste for fuel, which is low down on the recycling ladder. Very little
Thailand stands out as a unique case where Buddhism isn't just a religion—it’s deeply tied to the country's political structure. The connection goes back centuries, starting when Indian monks first introduced the teachings of the Buddha to the region. Unlike Christianity or Islam, Buddhism doesn’t r
Vietnam’s small and medium-sized businesses just got a major financial lifeline. A Hanoi-based non-bank lender called EVF secured a US$25 million loan from an international fund to expand its services. The money comes from the OPEC Fund for International Development, a group that typically supports
Vietnam is stepping up its fight against digital piracy and fake goods, aiming to spot more violations before the United States threatens new trade barriers. The government announced a plan that should raise detection rates by 20% in the next month, with customs officials expected to halt more shipm
Indonesia has chosen a former labour union head to lead its environment ministry. The new minister, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, once fought against the former president in the 1990s and served a prison term for stirring protests. He also opposed the current president during the last election. Before h
Vietnam has moved fast from a war‑torn, poor nation to a growing middle‑income country. This change has flipped the kinds of illnesses people face. In the past, many sick people suffered from lack of food and clean water. Now, even though better jobs and nutrition help fight those old probl
Indonesia’s president flew to Tokyo amid a regional rush to find new fuel sources. The Middle East conflict has cut many supplies, and now countries are trading energy to keep their economies running. Jakarta is planning a deal that would bring more liquefied natural gas into Japan while sending liq
Indonesia’s forests shrank by a striking 66% in 2025, the fastest rate in eight years, according to data from satellite imagery and field checks across 16 provinces. The country’s huge forest area, once one of the world’s richest in biodiversity, is being cleared at an alarming pace as it pursues am
Vietnam is drafting a rule that will treat cryptocurrency moves like stock trades, adding a small tax to every transfer. The proposed law says anyone who sends crypto through an approved service will owe 0. 1% of the transfer value as personal income tax, just like traders pay when they buy or sell
Indonesia is known for its strong religious roots. Islam is the dominant faith, but there are five other recognized religions. These religions shape the country's culture and laws. However, things are changing. Over the past 20 years, the role of religion in people's lives has been shifting. The co
