A tech-savvy population, a fast-growing economy, and the perks of being first in an emerging market — Vietnamese entrepreneur Le Thanh saw the potential in booming Ho Chi Minh City for his start-up transforming coffee grounds into masks.
AFP
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Tiger, Pangolin Farming in Myanmar Risks ‘Boosting Demand’
Conservationists have warned a sudden change in Myanmar’s law allowing the commercial farming of tigers, pangolins and other endangered species risks further fuelling demand in China for rare wildlife products.
WHO Pair Head to China for Virus Origin Scoping Mission
An epidemiologist and an animal health specialist from the World Health Organization were flying to China on Friday to try and identify the animal source of the new coronavirus pandemic.
Cambodia’s Tourist Hotspot Bans Dog Meat Trade
The Cambodian tourist town of Siem Reap has banned the dog meat trade, a victory for animal rights campaigners who describe the area as the “lynchpin” of an industry that slaughters millions of creatures each year.
Frenchman Facing Death in Indonesia for Molesting Hundreds of Kids
A French retiree could face the death penalty in Indonesia on charges that he molested over 300 children and beat those who refused to have sex with him, authorities said Thursday.
Indonesian Found Dead in Freezer on Chinese Fishing Vessel
The frozen body of an Indonesian man has been found aboard a detained Chinese fishing vessel, authorities said Thursday, adding that they suspected foul play in the crew member’s death.
Myanmar Sex Education Textbook Outraged by Conservatives
Unchaperoned teens, gay partners and sex workers – fictional characters in a new curriculum for Myanmar schools are causing a real-world tussle over morality in a deeply conservative nation.
China Executes Man Who Killed Two People at Virus Checkpoint
A Chinese man who stabbed to death two people at a coronavirus travel checkpoint was executed Thursday, the Supreme People’s Court said.
Australia Offers Safe Haven to Hong Kongers
Australia offered pathways to permanent residency for thousands of people from Hong Kong on Thursday in response to China’s crackdown on dissent, drawing a furious reply from Beijing.
TikTok Launches New Platform Aimed for Businesses
Fast-growing video-sharing app TikTok on Wednesday launched a self-serve ad platform, underscoring its ambition to compete with rival social platforms even as it faces new scrutiny in the US and elsewhere.
Thailand MotoGP Plans for November
Thailand hopes to hold its MotoGP race in late November after an eight-month delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Wednesday as they announced a bid to host until 2025.
Vietnam Jails Facebook User for Pro-Democracy Posts
A Vietnamese man accused of “defaming” the country’s leaders for broadcasting his pro-democracy views on Facebook was jailed for eight years on Tuesday after a lightning-quick trial denounced by rights groups.
What Are Hong Kong Police’s New Powers?
Hong Kong’s government has expanded police surveillance and enforcement powers using Beijing’s sweeping new national security law.
TikTok Pulls Out of Hong Kong After New Security Law
The wildly popular video-sharing app TikTok will no longer work in Hong Kong, its makers said, after a new security law imposed by China gave authorities sweeping powers to police local users.
Retirement of Two-Time Olympic Champion Lin Dan Signals the End of ‘Chinese Sports Superstars’
The retirement of two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan signals the end of a golden era of Chinese sporting superstars, state media said on Tuesday.
Facebook, WhatsApp Say Suspending User Info Requests From HK Govt
Facebook and its messaging service WhatsApp said Monday they are suspending requests from the Hong Kong government and law enforcement authorities for information on users.
Seoul’s Spectacular Drones Show Displays Positive Messages
Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky in Seoul for a spectacular showcase of motivational and awareness messages as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic.
Taiwan Expels Two Chinese Journalists Over Political Shows
Taiwan expelled two mainland Chinese journalists Friday after a talk show on their channel pushed for Beijing “unifying” with the self-ruled island, in the latest sign of deteriorating ties between the two rivals.
Australia Locks Down High-Rise Apartments as Virus Cases Spike
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Democracy Books Disappear from Hong Kong Libraries
Books written by prominent Hong Kong democracy activists have started to disappear from the city’s libraries, online records show, days after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the finance hub.