The rise of neobanks in Southeast Asia: How far can they go? (ASEAN TODAY)
Southeast Asian consumers unable to gain credit or access traditional banks are turning to neobanks. Conditions are ripe for these challengers to traditional financial institutions to make progress, although COVID-19 might threaten their disruptive potential.
Will Bellagraph Nova score a place among the ranks of Asian investors in English soccer? (ASEAN TODAY)
Singaporean company Bellagraph Nova wants to buy Newcastle United, one of the English Premier League’s biggest clubs. Asian companies already control teams throughout Europe but what is the appeal and what are the challenges that lie ahead?
Will COVID-19 hamper ASEAN’s fight to eliminate malaria? (ASEAN TODAY)
While malaria cases have risen elsewhere in the world, in the Asia-Pacific region, governments have set an example by reducing its spread. However, COVID-19 threatens to undo some of that work, particularly within ASEAN.
How COVID-19 wreaked havoc on Southeast Asia’s stock markets (ASEAN TODAY)
A new report details the extent to which the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the region’s stock markets and how quickly those markets have started to recover. It offers some insight into how the region’s markets might handle future shocks.
Singaporean universities handling shift to remote learning better than grade schools (ASEAN TODAY)
As schools and universities have turned to remote learning to ensure students do not miss out despite the coronavirus pandemic, a survey revealed that in Singapore, universities are handling the switch significantly better than primary and secondary schools.
UK-ASEAN trade reboot highlights cooperation, digital solutions, sustainability (ASEAN TODAY)
Last month, ministers from the UK and ASEAN held their first joint Economic Dialogue. It produced commitments to boost trade, create new digital partnerships and focus on building sustainable infrastructure.
Early warning systems in Southeast Asia: saving lives, showcasing collaboration (ASEAN TODAY)
The Swiss government has pledged financial support for disaster relief and resilience across Asia. Southeast Asian nations will benefit from the commitment to enhance life-saving early warning systems.
COVID-19: Catalyst or cataclysm for Southeast Asia’s fintech sector? (ASEAN TODAY)
Companies and consumers will rely heavily on fintech products in the coming months and years as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic play out. Increased innovation and continued investments in the sector will see it go from strength to strength.
Why are Southeast Asian nations so keen on Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine? (ASEAN TODAY)
Southeast Asian countries are among those asking Russia for stocks of its as-yet-untested COVID-19 vaccine. Why are they getting on board so quickly, and what other options do they have?