Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is a self-governing island that split from mainland China in 1949 after a civil war. However, China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), considers Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.  China has never renounced the use of military …

Japan is known for its culinary excellence and diversity, with more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo alone. However, in recent years, many Japanese consumers, especially office workers, have been opting for ultra-cheap lunches that cost less than 500 yen ($4.30) as food prices continue to rise due to various factors, such as the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, …

The halal industry is a fast-growing and lucrative sector that covers various products and services that comply with the Islamic principles and standards.  According to a 2022 report by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the global halal market size reached $2.6 trillion in 2020, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% …

Online shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a behavioral addiction that involves excessive and uncontrollable spending on online purchases, often resulting in financial, social, and psychological problems.  According to a 2023 study by the National University of Singapore (NUS), online shopping addiction affects about 10% of Singaporeans, with Gen Zers being the most vulnerable group. Gen Zers, …

The Philippines has announced its plan to allocate P3 billion ($60 million) to develop the islands that it occupies in the South China Sea, a move that reflects its determination to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests in the disputed region.  The plan includes building a fishing port on Nanshan Island, expanding an airport on Thitu Island, and improving …

As Indonesia prepares to elect its next president and vice president in February 2024, the issue of China’s growing influence and presence in the country has become a source of contention and controversy.  China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a major investor in various infrastructure projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and the Batang Toru hydropower plant. However, …

Kim Ju-ae is the daughter of North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol-ju. She is believed to be about 10 years old and has two siblings, an older brother and a younger one of unknown sex. She is the granddaughter of Kim Jong Il and the great-granddaughter of Kim Il Sung, the founder of North …

The 2024 US presidential election, scheduled for November 5, 2024, will be a pivotal moment for the future of the US and its relations with the world.  The election will pit incumbent President Joe Biden, a Democrat, against former President Donald Trump, a Republican, who is seeking to reclaim the White House after being impeached twice and facing multiple criminal …

Eating dog meat has been a part of South Korea’s culinary culture for centuries, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD).  The practice was influenced by the belief that dog meat has medicinal and nutritional benefits, especially during the hot summer months. Dog meat dishes, such as bosintang (dog meat soup) and suyuk (boiled dog …

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia since January 2023, faced a new challenge to his leadership in December 2023, when an alleged plot to oust him from power surfaced in the media.  The plot, dubbed as the “Dubai Move”, involved a secret meeting between some opposition leaders and influential individuals in Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, …