Covid-19

Disabled delivery rider on ‘frontline’ of Malaysian virus war

Employers repeatedly rejected Muhammad Sidek Osman for full-time roles due to his disability, leaving him with little other option than to become a self-employed rider with delivery app Grab. But when on his bike, Sidek becomes a different man
By Patrick Lee/AFP • Dec 08, 2020

Covid-19

[Photos] Covid-19 in Southeast Asia: A year in pictures

Exactly one year on from the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Wuhan, it goes without saying that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. In a series of photos, the Globe revisits some of the key moments from this year in Southeast Asia, as the virus turned lives and livelihoods upside down
By Alexi Demetriadi • Dec 08, 2020

Bioeconomy

Burning dilemma: Sugarcane farmers struggle in Thailand’s green vision

As Thailand pushes towards a bioeconomy green vision, it's making a concerted effort to reduce crop burning and improve air quality. But cut off from much of the profits generated from their crops, the kingdom's sugarcane farmers continue to burn just to survive
By Wanpen Pajai • Dec 07, 2020

Editorial

Cambodia’s murky sand mining industry

The Globe takes a deep-dive into Cambodia’s murky, multi-million dollar sand mining industry
By Alastair McCready • Dec 05, 2020

Pollution

Trash tracking satellites help Indonesia tackle marine waste

Scientists are turning to satellite technology to trace Indonesia's mountain of waste and figure out how the world's second-biggest marine waste contributor – second only to China – can tackle the mess
By Lucie Godeau/AFP • Dec 04, 2020

Analysis

Moving the Rohingya to Bhasan Char was inevitable

Attempts have been made to sell the idea of Bhasan Char, the remote flood-prone island that looks set to become home to thousands of Rohingya refugees, as a paradise of sorts. But documentary filmmaker Shafiur Rahman sees more sinister forces at play in the plan
By Shafiur Rahman • Dec 04, 2020

Samanea’s Yangon Market: Helping Businesses Flourish in Difficult Times

Covid has torn apart Myanmar’s small business sector. Samanea is helping rebuild it
By Samanea • Dec 04, 2020

Cambodian democracy

‘An awkward situation’: UN rights expert Rhona Smith reflects on Cambodia role

As Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith has faced criticism for being too strong in her assessments by some, while labelled too weak by others. Entering the final six months of her mandate, Smith reflects on the evolution of democracy and human rights in the Kingdom during her tenure
By Alastair McCready and Andrew Haffner • Dec 04, 2020