Robin Spiess

Robin Spiess

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Articles by Robin Spiess

Sep 28, 2019 • 6 min read
Skills

Training initiatives in the Kingdom

As Cambodia struggles to overcome the skills gap that plagues its young workforce, several organisations have taken matters into their own hands with various in-house training programmes designed to bring new hires quickly up to speed
By Robin Spiess - Sep 28, 2019

Jul 16, 2019 • 15 min read
Piracy

A pirate’s paradise

In part two of our deep dive into modern-day piracy, we investigate why the region's governments seem willing to turn a blind eye to the pirates plundering their seas
By Robin Spiess - Jul 16, 2019

Jul 15, 2019 • 14 min read
Piracy

Black spots

High-seas hijackings are often seen as a thing of the past. But experts say that Southeast Asia's modern-day pirates have just become better at hiding their crimes
By Robin Spiess - Jul 15, 2019

Jun 26, 2019 • 5 min read
Cambodian business leaders

‘I climbed the ladder to be here today’

Around the globe, women face persistently low representation in the highest levels of business leadership – and the number of females leading the world’s largest companies has actually been on the decline in recent years. In celebration of this International Women’s Day, Southeast Asia Globe sat down with Cham Krasna, the CEO of Cambodian company Soma Group, to discuss challenges and successes encountered during her first year working as the company’s first female CEO, as well as her vision for the future of Soma Group
By Robin Spiess - Jun 26, 2019

Jun 21, 2019 • 12 min read
Rohingya crisis

No justice in Rakhine

As the Rohingya humanitarian crisis rages on in Myanmar, new reports shed light on the UN's failures in the country and the continued unlikelihood of repatriation
By Robin Spiess - Jun 21, 2019

Jun 13, 2019 • 17 min read
Automobile industry

Thrifty shades of grey

In Cambodia, entrenched corruption has given birth to a grey market for new luxury vehicles – a market that threatens to force official importers out of the country and stifle the local economy
By Robin Spiess - Jun 13, 2019

Jun 03, 2019 • 18 min read
Casinos

Show me the money

As dozens of casinos set up shop in Cambodia each year, they stand to make millions annually – but the Kingdom has yet to rake in its fair share of the industry’s rising profits
By Robin Spiess - Jun 03, 2019

Jun 03, 2019 • 12 min read
Ten to watch

Cambodia’s rising stars

With a growing economy, new businesses on the rise and an eye on digitisation, Cambodia’s innovators now have more opportunities to shine than ever before.
By Robin Spiess - Jun 03, 2019

May 31, 2019 • 7 min read
Cambodia

How luxury travel can ease damaging effects of overtourism

As increasing levels of mass tourism in Cambodia’s major cities threaten to place strains on local infrastructure, representatives from the luxury travel industry offer a model of high-value, low-volume tourism they believe is key to preserving the Kingdom’s natural splendour.
By Robin Spiess - May 31, 2019

May 29, 2019 • 6 min read
5G technology

The next generation

The world is buzzing with anticipation for 5G technology, and Southeast Asia is no exception. As Cambodia begins the move toward this latest tech, other countries in the region are similarly paving the way for widespread 5G within one to two years – and with it, the potential for huge technological advancements
By Robin Spiess - May 29, 2019

May 22, 2019 • 8 min read
Belt and Road

How Cambodia can make the most of China’s millions

While Cambodia has benefitted hugely from the many projects funded by China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Kingdom, it must ensure that it remains open to a wide range of foreign investment
By Robin Spiess - May 22, 2019

Mar 09, 2019 • 7 min read
The Orchid Project

Why ending all forms of FGC is vital for gender equality

Though not often talked about, there are a handful of countries in Southeast Asia where the widely-condemned practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is thriving – and Singapore is one of them. Southeast Asia Globe contacted the Orchid Project, a British charity working to end FGM/C around the globe, to discuss the need for change in Singapore and beyond
By Robin Spiess - Mar 09, 2019

Mar 08, 2019 • 14 min read
Women's rights

A cut, unseen

Despite Singapore’s reputation as a modern hub of progress and prosperity, female genital mutilation and cutting remains widespread among the city-state’s Malay Muslim community
By Robin Spiess - Mar 08, 2019

Mar 04, 2019 • 10 min read
Dragon City

The man behind Cambodia’s most ambitious development project

Almost a decade ago, Phuoeng Sophean – a Land Ministry official, and an imaginative architect serving as general secretary of the Board of Architects Cambodia – dreamt up the idea of a new capital of momentous proportions that he named “Samdech Techo Hun Sen Dragon City”
By Robin Spiess - Mar 04, 2019

Mar 02, 2019 • 10 min read
Whatever happened to

Cambodia’s Dragon City?

Nine years ago, Cambodia’s Land Ministry proposed a new, high-tech capital called “Dragon City” on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Nearly a decade later, the $80 billion development has yet to break ground – but the visionary behind the ambitious project is hoping that changing the Kingdom’s strict foreign ownership laws may tempt Chinese investors back to the bargaining table
By Robin Spiess - Mar 02, 2019

Feb 22, 2019 • 5 min read
top 5

Southeast Asia’s fintech revolution

In Southeast Asia, the financial technology sector is booming. But according to a recent report, that growth is concentrated in five main countries. Here, Southeast Asia Globe breaks down the numbers behind their success
By Robin Spiess - Feb 22, 2019

Feb 20, 2019 • 5 min read
Digital ranking

This is how Southeast Asia performed in 2018

A digital wave is sweeping across Southeast Asia. As traditional forms of communication, shopping and payment are pushed aside in favour of new technologies, the region’s young people are finding more and more opportunities for prosperity
By Robin Spiess - Feb 20, 2019

Feb 18, 2019 • 10 min read
Science

How stem cell-grown seafood could save our dying world

With cruelty-free shrimps lab-grown from a handful of stem cells, Singapore-based Shiok Meats is putting Southeast Asia on the cell-based meats map – and offering an environmentally conscious alternative to the emissions-heavy fishery industry
By Robin Spiess - Feb 18, 2019

Feb 15, 2019 • 6 min read
Behind the buzz

The Cambodia-based tech company test-driving the world’s drones

Aniwaa has become the world’s largest emerging tech comparison engine. And with commercial and personal demand for drones taking off in Southeast Asia, the start-up has decided to put the world’s leading unmanned aerial vehicles to the test
By Robin Spiess - Feb 15, 2019

Feb 08, 2019 • 6 min read
Cybersecurity

Black hats, hacks and cyber attacks

A recent report of 60 countries worldwide, released by UK-based tech research company Comparitech, has ranked six of Southeast Asia’s countries among both the worst and best in terms of cybersecurity. We break down how ready Southeast Asia is to stare down cyber attacks
By Robin Spiess - Feb 08, 2019

Feb 05, 2019 • 9 min read
Khmer Rouge legacy

Face-to-face with tragedy

Mapping Memories Cambodia aims to document the impact of the genocidal regime by putting survivors’ stories in the palm of your hand
By Robin Spiess - Feb 05, 2019

Jan 30, 2019 • 6 min read
'Angkor should inspire, not stop us'

Cambodia's top contemporary artists hope to break new ground

In Siem Reap, the newly opened Treeline Urban Resort has built into its foundation an open-air gallery where contemporary Cambodian artists can display their works on rotation, contributing their pieces to one of the four themed exhibits each year. At the recent launch of the resort’s inaugural exhibit, called Face Forward, the first artists to display at the Treeline gathered to discuss their work, the challenges they’ve overcome and the future of contemporary art in the Kingdom
By Robin Spiess - Jan 30, 2019

Jan 18, 2019 • 7 min read
EU Tariffs

Cambodia and Myanmar’s rice farmers under pressure

Cambodia and Myanmar will be forced to pay hefty tariffs to export rice to the European Union – and farmers fear that it will leave both nations’ rice industries in critical condition
By Robin Spiess - Jan 18, 2019

Jan 10, 2019 • 4 min read
Cambodia

Bosch country head on traffic accidents and engineering solutions

Traffic accidents are all too common across Southeast Asia, where approximately 1.35 million people die each year from road crashes. To shed some light on how automotive manufacturers and marketers can help minimise accidents in the region, Southeast Asia Globe sits down with Phirum Hay, country head of Bosch in Cambodia, to discuss the importance of the Kingdom’s adoption of new technologies and modern safety systems in its cars
By Robin Spiess - Jan 10, 2019

Jan 07, 2019 • 3 min read
'Stop judging us'

Kokopon founder on female entrepreneurs in Cambodia

In Cambodia, e-commerce businesses are among the most popular in the startup world. As local use of mobile wallets becomes more widespread, a new startup has come onto the market to allow locals to buy online via Facebook messenger — and be connected with hundreds of coupons at the same time, making their online shopping even more appealing than travelling to the store. Southeast Asia Globe talks to Sokneang N Nodzak, the founder of freshly-launched startup Kokopon, to discuss her business idea and her experience as a female entrepreneur in Cambodia
By Robin Spiess - Jan 07, 2019

Jan 04, 2019 • 6 min read
Taxi or technology?

Ride-hailing firm Grab in hot water in Vietnam

In late December, a Vietnam court ordered the Singapore-based firm to pay a local cab company just over $200,000 for losses incurred due to competition. The decision hinged on whether Grab should be considered a taxi company, or, as it generally is, a technology company. The court ruled in favour of the local firm. Now, Grab's country head has hit back, calling the ruling "extremely unfortunate"
By Robin Spiess - Jan 04, 2019

Jan 03, 2019 • 5 min read
Indonesia

More than 4,000 dead after year of devastating disasters

Indonesia has been rocked by a series of destructive natural disasters in the past 12 months, with the death count at its highest in over a decade. But what is going wrong in the country to lead to such a staggering number of fatalities?
By Robin Spiess - Jan 03, 2019

Dec 19, 2018 • 3 min read
Cambodia

Digital technology essential for economic growth, says World Bank

Cambodia’s economic growth in recent years has been rapid, with the Kingdom benefitting from preferential trade treatment and an abundance of low-skilled labour. But the country will need to look to new technologies and greater digital adoption across different sectors to continue enjoying that prosperity, according to a World Bank report
By Robin Spiess - Dec 19, 2018

Dec 11, 2018 • 3 min read
World Bank

East Asian countries must adapt to match most developed nations

If countries across East Asia intend to sustain the growth of their economies, policy makers are going to need to accommodate a changing global and economic environment, according to a recent World Bank report
By Robin Spiess - Dec 11, 2018

Nov 28, 2018 • 5 min read
Real-life Robocops

Singapore backs crime-fighting security drones

Singapore’s civil aviation authority announced its support for the commercial use of drones in delivering parcels, inspecting buildings and providing security – according to AFP – a move that further highlights the country’s ambitious commitment to drone technology
By Robin Spiess - Nov 28, 2018

Oct 30, 2018 • 4 min read
JT-610

Search goes on in wake of Indonesia's fatal plane crash, survivors unlikely

On Monday morning, a new Indonesian Lion Air jet carrying almost 200 people crashed off the coast of Java just 13 minutes after take-off. Though local search efforts continue and the plane is yet to be found, Indonesian officials have said it is unlikely there will be any survivors
By Robin Spiess - Oct 30, 2018

Oct 29, 2018 • 3 min read
Singapore

Go-Jek prepares to launch in Grab's home territory

Indonesian ride-hailing company Go-Jek has begun recruiting drivers in Singapore to pre-register for use of its platform, as the company takes a major step toward launching services in the same country where ride-hailing giant Grab is based
By Robin Spiess - Oct 29, 2018

Oct 25, 2018 • 6 min read
Ancient cities

The fall of Angkor

Top stories: Researchers now believe they know why the ancient city of Angkor was abandoned – and warn that modern-day cities could fall victim to the same fate
By Robin Spiess - Oct 25, 2018

Oct 24, 2018 • 3 min read
Comin Asia

'Solar systems have the potential to be highly financially attractive'

Comin Khmere, the Cambodian arm of international solutions provider Comin Asia, has enjoyed booming business in the Kingdom by installing large-scale solar projects for clients across the country. Southeast Asia Globe spoke to Comin Asia’s regional operations director Michael Freeman to discuss the business end of the company’s renewable energy projects
By Robin Spiess - Oct 24, 2018

Oct 16, 2018 • 5 min read
Natural disasters

Flooded out

Several Southeast Asian countries have this year been heavily impacted by natural disasters, and according to recent reports, the onslaught of extreme weather in the region is expected to continue for the foreseeable future
By Robin Spiess - Oct 16, 2018

Oct 03, 2018 • 3 min read
Hassan al-Kontar

Syrian airport refugee arrested in Kuala Lumpur airport

Hassan al-Kontar, the Syrian refugee who has been living in Kuala Lumpur International Airport since March, was arrested by Malaysian police earlier this week
By Robin Spiess - Oct 03, 2018

Oct 01, 2018 • 3 min read
Palu earthquake and tsunami

Death toll expected to rise drastically

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, causing a massive tsunami that left the provincial capital of Palu and several coastal cities in ruins. As of Monday, more than 840 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the natural disaster
By Robin Spiess - Oct 01, 2018

Sep 28, 2018 • 3 min read
Blockchain technology

Can it unlock the potential of renewable energy?

Eloncity, a Singapore-based renewable energy project powered by blockchain technology, has its sights set on providing affordable clean energy to underserved communities – and has just raised $20 million in support of its cause
By Robin Spiess - Sep 28, 2018

Sep 27, 2018 • 4 min read
Cambodia

Flourishing aviation industry must embrace new technologies

In Cambodia and across Southeast Asia, the aviation industry has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. Southeast Asia Globe sits down with Brian Davis, vice president of tech-based aircraft company Honeywell Aerospace, to discuss how emerging technologies could help the region’s airports prepare for continued growth
By Robin Spiess - Sep 27, 2018

Sep 19, 2018 • 4 min read
Ancient Angkor

Chinese theme park risks offending with Angkor Wat replica

A Chinese replica of Angkor Wat, built in honour of the annual China-Asean exposition, has attracted the ire of many Cambodians who feel that it is an offence to their heritage
By Robin Spiess - Sep 19, 2018

Sep 13, 2018 • 4 min read
Typhoon Mangkhut

The Philippines braced for 'super' storm

The year’s most powerful typhoon is on track to make landfall in northern Philippines on Saturday, as local officials order precautionary evacuations of thousands in preparation for the storm
By Robin Spiess - Sep 13, 2018

Sep 10, 2018 • 3 min read
Music

US pop sensation Charlie Puth to play Phnom Penh

In a room crowded with cheering young Cambodians, Smart Axiata announced today that it would be hosting US popstar Charlie Puth at its annual Smart Mega Concert in Phnom Penh on 2 November
By Robin Spiess - Sep 10, 2018

Sep 06, 2018 • 3 min read
Cambodia

Smart's innovator programme paves the way for young startups

As Smart Axiata’s Young Innovator Programme enters the final stages of its second cycle, the five finalists can draw inspiration from two of last year’s successful startups which are making promising strides
By Robin Spiess - Sep 06, 2018

Aug 28, 2018 • 5 min read
Rugby for all

Lao Rugby Federation promotes gender equality

In Laos, the game of rugby is becoming more popular than ever through the efforts of the Lao Rugby Federation. It’s also proving to be an effective tool for promoting education and gender equity in rural communities
By Robin Spiess - Aug 28, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 • 4 min read
Hiverlab

A glimpse of the future as markets for virtual reality and augmented reality tech expand

In an effort to expand the market for VR and AR technologies in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s first mixed-reality production studio has partnered with Singapore-based Hiverlab, a mixed-media and immersive-technology company that creates VR and AR solutions in the hopes of making the tech more accessible in the region
By Robin Spiess - Aug 21, 2018

Aug 17, 2018 • 3 min read
Censorship

Malaysia repeals controversial Anti-Fake News Act

Human rights activists in Southeast Asia applaud Malaysia as its government takes the first step toward repealing a contentious law critics feared would limit free speech in the country.
By Robin Spiess - Aug 17, 2018

Aug 09, 2018 • 2 min read
Cambodia

4G speeds drop as customer numbers increase

Access to 4G mobile networks has steadily grown in Cambodia over the past six months, but the country’s telecommunications companies continue to struggle with maintaining 4G speeds as their networks grow
By Robin Spiess - Aug 09, 2018

Aug 08, 2018 • 3 min read
Wildlife

Almost a quarter of Southeast Asia’s bats face extinction

A large portion of Southeast Asia’s bat population is currently at risk of extinction, a conservation expert announced at the 4th annual Southeast Asia Bat Conference hosted in the Philippines earlier this week
By Robin Spiess - Aug 08, 2018

Aug 07, 2018 • 5 min read
Augmented reality

A game changer in bomb disposal

Bomb disposal is perhaps the most difficult job in the world; one wrong move, and it’s over. Golden West, operating out of Cambodia, is using the latest augmented reality technology to help in the demining effort
By Robin Spiess - Aug 07, 2018

Jul 30, 2018 • 4 min read
Alex Face

'Street art is a tool that small people can use to say what they want to say'

Bangkok has seen an explosion of artwork on its streets in recent years, becoming well known in the region and across the globe as a supporter of street artists whose murals can be spotted on buildings across the city. Patcharapol Tangruen, an influential and prominent Thai street artist better known as Alex Face, discusses the Bangkok art scene and the slow evolution of street art in the city
By Robin Spiess - Jul 30, 2018

Jul 25, 2018 • 2 min read

Commute from airport to central Phnom Penh could be 33% quicker

Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing company Grab has partnered with the National University of Singapore to establish a new $6m laboratory that has the potential to cut urban travel times in the region by up to a third
By Robin Spiess - Jul 25, 2018

Jul 17, 2018 • 2 min read
Asian Games 2018

Indonesian police kill 11 petty criminals ahead of sport event

Indonesian police have killed 11 suspected petty criminals in Jakarta over the past two weeks, shooting a total of 52 people for allegedly evading arrest in a heavy handed crackdown on street crime
By Robin Spiess - Jul 17, 2018

Jul 11, 2018 • 4 min read
Business

Grab announces launch of new 'superapp'

Just a few short months after announcing its merger with Uber, Southeast Asia’s Grab has launched its latest venture: a brand-new “superapp” dedicated not only to ride hailing, but to providing a singular platform where consumers can access several different localised services
By Robin Spiess - Jul 11, 2018

Jul 10, 2018 • 3 min read
Belt and Road Initiative

Work starts on Chinese-funded Indonesian high-speed railway

Work has begun on Indonesia’s long-anticipated high-speed railroad, a $5 billion project that will – when completed – become the first high-speed rail in Southeast Asia. Funded by loans from Chinese banks and overseen by China Railway Corporation, the 142km rail line is one of dozens of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects being undertaken in the region
By Robin Spiess - Jul 10, 2018

Jul 03, 2018 • 4 min read
Thailand

Lost boys found by cave rescue team

Rescuers have found all 12 missing teenage football players and their coach still alive nine days after the team disappeared in a cave in northern Thailand. Heavy flooding in the cave, however, will likely deter rescue efforts for several months
By Robin Spiess - Jul 03, 2018

Jul 02, 2018 • 2 min read
Philippines war on drugs

'Walk of shame' mayor shot dead in the Philippines

Controversial Philippine mayor Antonio Halili has been shot dead while attending a flag-raising ceremony, killed before a local crowd as he and several fellow officials sang the national anthem
By Robin Spiess - Jul 02, 2018

Jul 02, 2018 • 6 min read

Porsche Cambodia CEO talks growth, driverless cars and illegal imports

As Cambodia has begun to develop a solid middle class, it has attracted some of the world’s most prestigious brands. Southeast Asia Globe sat down with Michael Vetter, CEO of Porsche in Cambodia, to discuss the demand for luxury cars in the region and the problem of unofficial importers
By Robin Spiess - Jul 02, 2018

Jun 30, 2018 • 4 min read
Signature Art Prize

Vietnamese artist wins prestigious award

Phan Thao Nguyen has been announced as winner of the acclaimed Signature Art Prize for her piece Tropical Siesta. She topped a shortlist of 15 other artists from the Asia-Pacific region and Central Asia
By Robin Spiess - Jun 30, 2018

Jun 30, 2018 • 4 min read
EuroFair 2018

Cambodia attractive market for luxury European brands and construction companies

Dozens of international businesses have gathered to showcase their wares and establish regional contacts at Cambodia’s annual EuroFair, a three-day event that expects to draw approximately 10,000 visitors to Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island Exhibition Hall this weekend
By Robin Spiess - Jun 30, 2018

Jun 27, 2018 • 6 min read
Child protection

Cambodia’s child porn problem highlighted in US Embassy sackings

The US Embassy in Phnom Penh recently fired nearly three dozen employees after discovering a group Facebook message in which the dismissed workers allegedly shared child pornography. The 32 sacked employees protested their dismissals outside the embassy last week, and in so doing shone a light on the continued prevalence of child pornography in Cambodia
By Robin Spiess - Jun 27, 2018

Jun 19, 2018 • 5 min read
Whatever happened to

Cambodia’s ‘government-backed’ cryptocurrency?

News of a cryptocurrency endorsed by the Cambodian government began circulating earlier this year, with international media also picking up the story. Then suddenly, it all went quiet. So what exactly happened to Entapay – the company behind it – and its ambitions to create a Cambodian cryptocurrency?
By Robin Spiess - Jun 19, 2018

Jun 12, 2018 • 2 min read
Free speech

Vietnam's new cybersecurity law deemed 'human rights abuse'

Vietnamese lawmakers voted to approve a cybersecurity law today that human rights groups fear will allow the government to monitor and censor dissenting opinions shared online
By Robin Spiess - Jun 12, 2018

Jun 11, 2018 • 7 min read
Southeast Asia's choice

What the Singapore summit means for the region

The world’s collective gaze is fixed on Singapore this week, eager to see the outcome of US President Donald Trump’s historic meeting with North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. But how will the talks affect Southeast Asia’s relationship with the volatile and secretive nation, which, despite international sanctions, still has active trade links with many of the region’s countries?
By Robin Spiess - Jun 11, 2018

May 31, 2018 • 4 min read
Solar solution

The company aiming to power up rural Cambodia

As a project manager for Kamworks, one of Cambodia’s leading solar energy companies, Matt Viner is working to develop a solar platform that will provide rural households with affordable, reliable, renewable energy
By Robin Spiess - May 31, 2018

May 29, 2018 • 5 min read
Cambodian Telcos

The price of tomorrow

A lack of transparency among some of the country’s leading telecom companies could eventually prove detrimental for Cambodians in the long term
By Robin Spiess - May 29, 2018

May 25, 2018 • 5 min read
Rithy Thul

One of Cambodia's brightest entrepreneurs talks tech, startups and cryptocurrencies

Rithy Thul is one of Cambodia’s leading voices in technology and entrepreneurship. Originally beginning his entrepreneurial career in the tourism industry with the founding of Toursanak in 2010, he co-founded Cambodia’s first coworking space in 2011 and shifted his focus more towards technology-based startups and projects
By Robin Spiess - May 25, 2018