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Mr Prabowo Subianto, who will be sworn in as Indonesia’s president on Oct 20, has plans to grow the country’s economy with investor-friendly and tourist-centric policies.
Correspondent Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja says Mr Prabowo’s schemes indicate a shift from the type of infrastructure projects favoured by outgoing President Joko Widodo. Senior columnist Lin Suling notes that reality suggests Mr Prabowo will have much to do for the country to truly take off, but there are grounds for hope.
At the recently concluded annual Asean leaders’ gathering in Laos, agreements were reached between Asean and its partners, with steps taken on free trade agreements and the digital economy. Assistant foreign editor Tan Tam Mei observes that new leaders ignited buzz at the summits.
With less than three weeks to go before the US presidential election on Nov 5, bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar finds prevalent distrust among Americans in the election infrastructure and its mainstream media.
A vote of confidence, however, is seen in ties between Sri Lanka and India with a new ferry service traversing the strait that divides the two sides. Follow correspondent Rohini Mohan on her ride with a surprising Singapore connection.
Relations between Kazakhstan and China are also growing, with young people in the central Asian country viewing China more favourably than their elders, thanks to belt-and-road investments, as Markus Ziener discovers.
Prabowo banks on ambitious schemes to boost economy
New leaders ignite buzz at Asean Summits – in more ways than one
In elections we trust not, say many Americans
No hongbao, no problem: Young Chinese opt for fuss-free weddings
Renewing connection
Find out how a ferry operated by a Singapore firm is connecting India and Sri Lanka.
More on India:
‘Diplomacy breakdown’: Canada’s row with India over murdered Sikh
Patriarch of Tata Group put India on world stage
‘A true friend of S’pore’: PM Lawrence Wong pays tribute to Ratan Tata
To get into IIT, India’s children ditch school for private coaching
Hotpot eateries, bookshops: Chongqing’s wartime bunkers revived
The revamped bunkers also give visitors a sense of history.
More on cultural or entertainment venues:
Australia teaches youth how to stay safe at nightlife venues
Japan’s govt to formulate policies to sustain bookstores