Asian Governments Research Articles

The Burden of Hepatitis B and C in Asia, 1990-2019: An Update Analysis From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

This research was aimed to uncover the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) related diseases burden in Asia over the past 3 decades, estimating from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. Age-standardised rates, case numbers of prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), incidence and deaths with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) for HBV/HCV-related diseases from 1990 to 2019 were derived from GBD 2019 database, with the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) calculated. Our analysis also encompassed the association between the Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and the burden of HBV/HCV-related diseases, future disease burden predictions in six selected countries and various risk factors. A general downward trend in the age-standardised rates of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence and incidence for both HBV and HCV-related diseases was observed in Asia during the past 30 years. Despite overall declining trends, some analysed diseases experienced an increase. Compared with females, the disease burden was greater in the male population and peaked in the age of 50-54 for both sexes. It is significant for the HBV-related and HCV-related diseases burden in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia and Pakistan. Drug use and smoking were prominent contributors to HCV and HBV-related diseases. There was a negative relationship between the burden of HCV and HBV-related diseases and SDI. Although decreases were observed in Asia, the HBV- and HCV-associated diseases burden remained high, highlighting that imperative measures for prevention and treatment should be taken by governments in Asia.

Complexity of the Government and Governance in ASEAN Members: Issues and Challenges

To analyzes Southeast Asia's governance systems and makes policy recommendations to enhance practices in the domain of governance The paper discusses the governance and growth nexus in Southeast Asia; describes the operating governance systems in Southeast Asia; examines economic governance, specifically in the areas of economic management and growth, revenue generation, social spending, access to services, cost of doing business, and corporate governance; and examines political governance, with a focus on the rule of law and judicial systems. To maintain the pace for broad-based prosperity, Southeast Asian nations must build and improve transparency and accountability systems in both the public and private sectors, regardless of degree of development. They must also increase the budgetary sovereignty of their subnational divisions and provide greater opportunity for civil society engagement. Strong law enforcement procedures, as well as more responsive and streamlined regulatory frameworks, are required. For data collection methods use descriptive analysis, which is based on literature studies. This literature study itself is sourced from several journals and books related to the government system of ASEAN countries. To analyzes Southeast Asia's governance systems and makes policy recommendations to enhance practices in the domain of governance The paper discusses the governance and growth nexus in Southeast Asia; describes the operating governance systems in Southeast Asia; examines economic governance, specifically in the areas of economic management and growth, revenue generation, social spending, access to services, cost of doing business, and corporate governance; and examines political governance, with a focus on the rule of law and judicial systems. To maintain the pace for broad-based prosperity, Southeast Asian nations must build and improve transparency and accountability systems in both the public and private sectors, regardless of degree of development. They must also increase the budgetary sovereignty of their subnational divisions and provide greater opportunity for civil society engagement. Strong law enforcement procedures, as well as more responsive and streamlined regulatory frameworks, are required. For data collection methods use descriptive analysis, which is based on literature studies. This literature study itself is sourced from several journals and books related to the government system of ASEAN countries.

The Dilemma of Cross-Border Data Flow and the Construction of Mutual Trust Platform in Asia

Abstract The current unilateral and bilateral governance agreement cannot solve problems such as the large strength gap, loose organisation, and cultural diversity in cross-border data flow in Asia. Therefore, we are in urgent need of structuring a multilateral governance mechanism, that is, to build a mutual trust platform for cross-border data flow in Asia. From a digital technology perspective, the Asian Cross-Border Data Flow Trust Platform is a blockchain-based digital technology architecture. From the perspective of the organisational model, the Asian cross-border data flow governance based on the mutual trust platform can be understood as a cooperative network in which multiple Asian countries cooperate to make cross-border data decisions. As a necessary medium to eliminate the complexity of the cooperation network, legal procedures will transform the chaos on the Asian Cross-Border Data Flow Mutual Trust Platform into order by simplifying the communication between multiple agents.

THE EFFECT OF EASE OF DOING BUSINESS (EODB) AND CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX (CPI) ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) IN ASEAN

The background of this study is the instability of foreign investment in Southeast Asia due to declining corporate revenues and the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused economic uncertainty and delayed investments by multinational companies. This study aims to examine the influence of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in ASEAN. The research employs Structural Equation Modeling using Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS 4) software. The population in this study includes all countries in the Southeast Asian region, with a total sampling or census approach. The results indicate that the Ease of Doing Business does not affect Foreign Direct Investment. This is largely due to the low EoDB index scores in most ASEAN countries. In contrast, the Corruption Perception Index has a positive and significant effect on Foreign Direct Investment, suggesting that foreign investors have greater confidence to invest and feel that their substantial funds will be safer. The implications of this study suggest that ASEAN governments must enhance the investment climate by implementing regulatory reforms that promote the Ease of Doing Business and reduce corruption levels. These efforts are expected to improve regional competitiveness and attract more foreign investment, ultimately accelerating economic growth and infrastructure development in the region.

Erdoğan’s Asian Turkey: domestic authoritarianism or the requirements of the international transitional order

ABSTRACT This article examines the dimensions and rationale for Turkey’s focus on Asia during the Erdoğan era. It argues that Turkey’s shift toward Asia is influenced by two key motivations: the emergence of Asia in the transitional international order and the success of Asian political and economic governance models as a development paradigm. The research findings indicate that Asia’s rise as a power axis in the global order attracts Turkey, a middle power, for its own security and economic interests. Additionally, the success of Asian models of economic and political governance in the development path encourages the ruling AKP in Turkey to strengthen its domestic power by aligning with these models, thus moving toward structural and value-based ties with Asia. Furthermore, by representing Asia as an alternative for modernization and good governance in the contemporary world, Turkey seeks to engage in the reproduction of its Asian identity.

Revisiting the Foreign Direct Investment-CO2 Emissions Nexus within the N-EKC Framework: Evidence from South Asian Countries

This study explores the dynamic connection between foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth and CO2 emissions, a topic that has sparked considerable debate in extant literature. The study aims to shed light on these interactions within the context of South Asian countries. Uniquely, it expands the traditional Environmental Kuznet Curve (EKC) model to a cubic specification, enabling an examination of the N-shaped relationships between pollution and GDP, as well as pollution and FDI. To this end, annual frequency data were employed while leveraging on the augmented mean group (AMG) panel estimation method.Empirical findings reveal both inverted U-shaped and N-shaped relationships, with the latter prevailing over the former in the long run. This confirms the pollution haven hypothesis, indicating that the environmental cost of FDI decreases as GDP increases. The study also discovers a substitutive relationship between FDI and GDP in terms of environmental impact, alongside a similar substitutive link between GDP and energy consumption. This indicates that the adoption of renewable energy, coupled with economic growth, leads to a reduction in carbon emissions. These insights offer crucial implications for enhancing environmental sustainability in South Asia. The outcomes of the pollution haven hypothesis calls for caution on foreign direct inflow especially on dirty growth which comes with trade-off with environmental quality.Thus, South Asian governments official should proactively direct foreign direct investment into green initiatives. These initiatives including renewable energy infrastructure that will foster clean growth and environmental quality by extension.

Amir Temur's State and It’s Department

This study explores the governance system and administrative reforms implemented by Amir Timur, drawing from historical texts that highlight his consolidation of power and state-building efforts. Initially adopting Mongol administrative structures, Timur gradually reformed these systems to create a highly centralised state apparatus. Amir Timur’s state-building initiatives merged traditional Central Asian governance models with the Mongol administrative legacy. Initially adopting the Mongol structure, Timur later implemented extensive reforms to centralise authority and strengthen his empire. He established a complex administrative system divided into seven ministries, each responsible for functions such as taxation, trade, and justice. Timur's governance was deeply influenced by Islamic principles, emphasising sharia law and council deliberations to ensure stability. The "suyurgol" system allowed Timur to distribute land holdings among his descendants while retaining centralized control over key resources and military power. Through a blend of military conquests and diplomatic alliances, Timur expanded his empire, integrating vast territories and securing vital trade routes along the Silk Road, contributing to a unified and prosperous state.

Towards a more globally inclusive academic discussion on local government: is more attention to Asian countries the answer?

ABSTRACT Asian countries’ growing importance in global affairs contrasts with the scant scholarly focus on their political, administrative, and governance practices. Our review of Local Government Studies from 1975 to 2024 shows limited articles on Asian governance. In addition, these studies chiefly concern developed regions in Asia, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, and focus on the public sector at the local government layer. Most of these studies are explanatory, adopting the frameworks derived from Western democracies to analyze political and administrative practices in Asian contexts. We suggest authors should pay more attention to Asian countries with limited scholarly attention, establish frameworks and theories specifically to analyze political and administrative practices in Asian contexts, conduct studies to investigate issues with high complexities and uncertainties, and apply diverse new and innovative research methods in conducting empirical studies.

Appraising sustainability and economic growth through Fintech, green finance and natural resource in Asian economies: A CS-ARDL study

Governments in Asian economies are under immense pressure from an ecological perspective and are trying to increase compliance with environmental policies by institutions and households, which have the objective of reducing environmental pollution. This is because the Asian region contributes two-thirds of the global growth. However, because of the conventional manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, the Asian region had to rely on the consumption of the Natural Resource (NTR) for their economic development; thus,the environment is being harshly affected, eventually affecting the quality of life of every dweller. Therefore, this research revisits the Asian economies due to their global significance in financial, environmental and sustainable development. Moreover, the present study evaluates the role of Fintech (FNT), Green Finance (GFN) and Natural Resource (NTR), in diluting the disparity betweeneconomic and ecological sustainability. The current study explores these relationships through the help of an advanced and recent estimation technique named “Cross-section augmented autoregressive distributed lags (CS-ARDL)”. Through the generated outcome from CS-ARDL, FNT, NTR, and GFN are found to support the Economic Growth (ECG). From the environmental perspective, the role of FNT and GFN was found to be satisfying as they lead to reduced environmental pollution. However, the role of NTR was found to destroy ecological health, which is the validation of the earlier studies but does require careful attention from the concerned authorities. In light of these findings, the Asian governments will be in a better position to identify, devise and select appropriate strategies and policies that will assist in alleviating environmental pollution and strengthening economic development.

A Comparative Study of Public Support for the Zero-COVID Policy in Beijing, Taipei and Singapore: The Role of Media Attention and Perceived Social Impact

Abstract Asian governments employed drastically different strategies—zero-infection versus living with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)—to balance control of the global pandemic and minimize disruption. This study examines inter-society differences in public responses to their government’s anti-pandemic policies of zero-COVID strategy in China and neighboring societies. Three parallel telephone surveys were conducted in summer 2022 with a combined sample of 3,106 respondents in Beijing, Singapore, and Taipei. Findings provide a snapshot of public opinion toward zero-COVID policy in the late stage of the pandemic. Levels of strictness of pandemic-control measures across the 3 societies were found to be related to the public’s attention to the policy, its perceived social impact, and the extent to which they would support the policy. Furthermore, whether public attention enhanced or diminished the perception of its impact or support, and how these relationships changed depended on local circumstances. Chinese respondents in Beijing perceived their government’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy as having a low impact and tended to support the strict policy. Singaporeans living under the co-living policy viewed the zero-case strategy as disruptive and were less willing to support it.

The Bank Concentration and Risk Exposure: Empirical Insights from Asian Countries

Background: The relationship between bank rivalry and stability is a subject of discussion in both theoretical and empirical research. The two competing theories, the (1) competition-stability and (2) competition-fragility theories, provide an alternate explanations, leading to controversy over the merger and acquisition policies implemented by Asian governments. This study examines the influence of bank rivalry, profitability, diversity, efficiency, and liquidity on bank stability in Asian countries. Methods: This study used annual data from 11 Asian countries spanning 14 years (2007-2020) and comprising 154 observations. The secondary data were extracted from the Global Financial Development Database (2023). The unit root test, cointegration test, and random effect model were the main methods employed in this work to assess stationarity, long-term relationships, and the influence of bank competition on stability in Asian nations, respectively. Results: The findings revealed that the bank concentration ratio (β = 1.975, p < .01) and cost-to-income ratio (β = -.375, p < .01) negatively affect bank stability, while the noninterest income-to-total income ratio (β = .180, p < .05), credit-to-deposit ratio (β = .346, p < .01), liquid assets-to-deposit ratio (β = .087, p < .05), and net interest margin (β = .036, p < .05) positively affect bank stability in Asian countries. Conclusion: This study concludes that bank competition and efficiency negatively affect bank stability, while income diversification, profitability, and liquidity positively affect bank stability in Asian countries. Novelty: Using a more recent dataset, this study analyzes the effects of competition on stability through cross-country analysis. This also offers extensive literature on the Asian context.

Hair Discipline in Singapore: Aesthetics, Morality, and Gender

ABSTRACT In the 1970s and 1980s, several Asian governments, including those of Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan, enacted varying measures to proscribe long hair on men. Singapore’s government was no exception in this regard, barring even longhaired global male celebrities from entry. Adopting a social semiotic perspective, this article traces the vicissitudes of the male hairscape in Singapore from the colonial period to contemporary times, with a view to uncovering its differential indexical meanings. It argues that the stigmatization of long hair was part of a moral-aesthetic regimen of hair hygiene that fashioned shorthaired men as poster boys of a young, disciplined, and aspirational nation, while longhaired men were discursively constructed as a bad influence and the archnemesis of a desired work culture and social life. Men’s hair, then, was not an innocuous sign with an organic meaning, but a loaded signifier for a cultural ethos tied to shifting social imperatives.

An Examination of the Logistics Infrastructure's Impact on the Economic Growth of ASEAN

Despite the substantial economic potential, ASEAN faces challenges in meeting its infrastructure investment needs, resulting in suboptimal logistics performance for several countries. This study proposes an analysis of the contribution of logistics infrastructure and infrastructure investment in ASEAN countries to the overall economic growth of ASEAN. This study also aims to provide valuable insights for formulating effective policies that promote regional connectivity and accelerate economic integration in the ASEAN region. This study employs a fixed effect model with panel data from eight ASEAN nations (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam) gathered between 2021 and 2022. The results show that ASEAN countries’ logistics infrastructure is yet to affect ASEAN economic growth optimally. However, ASEAN countries’ domestic infrastructure investment significantly and negatively affects ASEAN economic growth. ASEAN governments must prioritize and actively develop logistics infrastructure, both nationally and regionally, to help develop regional linkages and promote sustainable economic growth rates. They should also intensify coordination efforts, optimize regional financial integration, identify alternative funding sources, and assess regulations restricting private sector participation to maximize private sector investments in infrastructure development, including public-private partnership (PPP). Keywords: ASEAN, economic growth, fixed effect, infrastructure investment, logistic infrastructure

AI governance in Asia: policies, praxis and approaches

ABSTRACT This article surveys the status quo of AI readiness and governance in Asia and identify Asian approaches of doing AI regulation and governance through policy and document analysis. We note that some Asian countries are moving from ‘soft regulation’ through strategies and guidelines to ‘hard regulation’ through rule-setting and laws on AI. We argue that their AI governance approaches are greatly influenced by the existing internet governance frameworks and suggest the importance of historical understandings of Internet, telecommunications, and digital technology and governance to identify the connections and influences – and ‘path dependency’ of past policies upon their current AI strategies and governance. We anticipate that the AI regulatory landscape in Asia will become a diverse and contentious space due to global AI competition among the EU, China and the U.S. as well as the pragmatic paths that many Asian countries may take considering their own histories, economies and politics.

The analysis of the agricultural market conditions in Central Asian countries

This article is focused on analyzing the market conditions for agricultural products in Central Asian countries. The study was conducted in order to identify the current state and prospects for the development of the agricultural sector in the region. The authors analyzed the volume of production and consumption of agricultural products, market structure, trends in price dynamics, as well as domestic and external demand for agricultural products. Special attention is paid to the role of international cooperation and cooperation of entrepreneurs in the development of the agricultural sector. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the development of the agricultural sector in Central Asian countries. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal range of agricultural products, study options for their possible processing into a finished product in order to create an effective production chain within the framework of cooperation between entrepreneurs in Central Asian countries based on an analysis of the market conditions for agricultural products in these countries. The analysis of domestic and external demand for agricultural products will assist in developing strategies to increase export opportunities and attract investment. The findings of the study can be used by Central Asian governments to make informed decisions in the field of agricultural policy and entrepreneurship support. In addition, the research will help strengthen international cooperation and cooperation between entrepreneurs in the region, which will lead to sustainable development of the agricultural industry.

Leveraging the power of innovation for common prosperity and better AI governance in Asia and globally

Leveraging the power of innovation for common prosperity and better AI governance in Asia and globally

Sustainable Development

An analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, highlights the presence of socio-economic and political obstacles. This research examines the challenges that are impeding the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as poverty (SDG 1), health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and economic growth (SDG 8), utilizing data from the World Bank, IMF, WHO, and FAO. The financial facts given highlight the immediate need for significant actions. The report recommends that Developed Countries (DCs) take on a crucial role by allocating at least one per cent of their Gross National Product (GNP) towards development aid. Achieving success in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires effective governance and the execution of structural changes. The report advocates for providing development aid from developed countries to underdeveloped countries (UDCs), aiming to foster the exchange of experiences to address common difficulties. The conclusions guide South Asian governments in formulating efficacious economic strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In addition, the study examines 26 papers issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) that investigate sustainability in Pakistani Higher Education Institutions. An analysis of this research reveals both advancements and obstacles in pursuing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Various stakeholders actively participate in the transformational process, including administrators, leaders, instructors, and students. The examination focuses on governance, communication, coordination, and campus outreach and tackles problems. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prioritizing logistical assistance and excellent education (SDG 4) is crucial. The study is a manual for educators, policymakers, and curriculum creators to promote Sustainable Development, assisting researchers in formulating inquiries for sustainable development objectives.

Taxes and Unemployment in the Asean Countries

This study has inspired us to understand the relationship between taxes and unemployment in ASEAN countries. Taxes are one of the sources of government development funding, including human development. The purpose of this study is to find out how much ASEAN four governments are taxed for inaction. The four ASEAN governments are used as examples. The methods used in this study were information verified using the eViews app, 12.The results showed that simultaneously the variables Foreign Domestic Investment, Exchange Rate have a positive and significant influence on tax revenue. Partially, Foreign Domestic Investment variables and exchange rates have a positive and significant influence, while exchange rate variables have a negative and insignificant influence on tax revenue. Furthermore, the variable of tax revenue has a positive and significant influence on unemployment. For this reason, governments in ASEAN countries need efforts so that tax revenues can increase so as to reduce unemployment in their respective countries.

The burden of mental disorders in Asian countries, 1990–2019: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019

Mental disorders are the leading contributors to the globally nonfatal burden of disease. This study was aimed to estimate the burden of mental disorders in Asian countries. Based on GBD 2019, the prevalence and disability-adjusted life of years (DALYs) rates with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were estimated in Asian countries. Predictions for the future burden of 8 selected countries, ranks of the burden of mental disorders and correlations with Sociodemographic Index (SDI) were also estimated. During the past 3 decades, while the number of DALYs of mental disorders increased from 43.9 million (95% UI: 32.5–57.2) to 69.0 million (95% UI: 51.0–89.7), the age-standardized rates of DALYs of mental disorders remained largely consistent from 1452.2 (95% UI: 1080.16–1888.53) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 1434.82 (95% UI: 1065.02–1867.27) per 100,000 population in 2019, ranked as the eighth most significant disease burden in Asia in 2019. Depressive disorders (37.2%) were the leading contributors to the age-standardized DALY rates of mental disorders in Asia, followed by anxiety disorders (21.5%). The age-standardized DALY rates in females were higher than their male counterparts, both peaked at 30-34 years. The age-standardized DALY rates were predicted to remain stable, with the number of DALYs presented an upward trend in the future. There was no significant correlation between the burden of mental disorders and SDI. All mental disorders ranked higher in 2019, compared in 1990. To reduce this burden, urgent measures for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for mental disorders need to be taken by Asian governments.

Efforts Undertaken by Several ASEAN Countries to Address Childhood and Adolescent Obesity in School-Based Programs: A Systematic Review

Background: Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the rise in Southeast Asia. Necessitating stronger actions from ASEAN governments to address this issue, because the significant financial and social welfare implications. Schools provide an effective platform for targeted interventions among children and adolescent groups. Objectives: This study provides an overview of school-based nutrition interventions implemented in ASEAN countries to address childhood and adolescent obesity. Methods: A literature review was conducted by searching multiple databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) between April 1 and May 1, 2023. The search included computer-based searches and manual search in relevant journals. The articles considered were limited to publications from the past 10 years. Discussion: School-based nutrition interventions in ASEAN countries require further development, with attention to key factors such as intervention duration, sample size, and family involvement. Conclusions: Urgent large-scale research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing school-based nutrition programs. Integrated and effective programs require support and collaboration from families, the private sector, and the government.