Asian Nations Research Articles

Do HR practices for employee lifecycle influence organisational outcomes equally in Asia? Evidence from the Indo-Thai food sector

PurposeThe primary purpose of this contextual study was three-fold: (1) to study the effect of HR practices on employee lifecycle (ELC) on organisational outcomes; (2) to investigate the mediating role of employee outcomes in the relationship between HR practices and organisational outcomes; (3) to assess the differences in HR practices of the Indian and Thai food processing industries.Design/methodology/approachThe study used random sampling to select 574 (278 Indian and 296 Thai) HR managers in food processing industries. A structured questionnaire was administered. The PLS-SEM was used to validate the relationships, while multiple group analysis (MGA) was employed to compare the HR practices.FindingsThe results revealed a significant influence of HR practices on organisational outcomes. Employee outcomes also mediate this influence. MGA results showed no significant variation in the effect of HR practices on organisational outcomes between India and Thailand.Practical implicationsHR practices must be aligned to suit country-specific business contexts to achieve organisational outcomes by improving employee outcomes. The findings would guide managers of the Indian and Thai food industries to develop tailor-made HR strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to comparative HRM in the Asian context by offering an empirically tested framework. Additionally, this comparative research offers insightful information on convergent best practices among Asian nations.

The implications of the ecological footprint and renewable energy usage on the financial stability of South Asian countries

This study explores the complex relationships involving ecological footprints, energy use, carbon emissions, governance efficiency, economic prosperity, and financial stability in South Asian nations spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. Employing various methodologies such as cross-sectional dependence tests, co-integration analysis, and first- and second-generation unit-root tests, we use a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, feasible generalized least squares, and Panel Corrected Standard Errors to ensure the robustness of our findings. We find noteworthy positive correlations between several variables, including heightened ecological consciousness, effective governance structures, increased GDP per capita, and amplified CO2 emissions. These relationships suggest potential pathways to strengthen the financial stability of the entire region; they also highlight the latent potential of embracing ecologically sustainable practices to fortify economic resilience. Our results also underscore the pivotal role of appropriate governance structures and higher income levels in bolstering financial stability in South Asian countries. Interestingly, we also find negative coefficients associated with the use of renewable energy, suggesting that escalating the adoption of renewable energy could create financial instability. This finding stresses the importance of diversification in energy strategies, cautioning policymakers to carefully consider the financial ramifications of potentially costly imports of renewable energy sources while seeking to reduce carbon emissions, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between ambitious sustainability goals and the pursuit of sustained economic robustness in the region. In considering the implications of these findings, it is crucial to consider each country’s broader socioeconomic context. Our results offer valuable insights for policymakers in developing renewable energy strategies.

India and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: In search of a middle ground

AbstractThe Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit (2023) in virtual format only exposed the growing disconnect between India and the members of this multilateral framework. Given the precarious state of India's relations with its immediate neighbors, China and Pakistan, and the growing camaraderie between Beijing and Moscow, this article examines the reasons behind New Delhi's continued need to engage with this multilateral framework. While India seeks to use the SCO as a “bridge” to improve its ties with Central Asian nations and act as a “check and balance” within the organization, Beijing's ascendancy as the “primary” external actor in the Af‐Pak and Central Asia region has meant that India's ability to gain advantages from its association with the SCO will be severely limited. As the protracted war in Ukraine continues unabated, India's attempts to find a “middle ground” between competing interests and principles will be put to the test.

The Critical Role of Energy Intensity in Decarbonizing ASEAN: Integrating Growth and Emissions Reductions

This research analyzes drivers of CO2 emissions across ASEAN countries from 1971-2017 to inform effective policies for sustainable decarbonized development. The goal is to identify critical factors influencing emissions growth and reductions to guide strategic climate mitigation planning. Data includes 3128 emissions, GDP, population, and energy consumption observations from 9 ASEAN nations. Results using the Kaya Index and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition reveal GDP growth and population as primary drivers of increasing emissions, while energy efficiency dampens growth. Indonesia saw the highest emissions growth, driven by population and economic expansion. Thailand's phenomenal GDP growth of 3003.7% led to its emission increases. Singapore and the Philippines achieved notable reductions. Findings suggest integrated policies like clean energy, efficiency gains, infrastructure planning, and low-carbon economic reform are needed. Transitioning towards affordable clean energy systems with proactive leadership can enable ASEAN to sustain growth while mitigating climate risks. Further research should identify optimal policy mixes to maximize socio-economic progress and welfare while meeting urgent emission targets tailored to each nation. This study provides vital insights into key factors influencing ASEAN emissions and highlights pathways towards sustainable decarbonized development. The analysis of historical trends aims to inform strategic policymaking for decarbonization.

Evaluation of the exit screening policy among travelers arriving from Asian and pacific nations

BackgroundThe Japanese government has instituted border control measures against COVID-19, including entry and exit screening of people arriving from overseas. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the exit screening policy in Japan in reducing the risk of importing COVID-19 cases among travelers from Asian and Pacific countries.MethodsThe study period was stratified based on the timing of exit screening: (i) the control period (the pre-exit screening period from 25 October 2020 to 16 January 2021), (ii) the time period with the Alpha variant from 17 January to 10 April 2021, and (iii) the time period with the Delta variant from 2 May to 2 October 2021. Incidence data in the countries of origin were used to adjust for the risk of infection among travelers. The positivity rate of entry screening in Japan was compared among the three different study periods, adjusting for the risk of infection in the country of origin.ResultsThe adjusted relative risk of positivity was greatly reduced and substantially below the value of 1 during the Alpha variant period compared with the control period. Although the relative risks increased when comparing the Delta variant period against control, the estimate remained below 1, except for among travelers from India and Myanmar. The relative risk reduction was greatest in high-income countries, with estimates of 100% and 96% risk reduction during the Alpha and Delta variant periods, respectively, followed by upper-middle-income countries with estimates of 90% and 76%, respectively.ConclusionsEven in the presence of the Alpha and Delta variants, exit screening clearly reduced the risk of infection among travelers arriving from Asian and Pacific nations. As the testing relies on the country of origin, the effectiveness varied greatly by the socioeconomic income status and epidemiological situation of those countries. Test standardization and quality assurance may be required in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia

AbstractThis study examines the importance of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia by using panel data that ranges from 1975 to 2021. Advanced cointegration approaches establish the long-term linkages between human capital, natural resources, economic growth, economic growth squared, urban population, industrial value added, and ecological footprint. To explore the long and short-run association among these variables, this study applied the panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model. The outcome designates that human capital has a negative and significant alliance with environmental quality, whereas economic growth and economic growth square affect environmental quality positively and negatively, confirming the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Urban population growth and natural resources have significant negative associations with environmental pollution, whereas industrial value added increases the pollution levels in South Asia. Lastly, the outcome of the interaction between human capital and natural resource rent on the ecological footprint has a significant positive effect. This study recommends that South Asian nations improve their human capital to promote industrial modernization, expansion of green technology, and energy-efficient habits. Utilizing natural resources also helps South Asian nations maintain a clean ecosystem. Additionally, South Asian nations ought to vigilantly track the negative consequences of industrialization on the atmosphere. Thus, ecological sustainability requires human capital and natural resources.

Impact of Green Logistics on Vietnam's regional trade

This study investigates the impact of green logistics on Vietnam's regional trade within the frameworks of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from 2007 to 2020. Employing a newly formulated Green Logistics Performance Index (GLPI) derived through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the research assesses how sustainable logistics practices influence trade performance. An extended gravity model is utilized to analyze the impact of green logistics across different regional trade agreements. The findings suggest that improved green logistics correlate positively with enhanced trade outcomes, highlighting the dual benefits of sustainability efforts in the environmental and economic realms. The study contributes to the limited empirical research on the intersection of green logistics and trade in Vietnam, offering a methodological approach for future analyses in this field. It provides valuable insights for businesses and policymakers aiming to align economic growth with sustainability objectives.

Evaluating REDD+ Progress and Results-Based Incentives in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Analysis across Southeast and South Asian Countries

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of REDD+ progress in South and Southeast Asian nations, investigating the intricate relationship between specific conditions and outcomes. Utilizing a two-step Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), it identifies the Configuration Enabling Outcomes (CEO) that drive successful REDD+ results through transformational change (TC). The amalgamation of conditions observed in Sri Lanka demonstrates moderate effectiveness in REDD+ readiness and implementation. Key QCA insights underscore the significance of active participation in forest conservation, government policies shifting from conventional forest practices, and accessible funds for performance-based incentives, underpinned by formal commitments among stakeholders. Inferences drawn emphasize the need to synergize remote and proximate conditions within institutional and policy frameworks, propelling transformative change in REDD+ policies. Concurrently, interventions in existing forest, climate change, and REDD+ policies are pivotal to enhance core aspects and mitigate pressure on forest resources. Moreover, dynamic monitoring and adaptability are vital for advancing REDD+ goals, particularly in the evolving landscape of developing nations’ implementation.

“Eco-Innovation Policies for Food Waste Management: A European Union-ASEAN Comparison”

This study investigates the impact of eco-innovation policies on the reduction of food waste in the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Eco-innovations are a range of new technologies and practices that aim to tackle the global food waste crisis. These innovations not only promote economic growth but also contribute to sustainability and social well-being. Guided by circular economy principles, governments play a critical role in fostering eco-innovation. This study compares policy approaches in five developed nations from EU (Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland) and five developing nations from ASEAN (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). These countries were chosen due to their diverse economic profiles and varied food waste management strategies. Documentary analysis and PESTEL analysis of policies reveals that both regions leverage regulations, incentives, and awareness campaigns to encourage eco-innovation within the food sector. However, challenges remain in areas such as infrastructure and consumer behavior. This research emphasizes the potential of eco-innovation policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to food systems, highlighting the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the EU and ASEAN to address this urgent global issue.

Transformative Pathways of Agrarian Reform: Comparative Bibliometric Insights of Southeast Asia and Indonesia Cases

Agrarian reform is recognized globally as a solution for reducing land ownership inequality. Many countries, including Indonesia, are still working to enhance its implementation. This study examines global agrarian reform research trends over the past decade, focusing on Southeast Asian (SEA) nations, particularly Indonesia. The methodology involved conducting a bibliometric analysis using RStudio and adhering to the PRISMA framework. The result of our analysis, which included 248 articles, reveals a trend of increasing interest in agrarian reform. Among the 20 selected articles, we observe that agrarian reform success in Europe, especially in Scandinavia, correlates with democratization. Conversely, Latin America contends with personal agenda challenges, while Africa faces issues of inclusivity and gender. SEA nations employ diverse approaches: Vietnam boosts productivity with private farming, Thailand enhances revenue through agrotourism, but Timor-Leste and the Philippines face managerial and credit access hurdles. Indonesia integrates asset and access management, yet access issues persist.

Scoping review protocol on research prioritisation for preparedness and response to outbreaks of high consequence pathogens

Background Prioritisation of research activities for infectious disease pathogens is usually undertaken through the identification of important research and knowledge gaps. Research prioritisation is an essential element of both effective responses to disease outbreaks and adequate preparedness. There is however currently no published mapping of activities on and evidence from research prioritisation for high consequence pathogens. The objectives of this review are to map all published research prioritisation exercises on high-consequence pathogens; provide an overview of methodologies employed for prioritising research for these pathogens; describe monitoring and evaluation processes for research areas prioritised; and identify any standards and guidance for effectively undertaking research prioritisation activities for high consequence pathogens. Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute guidance of scoping review conduct will be used. The search will be undertaken using the key terms of “research prioritisation”, “response”, “control”, and related terms, and a list of high-consequence pathogens derived from WHO (2020), EMERGE (2019), Europe CDC (2022) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (2021). We will search WHO Global Index Medicus; Ovid Medline; Ovid Embase; Ovid Global Health; and Scopus. Backward citations review of the included full text documents will also be conducted. Google Scholar and Overton will be searched for grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen the retrieved documents using Rayyan and extract data in a data extraction template in Microsoft Excel 2021. Screening results will be presented using the PRISMA-ScR template with narrative synthesis undertaken for the extracted data. Conclusion This review will map existing research priorities for high consequence pathogens. Further, it will provide an understanding of methodologies used for prioritisation, processes for monitoring and evaluation of progress made against research agendas, and evidence on standards that could be recommended for effective prioritisation of research for high consequence pathogens.

Financial constraints of ASEAN firms: Impact alleviation by ESG pillars

The purpose of this study is to examine whether ESG plays a positive moderating role in the negative relationship between financial constraint, the Kaplan-Zingales (KZ) and Whited and Wu (WW) indexes, and firm performance: Return of Asset (ROA) and Return of Equity (ROE). This study uses information from the Thomas Refinitiv database, which covers the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-5): Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines non-financial firms from 2011 to 2019. Fixed-effects (FE) are used as the baseline model, and random-effects (RE) act as the robustness of methods. The results show that the main effect of financial constraints is to act as an obstacle to firm performance. However, the marginal effects of financial constraints can be improved in the presence of ESG. Firms with a high ESG score are better at alleviating the adverse impact of financial constraints as compared to those with a low ESG score. When the ESG score is further broken down into three sub-pillar dimensions, the S-score is of the greatest magnitude in its moderating role in the ESG breakdown. The findings have important implications: effective financial support and the source of funding from the government are crucial to supporting firm performance. ESG-compliant strategies should also be formulated to encourage ESG disclosure, which leads to increased capital allocation efficiency. The firms should be stringent on S-score, which helps drive the company as employees respond by giving their best. Governments and firms need to deploy ESG guidelines in order to succeed in thriving competitive firm performances.

Cooperation in Digital Innovation Under the Master Plan on Asean Community (MPAC) in Muslim Asean Countries

This study examines the present conditions and obstacles faced by digital innovation in Indonesia and Malaysia, explicitly focusing on Muslim ASEAN countries. Additionally, it seeks to identify potential areas for collaboration and cooperation within the framework of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in Digital Innovation, such as the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) in Indonesia and Malaysia. Besides, this qualitative study employed a literature review. In addition, the collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia on the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in Digital Innovation, particularly in Quick Response Indonesia Standard (QRIS), can significantly improve economic integration and social growth in Muslim ASEAN nations. The result of this study is that Through the implementation of QRIS. This digital payment system makes use of QR codes to carry out transactions across international boundaries, reducing the costs of transactions. According to the author, this study is a first attempt to build a factual and theoretical basis for the researcher's analysis of the cooperation on the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) in digital innovation in Muslim countries in the ASEAN region, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

Determinant factors of gross domestic product (GDP) in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries

Background The gross domestic product (GDP) of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states can be used to determine their overall economic growth. In order to increase GDP, all emerging nations in Southeast Asia are stating to depend on foreign direct investment (FDI), the tourism industry, international visitors visiting ASEAN member nations banking credit, and low inflation rates. High inflation is a problem that developed and developing countries will definitely face. One of the problems faced by ASEAN member countries is that most of the member countries are in the developing country category. For ASEAN member countries, high inflation levels will encourage economic instability. GDP is less than optimal because of these classic problems in developing countries so that economic growth is not as planned. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which ASEAN established, is seen as a way to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty by boosting the travel and tourism industry and increasing investment, as well as to offer or distribute credit to businesses at low interest rates in order to boost GDP. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze how the GDP of ASEAN member nations is affected by FDI, foreign visitors, bank credit, and inflation. s: We analyzed panel data for seven ASEAN members from 2002 to 2020. FDI, foreign tourists, banking credit, and inflation are the research factors examined as independent variables that have an impact on GDP, the dependent variable. Results The study’s findings indicate that while inflation has a large negative impact on GDP, FDI, foreign tourism, and bank credit have a considerable positive impact on GDP. Conclusions FDI, foreign tourists, bank credit, and inflation have a significant influence on GDP in ASEAN member countries.

Floriculture and Transgenic

“Genetic engineering has revolutionized floriculture by enabling the modification of plant species and the creation of new flower color varieties (Chandler, Stephen et al, 2010). Despite the global cultivation of transgenic crops, floriculture has been slow to adopt transgenic breeding. "Floriculture, with its cut flower market as a significant component, is on track to achieve a market size of $43.8 billion by 2027, according to Markets and Markets. This industry plays a crucial role in uplifting rural economies through international trade. For instance, floriculture products from Africa find their way to markets in the U.S. and Europe. Similarly, Asian nations such as Japan, China, and India are strengthening their financial positions through the import and export of floriculture commodities (Tanaka, Yoshizu et al., 2009). One of the notable advancements in floriculture has been the creation of new flower color varieties by manipulating pigment metabolic pathways in plants. However, there are challenges. Some flowering plants, despite their high market value, do not realize their full economic potential due to issues like prolonged flowering seasons and diseases." These challenges can be addressed through the production of transgenic plants using genetic engineering and plant tissue culture techniques. The study aims to explore the potential of genetic engineering associated with plant tissue culture techniques in enhancing floriculture, particularly in developing new flower color varieties and improving the production of high-value flowering plants, thereby highlighting the economic impact of floriculture globally.

Conservation of Endangered Cordyceps sinensis Through Artificial Cultivation Strategies of C. militaris, an Alternate.

Cordyceps, an entomopathogenic fungus belonging to the Ascomycota phylum, is a familiar remedial mushroom that is extensively used in the traditional medicinal system, especially in South Asian nations. The significance of this genus' members in a range of therapeutic and biotechnological applications has long been acknowledged. The exceedingly valuable fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis) is found in the alpine meadows of Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and India, where it is severely harvested. Driven by market demand and ecological concerns, the study highlights challenges in natural C. sinensis collection and emphasizes the shift towards sustainable artificial cultivation methods. This in-depth review navigates Cordyceps cultivation strategies, focusing on C. sinensis and the viable alternative, C. militaris. The escalating demand for Cordyceps fruiting bodies and bioactive compounds prompts a shift toward sustainable artificial cultivation. While solid-state fermentation on brown rice remains a traditional method, liquid culture, especially submerged and surface/static techniques, emerges as a key industrial approach, offering shorter cultivation periods and enhanced cordycepin production. The review accentuates the adaptability and scalability of liquid culture, providing valuable insights for large-scale Cordyceps production. The future prospects of Cordyceps cultivation require a holistic approach, combining scientific understanding, technological innovation, and sustainable practices to meet the demand for bioactive metabolites while ensuring the conservation of natural Cordyceps populations.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia, 2023: asystematic review and meta analysis

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a complex pathophysiologic state which characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. The Adult Treatment Panel III report (ATP III) of the National Cholesterol Education Programme identified the metabolic syndrome as a serious public health issue in the modern era. In Western and Asian nations, the frequency of metabolic syndrome is rising, especially in developing regions experiencing rapid socio-environmental changes, in Sub-Saharan Africa; metabolic syndrome may be present in more than 70% of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore the objective of our study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among type II diabetes mellitus patient.MethodThis systematic review and meta-analysis included original articles of cross sectional studies published in the English language. Searches were carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey literature Journals from 2013 to June 2023. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type II Diabetes mellitus patient in Ethiopia. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analysis was also conducted based on study area. Egger’s test was used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted.ResultsOut of 300 potential articles, 8 cross sectional studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study. The pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patient with type II diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia was found to be 64.49% (95% CI: 62.39, 66.59) and 52.38% (95% CI: 50.05, 54.73) by using NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria, respectively. The weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type II diabetes mellitus patients by sub group analysis based on the study region was 63.79% (95% CI: 56.48, 71.11) and 52.23% (95%CI: 47.37, 57.22) by using NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria, respectively. Being female and increased body mass index were factors associated with metabolic syndrome among type II diabetes mellitus patients.ConclusionThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type II patient is high. Therefore, policymakers, clinicians, and concerned stakeholders shall urge effective strategies in the control, prevention, and management of metabolic syndrome among type II diabetes mellitus.

Implementation of projects of international transport corridors on the Eurasian continent as drivers of economic growth of the region

This study critically examines the implications of international transport corridor projects for Central Asian countries, focusing on the Western-backed Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), the Chinese initiative “One Belt—One Road”, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) supported by the Russian Federation, India, and Iran. The analysis underscores the risks associated with Western projects, highlighting a need for a more explicit commitment to substantial infrastructure investments and persistent contradictions among key investors and beneficiaries. While the Chinese initiative presents significant benefits such as transit participation, infrastructure development, and economic investments, it also carries risks, notably an increased debt burden and potential monopolization by Chinese corporations. The study emphasizes that Central Asian countries, though indirect beneficiaries of INSTC, may not be directly involved due to geographical constraints. Study findings advocate for Central Asian nations to balance foreign investments, promote economic integration, and safeguard political and economic sovereignty. The study underscores the region’s wealth of natural and human resources, emphasizing the potential for increased demand for goods and services with improved living standards, strategically positioning these countries in the evolving global economic landscape.

The Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

The Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Tax Revenues in Six ASEAN Nations: A Dynamic Panel Data Model

The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Tax Revenues in Six ASEAN Nations: A Dynamic Panel Data Model