Covid-19
Fighting a Pandemic of Misinformation
September 28, 2022
Blog Post
How a two-year program helped vulnerable communities in South Asia protect themselves from Covid-19 and the “fake-news pandemic.”
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Inequalities in Asian Cities: Focus on Working Mothers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
June 13, 2022
Publication
Mongolian version The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Kore Global, led an eight-city qualitative research project to explore the multidimensional impacts of Covid-19 on marginalized groups across five Asian countries. Each of these country reports focused on the experiences of a particular group of urban residents. These included: Working moth… Read more
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Inequalities in Asian Cities: Focus on Tourism Workers in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Pakse and Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
June 13, 2022
Publication
The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Kore Global, led an eight-city qualitative research project to explore the multidimensional impacts of Covid-19 on marginalized groups across five Asian countries. Each of these country reports focused on the experiences of a particular group of urban residents. These included: Recently unemployed workers in… Read more
Go Digital ASEAN Develops Specialized Curricula for ASEAN Countries
May 4, 2022
Program Snapshot Post
Implemented by The Asia Foundation, with support from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, the initiative trained over 225,000 people from rural regions and underserved communities—including entrepreneurs, underemployed youth, and women. Launched in June 2020, phase one of Go Digital ASEAN focused on closing the digital gap across ASEAN and was… Read more
A Spiraling Debt Crisis, LICs, and SIDS
April 27, 2022
Blog Post
The debt crisis is back. For low-income countries and small island developing states, it never really went away.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Inequalities in Asian Cities: Focus on Female Bangle-makers in Hyderabad, Pakistan
April 25, 2022
Publication
The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Kore Global, led an eight-city qualitative research project to explore the multidimensional impacts of Covid-19 on marginalized groups across five Asian countries. Each of these country reports focused on the experiences of a particular group of urban residents. These included: Female bangle-makers in Hydera… Read more
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Inequalities in Asian Cities: Focus on Female Micro-Business Owners in Khulna, Bangladesh
April 25, 2022
Publication
The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Kore Global, led an eight-city qualitative research project to explore the multidimensional impacts of Covid-19 on marginalized groups across five Asian countries. Each of these country reports focused on the experiences of a particular group of urban residents. These included: Female micro-business owners i… Read more
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Inequalities in Asian Cities: Focus on Internal Ethnic-Minority Migrants in Hanoi, Vietnam
April 25, 2022
Publication
Vietnamese version The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Kore Global, led an eight-city qualitative research project to explore the multidimensional impacts of Covid-19 on marginalized groups across five Asian countries. Each of these country reports focused on the experiences of a particular group of urban residents. These included: Ethnic-mino… Read more
Virtual Event – Addressing Urban Inequities: Shaping an Inclusive Pandemic Recovery in Asia
Bangkok, Monday, April 4, 2022
Events Post
Since 2020, The Asia Foundation has been working to understand and illustrate the multidimensional impact of Covid-19 on disadvantaged communities in Asian cities. This webinar aims to build on this work by facilitating a forward-looking discussion with experts on framing key priority areas and actions needed to create a more inclusive and sustaina… Read more
The Asia Foundation Launches Mobile Application to Expand Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Ulaanbaatar, March 25, 2022
News Post
In Mongolia, The Asia Foundation launched its Women’s Business Center (WBC) Mobile Application with support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and the Australian Government. The WBC has been providing essential business support services to women at their physical center in Ulaanbaatar since 2016 and the app will make these… Read more
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Covid-19, and Women
March 16, 2022
Blog Post
The pandemic has sharpened the focus on systemic gender inequalities. Policymakers and institutions must rethink their approach to inequality to build more resilient societies.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Lao PDR: The First Pandemic Year
February 28, 2022
Publication
Lao PDR recorded its first Covid-19 case in March 2020. The first nationwide lockdown, closing all non-essential businesses, occurred from March 30 to May 4, 2020. While restrictions within Lao PDR eased for the rest of 2020, as of writing, travel in and out of the country remains very limited. In order to accurately reflect the impact of Covid-19… Read more
The Economist Highlights Survey on Covid-19 Impact on Cambodian MSMEs
February 8, 2022
Media Coverage Post
The Economist cites key findings from the Foundation’s recent report, “Revisiting the Pandemic: Rapid Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in the Tourism Sector and Households in Cambodia” in a piece assessing the challenges facing the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. This absence has taken its toll on the economy. In 2020 tourism’s contrib… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 8 – September 2021
January 14, 2022
Publication
Covid-19 remained by far the biggest challenge for individuals, the community, and the country in Timor-Leste. Between September 17 to 23, 2021, Mata Dalan Institute conducted 409 phone interviews with Timorese women and men. There were 1,183 active Covid-19 cases in Timor-Leste, and the State of Emergency had been renewed for the 17th time when th… Read more
InAsia’s Greatest Hits of 2021
January 5, 2022
Blog Post
As 2022 beckons, it’s time to take a fond look back at the best of InAsia from the year gone by.
GovAsia – From Hanoi to Hyderabad
December 21, 2021
Publication
This issue of GovAsia looks at the multidimensional impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic in eight cities across Asia. It draws on research conducted between October 2020 and April 2021, in partnership with Kore Global, that focused on the perspectives and experiences of those who receive the fewest benefits of urbanization due to a range of intersectin… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 7 – June 2021
November 16, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be the biggest challenge for individuals, the community, and the country. Timor-Leste was under its 14th State of Emergency, and Sanitary Fences were enforced when the survey was conducted; there were 1,275 active cases of Covid-19 across all 13 municipalities, including RAEOA. The research aims to understand the… Read more
Sri Lanka: Countering Social Media Misinformation
October 26, 2021
Program Snapshot Post
A distinctive feature of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the rampant spread of mis- and disinformation in traditional media and social media, exacerbating tensions between communities and creating new fault lines. In response to this situation, The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka has launched #StrongerTogetherSL to counter online disinformation and… Read more
Covid-19 and Complex Conflicts: The Pandemic in Myanmar’s Unsettled Regions
October 14, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 crisis has had mixed impacts on Myanmar’s disparate conflicts and the ongoing peace process. The pandemic response has highlighted deep fragmentation across Myanmar society, in particular along ethnic lines. Large parts of the population, especially in areas affected by violent conflict, rely on civil society or ethnic armed groups for… Read more
Six Stories of Resilience: Digital Technologies as Drivers of Development in the Covid-19 Era
September 27, 2021
Publication
The Asia Pacific region is adapting to the many challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in part by leveraging the power of digital. Online platforms, mobile tools, AI-enabled digital services, and cloud applications, to name a few, have been key to supporting the region’s resilience during this time of collective crisis—helping address new pandem… Read more
Covid-19 Impact Assessment on Micro and Small-scale Women Business Enterprises in Mongolia
September 21, 2021
Publication
The Asia Foundation Mongolia’s Women’s Economic Empowerment project and the Independent Research Institute of Mongolia conducted the Covid-19 Impact Assessment on Micro and Small-scale Women Business Enterprises in Mongolia between October 2020 and July 2021 with support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. This study is cri… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey – Synthesis Report
September 20, 2021
Publication
The coronavirus outbreak is a global concern faced throughout the world, including in Timor-Leste. The government of Timor-Leste has taken preventive steps to reduce the number of cases, including a state of emergency, mandatory home confinement, and in-country restrictions using sanitary fences between municipalities. From May 2020 to May 2021, Th… Read more
The Diplomat Features Asia Foundation Survey Assessing Impacts of Covid-19
September 2, 2021
Media Coverage Post
The Diplomat highlights key findings from the Foundation survey Revisiting the Pandemic: Rapid Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in the Tourism Sector and Households in Cambodia. The survey is part of an ongoing series addressing the need for accurate data on how the pandemic is disrupting MSMEs, vulnerable workers, and the informal economy… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 6 – May 2021
August 31, 2021
Publication
The coronavirus outbreak continues to cause shock in Timor-Leste, and the Government continues its efforts to protect citizens via the implementation of various restrictions. The week when the survey was conducted, Timor-Leste was under its 14th State of Emergency; there were 1,315 active cases of Covid-19, and all 13 municipalities, including RAEO… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 5 – February 2021
August 31, 2021
Publication
Timor-Leste was under the 10th state of emergency during the period of this survey, applying sanitary fences for Bobonaro and Covalima municipalities and in-country travel restrictions. This project aims to understand the concerns and lives of the Timorese people as well as their perceptions and attitudes towards the government during the Covid-19… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 4 – December 2020
August 31, 2021
Publication
The Government of Timor-Leste has policies to address the socio-economic shock brought about by Covid-19. The 8th State of the Emergency declaration was in effect for 30 days, and there was one active case of Covid-19 during the week the survey was conducted. The research aims to understand the Timorese people’s concerns and challenges and their at… Read more
Thailand’s Online Education Portal Supports Individualized Learning
August 26, 2021
Program Snapshot Post
The Asia Foundation Thailand Office worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Embassy to create a one-stop service portal called www.thailandlearning.org to offer students, teachers, and parents during the pandemic. Given that schools are closed, and learning moved to online spaces, the portal brought together existi… Read more
Revisiting the Pandemic: Rapid Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in the Tourism Sector and Households in Cambodia
August 25, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic led to a dramatic roll-back of economic progress across Southeast Asia. While the region has managed to contain the spread of the virus better than most others, the economic impact on the region has been devastating. Southeast Asia is highly integrated into the global economy, both with regard to trade and international travel… Read more
Strengthening Resilience to Covid-19 Online through Social Cohesion
August 25, 2021
Publication
The global sweep of the Covid-19 pandemic poses serious challenges for developing countries and regions such as South Asia. Marginalized populations that share intersecting identities, such as women and girls, youth, and ethnic and religious minorities, are especially vulnerable to the health, rights and security, economic, and broader governance i… Read more
GovAsia – Barely Staying Afloat: The Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in Southeast Asia
August 13, 2021
Publication
GovAsia provides a platform for The Asia Foundation and its partners to examine critical social, economic, and political issues faced by citizens and governments across Asia, drawing on the Foundation’s daily engagement with the region’s development challenges. GovAsia aims to facilitate thoughtful debate and build consensus for solutions to the mo… Read more
Covid in Cambodia: Vulnerable Households and Debt
August 4, 2021
Blog Post
Covid in Cambodia has caused household debt to soar. Here are some ways to handle the crisis.
Covid-19 Violence Dashboard Shows Nepal’s “Shadow” Pandemic
July 21, 2021
Blog Post
Amidst the heavy toll of Covid-19, Nepal is enduring another, shadow pandemic, a spike in violence of all kinds. Our longtime partner has adapted its online database to analyze Covid-related violence.
2020 Economic Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs and Timor-Leste’s Tourism Sector
July 9, 2021
Publication
Over the course of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic had an unprecedented worldwide impact. In Timor-Leste, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were particularly susceptible to the economic impact of the pandemic, and MSMEs in the tourism sector experienced the worst setbacks. To improve understanding of the scale of Covid-19’s impact on tourism… Read more
Development Letters (April–June 2021 Issue)
July 6, 2021
Publication
Development Letters aims to promote ideas with important policy and practical implications for a developing country like Bangladesh. This quarterly publication provides a platform to introduce thought-provoking ideas on broad development issues through short and concisely written articles that are comprehensible to policymakers and development prac… Read more
Virtual Event – Revisiting the Pandemic: Surveys on the Impact of Covid-19 on Small Businesses and Workers
Washington, DC, Thursday July 8, 2021
Events Post
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic roll-back of economic progress across Southeast Asia. While the region has managed to contain the spread of the virus better than most others, the economic impact on the region has been devastating. As a result of its heavy dependence on the tourism sector, Thailand has one of the worst affected economies… Read more
Development Letters (January–March 2021 Issue)
June 14, 2021
Publication
Development Letters aims to promote ideas with important policy and practical implications for a developing country like Bangladesh. This publication provides a platform to introduce thought-provoking ideas on broad development issues through short and concisely-written articles that are comprehensible to policymakers and development practitioners…. Read more
Revisiting the Pandemic: Surveys on the Impact of Covid-19 on Small Businesses and Workers
June 10, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic is leading to a dramatic rollback of economic progress across Southeast Asia. While the region has managed to contain the spread of the virus better than most others, the economic impact on the region has been devastating. As a result of its heavy dependence on the tourism sector, Thailand has one of the worst affected economi… Read more
Covid-19 in Vietnam: Holding Our Breath in Wave Four
May 26, 2021
Blog Post
Even as a fourth wave of Covid-19 gropes for a foothold, Vietnam’s well-managed pandemic response systems have kept death and infection rates among the lowest in the world. But vaccines are likely to remain in short supply.
Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh: Barely Staying Afloat
May 26, 2021
Blog Post
In the last decade, women entrepreneurs have made tremendous strides in Bangladesh, stepping out of the home to participate in the economy. How much of that progress will be undone by the pandemic?
Australia and The Asia Foundation Support Mongolian Women Entrepreneurs During Covid-19
Ulaanbaatar, May 19, 2021
News Post
Today, The Asia Foundation and Australian Government initiated a new program to support Mongolia’s women entrepreneurs and address the economic and social challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia’s Partnership for Recovery funding to the Foundation will target women entrepreneurs and other beneficiaries in Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon, Darkhan-U… Read more
Pandemic Dramatically Alters Path of Migrant Workers
May 12, 2021
Blog Post
As the pandemic drove economies into crisis in 2020, Asia’s overseas migrant workers were among the first to lose their jobs. With up to half a million unemployed migrants coming home, Nepal faces some tough reintegration challenges.
Women: Frontline Responders in the Pacific Islands
May 12, 2021
Blog Post
In the vast Pacific Islands region, climate change is compounding the disruptions of Covid-19. Since 2016, the Shifting the Power Coalition has drawn on the leadership of diverse women’s organizations to meet challenges like these. Now they’ll be getting extra support from The Asia Foundation.
Tourism in Timor-Leste: Small Businesses, Big Impacts
May 12, 2021
Blog Post
Timor-Leste is working hard to reopen its shuttered tourism industry, but a few false steps and a new surge of Covid infections since last month’s flash floods may make it difficult to attract international travelers demanding new levels of safety and hygiene.
Give2Asia Supports Covid-19 Response in India
April 30, 2021
News Post
India’s second wave of Covid-19 is causing unprecedented devastation. The country, which was reporting less than 15,000 cases a day just last month, documented nearly 400,000 cases on April 29. The official death count has reached 3,500 per day and will likely continue to rise in the coming weeks. The health system is extremely stressed across the… Read more
Promoting a Green Recovery in Asia
April 28, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 crisis has had a lasting global impact and has forced governments to implement stimulus packages to help their economies recover. While addressing immediate social and healthcare needs is critical, a concerted effort is needed to incorporate climate goals into country-level Covid-19 responses. However, government stimulus packages are… Read more
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Employment in Middle-Order Cities of Nepal
April 27, 2021
Publication
Covid-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted economic activities globally. Initial lockdowns, repeated surges in infection rates, and extended disruptions in movement of goods and people continue to slow the recovery process. Because economic activities and job opportunities are concentrated in urban areas and infection rates tend to be higher, the econo… Read more
Covid-19 Awareness, Online Discourse, and Vaccine Distribution in Melanesia
April 21, 2021
Publication
Delivering authentic and accurate information to citizens about the safety and efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines is central to the success of national vaccination initiatives. However, vaccine-related online mis- and disinformation in the Pacific is complicating this effort and contributing to confusion and uncertainty around vaccines, the nature of th… Read more
We Need More Women in Data!
April 14, 2021
Blog Post
A new report puts numbers to the unique hardships of women in Nepal during Covid-19. It shows that to get more data about women, we need more women in data.
Timor-Leste Relief Fund Supports Recovery Efforts After Devastating Floods
Dili, April 8, 2021
News Post
Thousands have been displaced in Timor-Leste and neighboring Indonesia after a tropical cyclone battered the Southeast Asian nations. Flash floods and landslides destroyed homes and have resulted in mass evacuations. Many buildings have been flooded including our Dili office, police headquarters, the presidential palace, hospitals, Covid-19 isolati… Read more
GovAsia – More than the Sum of Their Remittances
April 1, 2021
Publication
Welcome to Issue 1.2 of GovAsia. Published four times a year, GovAsia provides a platform for The Asia Foundation and its partners to examine the critical social, economic, and political problems facing citizens and governments across Asia, drawing on the Foundation’s daily engagement with politically rooted development challenges. GovAsia aims to… Read more
Resilience in the Time of Covid
March 31, 2021
Blog Post
A five-nation initiative to blunt the impact of Covid-19 in South Asia combines international scope, local partnerships, and a question: how to prepare the most vulnerable for the next crisis.
Cross-Border Trade in the Southern Philippines Amidst Covid-19
March 30, 2021
Publication
Beginning in March 2020, governments across the region introduced movement restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of Covid-19. While health measures were implemented with the intention of protecting citizens, they have impacted local markets dependent on informal cross-border trade. This research, part of the X-Border Local Research Network proj… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 3 – September 2020
March 29, 2021
Publication
The Government of Timor-Leste has its own policies addressing the socio-economic shocks brought about by Covid-19. From declaring a State of Emergency restricting the number of people going into and out of the country and applies a 14-day quarantine obligatory to new arrivals, to a US$200 cash transfer to around 300,000 households and a US$25 worth… Read more
Enduring the Pandemic: Surveys on the Impact of Covid-19 to the Livelihoods Of Malaysian MSMEs & Workers
March 12, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 outbreak led to severe repercussions in Malaysia, and the local micro, small, and medium- sized enterprises (MSMEs) appear to have been badly affected. In order to evaluate the economic impact of Covid-19 on Malaysian MSMEs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with Merdeka Center for Opinion Research, conducted a survey between July an… Read more
Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in Pakistan
March 8, 2021
Publication
The Asia Foundation’s Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in Pakistan report assesses Covid-19 pandemic’s socioeconomic impact on women. The regional research includes country-specific reports that give granular insights on the disproportionate impact on women, which contribute to a South Asia region-wide report that presents com… Read more
Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in Nepal
March 8, 2021
Publication
The Asia Foundation’s Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in Nepal report assesses Covid-19 pandemic’s socioeconomic impact on women. The regional research includes country-specific reports that give granular insights on the disproportionate impact on women, which contribute to a South Asia region-wide report that presents common… Read more
Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in South Asia
March 8, 2021
Publication
The Asia Foundation’s Covid-19 & The New Normal for Women in the Economy in South Asia report assesses the Covid-19 pandemic’s socioeconomic impact on women. The regional research includes country-specific reports giving granular insights on the disproportionate impact on women, which contribute to the South Asia region-wide report that present… Read more
Pioneering Program Addresses Trauma Head-On
February 3, 2021
Blog Post
For a decade, the Victims of Trauma Treatment Program has worked with Sri Lanka to heal the psychic wounds of war and natural disaster. When Covid-19 arrived, the pieces were in place to tackle the trauma of lockdowns.
Urgent Issues in U.S.-Southeast Asian Relations for 2021
February 1, 2021
Publication
The Asia Foundation’s task force report examines challenges in the areas of security, economics and trade, infrastructure, and climate change; all in the context of a growing U.S.-China rivalry, and the impact of Covid-19 on the region’s prospects. The task force was comprised of nine individuals who are scholars, analysts, and practitioners who wo… Read more
Enduring the Pandemic: Rapid Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in the Tourism Sector and Households in Cambodia
January 26, 2021
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic is leading to a dramatic roll-back of economic progress across Southeast Asia. While the region managed to contain the spread of the virus better than most, the economic impact on the region has been devastating. Southeast Asia is highly integrated into the global economy, both with regard to trade and international travel. Af… Read more
Virtual Event – Enduring the Pandemic: Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 in Cambodia
Washington, DC, Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Events Post
Join The Asia Foundation to discuss its new report, Enduring the Pandemic: Rapid Survey on the Impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs in Tourism Sector and Households in Cambodia. To address the need for accurate data on how Covid-19 is disrupting micro and small enterprises, vulnerable workers, the informal economy, and heavily affected sectors, The Asia Fou… Read more
Covid-19 and Escalating Conflict: Three Priorities for Rakhine State
January 19, 2021
Publication
Myanmar’s Rakhine State has specific, complicated challenges—an ongoing health crisis alongside pre-existing humanitarian crises, a complex conflict landscape with violence that escalated even during the pandemic, and restrictions on humanitarian support, freedom of movement, and internet access. The conflict between government military forces and… Read more
Virtual Event – 2020 Northeast Asia Policy Dialogue Forum: Perspectives on Sustainable Infrastructure Cooperation in the Era of Covid-19
Seoul, South Korea, December 1-3, 2020
Events Post
Watch the Forum’s framing session With the advent of the recent intertwined global crises from the Arctic meltdown to increasing wildfires, and now Covid-19, an action for climate change and sustainable development no longer is perceived as an act for future consideration, but an imminent emergency to save our lives and the economy. Among many caus… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Household Cash Transfer
January 12, 2021
Publication
The Timorese government provided a US$200 cash transfer to around 300,000 households that earn under US$500 per month in all its 452 villages in response to the economic shock brought about by COVID-19. The research focused on measuring the Covid-19 household payment on the needs of vulnerable Timorese people, and the impacts of the household payme… Read more
The Best InAsia Podcasts and Posts of 2020
January 7, 2021
Blog Post
The year of the pandemic was a long, discontented winter that the glorious sun forgot. But it was a year we dug deep into the voices and ideas of our colleagues across Asia in our new InAsia Podcast.
ASEAN Secretariat Highlights Asia Foundation in Special Edition of The ASEAN Magazine
January 4, 2021
Media Coverage Post
The ASEAN Secretariat profiles The Asia Foundation’s report ASEAN Rapid Assessment: The Impact of Covid-19 on Livelihoods across ASEAN in a special edition of the The ASEAN magazine. To support policymakers in understanding the impacts and developing inclusive policies for the people to resume their lives in the post-pandemic period, ASEAN recently… Read more
The Asia Foundation Supports APEC Policy Brief on Women, Covid-19, and the Future of Work
January 4, 2021
News Post
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies are expecting severe economic repercussions from Covid-19. According to Women, Covid-19, and the Future of Work a new policy brief prepared by the APEC Policy Support Unit with the support of The Asia Foundation, women will face disproportionate impacts caused by the pandemic. The policy brief… Read more
South Asia Regional Project to Strengthen Community Resilience to Covid-19
December 25, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
As part of an EU-funded initiative, The Asia Foundation is implementing a project to address the immediate threat and longer-term implications of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable populations of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The goal is to provide greater awareness of health risks and preventive measures, better access to sup… Read more
ASEAN Rapid Assessment: The Impact of Covid-19 on Livelihoods across ASEAN
December 9, 2020
Publication
The ASEAN Rapid Assessment is a product of the partnership between The ASEAN Secretariat and The Asia Foundation and with support from The Rockefeller Foundation and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It has informed the development of ASEAN post-2020 sectoral work plans as well as the Implementation Plan of ASEAN… Read more
Peripheral Vision: Views from the Borderlands – November 2020
December 2, 2020
Publication
PERIPHERAL VISION: Views from the Borderlands sheds light on how political, security and socio-economic developments affect the people living in contested borderlands and, reversely, how border dynamics shape change and transition at the national level. This special edition of Peripheral Vision examines the short- and medium-term impact of the Covi… Read more
The Pacific Covid-19 Infodemic
November 18, 2020
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed dangerous vulnerabilities in the Pacific’s digital information ecosystems, as well as great opportunities to use the internet to deliver access to information. Despite noteworthy initiatives by the region’s governments and civil societies to communicate with citizens through the internet and social media, a spate… Read more
Asia Foundation and VWEC Organize ASEAN Women CEO Summit
November 17, 2020
News Post
On November 9, 2020, the Vietnam Women Entrepreneur Council (VWEC), focal point for the ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Network, organized the ASEAN Women CEO Summit themed “Making changes for stronger and more responsive women entrepreneur community.” The event is part of related activities leading up to the 37th ASEAN Summit, November 12-15. The summit… Read more
Managing Municipal Revenues in the Time of Covid-19
November 11, 2020
Publication
Covid-19 is having a profound impact on cities across the world. Beyond the immediate public health impacts city authorities are grappling with economic slowdowns and restrictions on their own abilities to operate. This first paper in a two-part series, examines the potential impact of Covid-19 on municipalities collection of revenues. Scenario ana… Read more
Learning Lessons from Covid-19: Making Myanmar’s Cities Financially Resilient
November 11, 2020
Publication
Covid-19 is having a profound impact on cities across the world. Beyond the immediate public health impacts city authorities are grappling with economic slowdowns and restrictions on their own abilities to operate. This second paper in a two-part series introduces the concept of resilience as a lens through which to view municipalities preparedness… Read more
Covid Early Release Program Provides Unexpected Possibilities for Youthful Offenders in Indonesia
November 11, 2020
Blog Post
As Indonesia’s troubled prisons release young offenders to avoid the pandemic, a program managed by The Asia Foundation is helping them rebuild their lives and reconcile with their communities.
How Covid-19 and Conflict Intersect in Kachin State
October 27, 2020
Publication
Myanmar’s Northernmost region, a zone of long-term violent conflict, rising geopolitical tensions, and great natural resource wealth, has thus far been spared the worst of Covid-19, but maintaining these positives is a challenge. Livelihoods are shattered and formal negotiations between conflict parties are now on hold for the November election and… Read more
STEM Hackathon with National Incubation Center in Pakistan
October 23, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
In partnership with the National Incubation Center in Karachi, The Asia Foundation held a 48-hour online hackathon challenge October 23-25, 2020 to support talented young women working in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The online challenge encouraged young women programmers, entrepreneurs, and students across Pakistan to… Read more
Virtual Event – A New World is Possible: Gender Lens Philanthropy in a Time of Covid-19
New Zealand, Thursday, October 29, 2020
Events Post
9:00 am NZDT (Thursday, October 29) 4:00 pm EDT (Wednesday, October 28) As Covid-19 has swept the globe it has had acute impacts on women and girls, including rising rates of domestic violence and economic insecurity, especially for Indigenous women, other black and brown women, and those working in informal sectors. Join The Asia Foundation and Ph… Read more
And Now, a Bright Spot: Timor-Leste Weathers a Pandemic
October 14, 2020
Blog Post
Timor-Leste is a young nation and a poor one, but its response to Covid-19 has been focused, disciplined, and remarkably effective. A new public-perceptions survey shows that the government and the public have reaped the rewards.
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 2 – July 2020
October 14, 2020
Publication
The Covid-19, or coronavirus, global pandemic has required huge responses from governments all over the world. Timor-Leste has its own unique requirements when addressing an event of this magnitude. The Government of Timor-Leste responded by declaring a state of emergency, which closed schools, suspended public transport and large gatherings, insti… Read more
Covid-19 Raises New Hurdles for CSOs
October 14, 2020
Blog Post
Civil society organizations in Southeast Asia have responded swiftly to the pandemic, in many cases more nimbly than governments. But civil society is also struggling to cope in a time of emergency government powers and shrinking civic spaces.
GovAsia – Civil Society in Southeast Asia During the Covid-19 Pandemic
September 24, 2020
Publication
Across Southeast Asia, civil society organizations (CSOs) are supporting Covid-19 response efforts in a multitude of ways. In some contexts, they are providing healthcare, social protections, and welfare-related services, often focused on those with little access or who need them most. Based on a series of interviews with 47 CSO representatives in… Read more
Counseling the Counselors amid Covid-19
September 16, 2020
Blog Post
Sri Lanka’s national mental health service has been overwhelmed by the pandemic. A new program is giving stressed-out counselors professional support and guidance to navigate the Covid crisis.
Nikkei News Features Asia Foundation Op-Ed on Thailand’s Looming Economic Crisis
September 9, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Nikkei Asian Review publishes an op-ed written by the Foundation’s Country Representative in Thailand Thomas Parks. The article highlights key findings from Enduring the Pandemic: Surveys of the Impact of Covid-19 on Thai Small Businesses. Beyond Thailand’s success in limiting the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis, two other crises are unfolding… Read more
Enduring the Pandemic: Surveys of the Impact of Covid-19 on Thai Small Businesses
September 8, 2020
Publication
While Thailand has been largely successful in stemming the tide of Covid-19 infections, the economic impact could outlast the pandemic. The severe economic shock of this pandemic will only deepen existing inequalities and may fan smoldering political tensions. Enduring the Pandemic: Surveys of the Impact of Covid-19 on Thai Small Businesses reveals… Read more
Covid-19 Report: Nepal
September 8, 2020
Publication
The Asia Foundation has worked alongside government partners, civil society, and communities in Nepal for 30 years. In Nepal, the Foundation has a long history of supporting and encouraging peaceful resolution of conflict at the national and subnational levels; enhancing women’s rights and security; supporting accountable local governance; and broa… Read more
The Asia Foundation and H&M Foundation Support Women Garment Workers in Bangladesh
September 1, 2020
News Post
The Asia Foundation has joined the H&M Foundation in a new partnership to coordinate immediate disaster relief for female garment workers in Bangladesh who have been impacted by Covid-19. In addition, through this partnership The Asia Foundation and the H&M Foundation are working to address the longer-term needs, welfare, and livelihoods of… Read more
Virtual Event – Enduring the Pandemic: Surveys of the Impact of Covid-19 on the Livelihoods of Thai People
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Events Post
9:00 am – 10:00 am EDT (Washington DC) 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm ICT (Bangkok) REGISTER FOR ZOOM EVENT While Thailand has been largely successful in stemming the tide of Covid-19 infections, the economic impact has been severe and could very well outlast the pandemic. The severe economic shock of this pandemic will only deepen existing inequalities and may… Read more
Pakistan: Safe Home Initiative
August 23, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
With schools closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown, poor communities lacking access to e-learning facilities in small cities and rural areas were severely impacted. The Safe Home Initiative mitigated the impact of Covid-19 on families disproportionately affected by the pandemic in remote districts of Punjab and Sindh, including Sajawal, Sukkur, Khair… Read more
Covid Lays Bare the Flaws in Asia’s Booming Megacities
August 19, 2020
Blog Post
After 20 years of dazzling growth, Asia is now home to nearly half of the world’s urban population. Now, Covid-19 is revealing how this breakneck growth has left behind the very citizens whose toil has built Asia’s prosperity.
Safe Home Initiative Supports Pakistan Communities Hit Hard by Covid-19
August 19, 2020
Blog Post
Pakistan emerged strong from the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, but the coronavirus is a crisis of a different color. In a society already suffering from poor and inequitable healthcare and social services, the pandemic has had an outsized impact on the most vulnerable populations.
Covid-19 Is a Feminist Issue
August 19, 2020
Blog Post
Across the Asia-Pacific and around the globe, Covid-19 is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls. A recent Asia Foundation webinar explored feminist strategies to mitigate the gendered effects of the pandemic.
How Have Myanmar’s Conflicts Been Affected by Covid-19 and What Should be Done About it
August 19, 2020
Publication
The Covid-19 crisis has had mixed impacts on Myanmar’s disparate conflicts and the ongoing peace process. The pandemic response has highlighted deep fragmentation across Myanmar society, in particular along ethnic lines. Large parts of the population, especially in areas affected by violent conflict, rely on civil society or ethnic armed groups for… Read more
Youth Activists Combat Covid-19 Misinformation in Thailand
August 18, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
In Thailand’s far south, where a vast majority of the two million residents identify themselves as Melayu, a group of youth activists collectively known as The Motive use digital content to combat misinformation on Covid-19. After the region experienced a second wave of conflict that claimed more than 7,000 lives in the last 17 years, it more recen… Read more
Elevating Youth Voices Across Thailand
August 18, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
Young Moves is a Chiang Mai-based civil society organization that came together three years ago as a platform for youth from all four regions of Thailand to engage in socio-political issues impacting their generation. The youth group emphasizes respect and dignity for all people, regardless of their identity. Thaksin Bamrungthai, better known as To… Read more
The Visa Foundation and The Asia Foundation Partner to Respond to the Impact of Covid-19 on Women and Girls in Asia
August 11, 2020
News Post
The Visa Foundation and The Asia Foundation launched a new partnership to support women’s economic advancement and address rising incidences of gender-based violence (GBV) across Malaysia, Myanmar, and Nepal. This partnership is part of The Visa Foundation’s commitment to support small and micro-business that aligns with its long-term focus on wome… Read more
Communicating Vital Information in Myanmar Through Storybooks
July 31, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
Stories are an innate part of the human experience. From oral storytelling around fires to digital bursts consumed globally, the way in which we share stories has evolved but their purpose remains the same: sharing information. In Myanmar, The Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read team works with local publisher Third Story Project in merging traditional an… Read more
Overcoming As 14: The Role of State and Region Governments in Supporting Myanmar’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan
July 29, 2020
Publication
In Myanmar, the recently released Overcoming as One: Covid-19 Economic Relief Plan (CERP) sets out the Union government’s economic response to Covid-19, ranging from action on personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement to direct cash transfers to households. The CERP outlines an ambitious economic response to Covid-19 and provides a useful too… Read more
Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey Round 1 – May 2020
July 29, 2020
Publication
The Covid-19, or coronavirus, global pandemic has required huge responses from governments all over the world. Timor-Leste has its own unique requirements when addressing an event of this magnitude. The Government of Timor-Leste responded by declaring a state of emergency, which closed schools, suspended public transport and large gatherings, insti… Read more
Sri Lanka’s Youth Discover Values4All during the Global Pandemic
July 22, 2020
Blog Post
When discriminatory content broke out on social media during Sri Lanka’s ongoing coronavirus curfew, a program for young people, called Values4All, used its online presence and some special tools to push for tolerance, compassion, and unity in crisis.
Notes from Colombo: Sri Lanka Weathers the Covid-19 Storm
July 8, 2020
Blog Post
April is usually a festive month in Sri Lanka, but this year the New Year holiday was spent praying for a relaxed curfew and the end of Covid-19. As we enter July, the author considers how Sri Lanka has managed the crisis.
Mongolia’s Lessons on Democracy during a Pandemic
June 24, 2020
Blog Post
Mongolia holds parliamentary elections today, June 24, in a political landscape transformed by Covid-19. A case in point: the nation’s clever and ambitious “virtual” parliament.
In a Time of Covid-19, Screen-Time Worries Miss the Point
June 24, 2020
Blog Post
Parents of locked-down children are more worried than ever about screen time. But preparing children for the future won’t happen by looking backwards to a pre-screen world that has already come and gone.m Today’s kids need screen-time mentors, not screen-time monitors
Myanmar Times Cites Asia Foundation Survey on Business Impact of Covid-19
June 15, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Myanmar Times cites data from The Asia Foundation’s latest national survey, Myanmar Business Environment Index: Covid-19 Impact on Business, assessing the pandemics impact on businesses across the country. A nationwide poll of 750 local businesses—the largest survey so far of the impact of the pandemic—covered the two weeks ending May 10. During th… Read more
Covid-19 vs Climate Change: What Can We Learn?
June 10, 2020
Blog Post
If humanity can put our economies on hold to fight a global threat like Covid-19, why haven’t we been able to take similar measures to confront a global killer like climate change?
Opportunity in Crisis: Making Green Energy the New Normal
June 10, 2020
Blog Post
Some of the most indelible images of the pandemic have been the brilliant skies that replaced toxic smog as the world stayed home and fossil-fuel use plunged. With renewables now cheaper than coal, green energy’s time has come.
In Nepal, Federalism, Health Policy, and the Pandemic
June 10, 2020
Blog Post
Across Nepal, the coronavirus pandemic is confronting cities and towns with a defining challenge to that nation’s nascent federal system, as young local governments struggle to meet their constitutional public-health mandate.
Working from Home: Not the Utopia We Were Expecting
June 10, 2020
Blog Post
“Before the pandemic took over our lives, we all sometimes wished we could simply work from home,” writes the author. “So why do 85 percent of my colleagues want to come back to the office as soon as possible?”
Virtual Event – Covid-19 and the Indian Platform Economy: Is There Room for Women?
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Events Post
The growing platform-based economy greatly benefited India’s youth who looking for work in urban areas. This sector has been particularly attractive for women, though they still face many uncertainties and challenges. How has women’s participation and benefit from this sector changed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic? In this new normal, is there s… Read more
Virtual Parliaments: Principles and Practices
June 3, 2020
Publication
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in measures to control the spread of the virus in most countries, including social distancing and instructions to work from home for many workers. Parliaments are a key governance institution and it is essential that their functions should be able to continue during this time, but also that they are following the… Read more
CNN Cites Asia Foundation Report on Internet Access in the Philippines
May 20, 2020
Media Coverage Post
CNN Philippines cites The Asia Foundation’s Improving Internet Access in the Philippines in an article assessing how the COVID-19 crisis and internet accessibility is disproportionally affecting the productivity of underserved communities. Since then, government and non-government organizations have cooperated to push for policy reforms to nar… Read more
Malaysia’s Marginalized and Covid-19
May 13, 2020
Blog Post
Covid-19 is putting governance in Malaysia to the test, particularly in how it treats marginalized and undocumented migrants and refugees.
The Day the Workers Started Walking Home
May 13, 2020
Blog Post
When Nepal abruptly shut down in late March, it triggered an exodus of Nepali workers from the cities. A rapid assessment survey shows that Nepal can still put its once-promising economy back together, but only if things are handled right.
The Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on Nepal’s Construction Sector
May 13, 2020
Publication
This paper presents an assessment of the challenges faced by the construction sector in Nepal in the aftermath of the nationwide lockdown announced on March 22. This report has been produced with the generous support of the World Bank in Nepal. The opinions expressed here are solely of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the World B… Read more
Asia Foundation’s ThailandLearning.org Featured on NBT World TV
May 12, 2020
Media Coverage Post
The National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, a television station owned and operated by the Thai government, interviews Country Representative Thomas Parks and Senior Program Officer Rattana Lao on ThailandLearning.org, a new online learning portal for 13 million Thai students and educators affected by Covid-19.
The Asia Foundation Launches Thailandlearning.org for Millions of Students and Educators Affected by Covid-19
May 8, 2020
News Post
The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Embassy in Thailand, has launched Thailandlearning.org, a new online learning portal for 13 million Thai students and educators impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. With school closure through July 1, 2020, the pandemic is disrupting lear… Read more
Coronavirus Dispatches, April 29
April 29, 2020
Blog Post
Schools in Asia are mostly shut down, but family life goes on; and women in Kabul drive solar sanitizer carts. Dispatches from our staff in the field.
Will We Seize the Chance for a Green Post-Virus Future?
April 29, 2020
Blog Post
As the world stays home, clear skies are replacing toxic smog from Los Angeles to New Delhi. The question now is not how long it will take after the lockdowns end for clean air to disappear, but whether governments will choose to allow it.
Funding the Frontline: Rapid Response to the Gendered Impacts of Covid-19 in Asia
April 29, 2020
Blog Post
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have acute effects on women and girls in Asia. Thanks to the flexibility of our donors and partners, our existing projects have pivoted to confront the emergency.
The Asia Foundation’s Community-Centered Response to Covid-19
April 23, 2020
News Post
As the Covid-19 crisis continues, The Asia Foundation is focusing program efforts to combat the public health implications and the economic and social issues exacerbated by the global pandemic. The multiple challenges created by the far-reaching crisis have disproportionately impacted the region’s most vulnerable groups including women, youth, migr… Read more
Asia Foundation’s Mobile App in Nepal Delivers Covid-19 Updates to Returnee Migrants
April 22, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre blog features a piece written by The Asia Foundation’s Nicola Nixon, Suswopna Rimal, and Pranaya Sthapit on the Foundation’s Shuvayatra app providing real-time Covid-19 updates for returnee migrants in Nepal. In Nepal, The Asia Foundation is fortunate to be an active member of the country’s… Read more
The Asia Foundation’s Covid-19 Information Portal Equips Local Government in the Philippines
April 17, 2020
News Post
The Asia Foundation Philippines launched the LGU vs. COVID PH information portal to empower provinces, cities, and municipalities with access to verified information and tools in the country’s battle against Covid-19. In the Philippines, local government units (more commonly known as LGUs) are vital in mitigating community risks during the health c… Read more
Coronavirus Dispatches, April 15
April 15, 2020
Blog Post
Myanmar braces for the coming pandemic, the plight of Pakistan’s most vulnerable, and Nepal’s lockdown blues—dispatches from our staff in the field.
Peace and the Pandemic: The Impact of Covid-19 on Conflict in Asia
April 15, 2020
Blog Post
Disasters and crises shine an unforgiving light on society’s problems. As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads across conflict zones, the impact will be unpredictable and potentially catastrophic.
In Asia, Not All Homes Are Safe: We Need an Urgent Shift in Thinking
April 15, 2020
Blog Post
Even before Covid-19 lockdowns were put in place, experts were warning of the additional dangers they could pose to women.
Still Recovering from the Earthquake, Nepal Faces Covid-19
April 15, 2020
Blog Post
The Covid-19 crisis may feel familiar to Nepalis. Just five years ago, Nepal was reeling from another disaster that destroyed critical infrastructure and cut people off from vital goods and services.
Hygiene Kits for Covid-19 Response in Pakistan
April 9, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
As Covid-19 continues to spread, there are significant implications for public health and safety, economic security, governance, and political stability across Asia, and the Foundation is refocusing its work to battle the emerging global pandemic. The challenges created by the health crisis are disproportionally impacting communities The Asia Found… Read more
Asia Foundation Launches Rapid Response Fund to Address Gendered Impacts of Covid-19
San Francisco, April 8, 2020
News Post
The gendered impact of Covid-19 continues to play out in countries and communities across the globe, with acute effects on women and girls. These include a dramatic rise in gender-based violence amidst quarantines and lockdowns, women’s loss of economic security, increased caregiving demands that fall largely on women, and the increased risks to wo… Read more
Asia Foundation Sounds Alarm on Surge in Gender Based Violence During Covid-19 Lockdowns
April 8, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre blog co-publishes an analysis with The Asia Foundation on the increase of domestic violence due to shelter-in-place policies and what needs to be done to protect women’s safety. Unintended consequences of policy responses are only ‘unintended’ when no-one could have foreseen them. The incre… Read more
Let’s Read at Home: A New Resource to Support Out of School Children
April 2, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
At this moment, 9 out of 10 children in the world are out of school. The global Covid-19 pandemic has left millions of children without the essential support of teachers, librarians, and community centers. As a result, parents are frantically finding new ways to help their children continue to learn and grow from their own homes. As the timeline of… Read more
Coronavirus Dispatches, April 1
April 1, 2020
Blog Post
As the global health crisis unfolds, Asia Foundation staff send reports from the field.
Nepali Labor Migrants, Covid-19, and the State
April 1, 2020
Blog Post
Remittances from overseas workers make up a quarter of Nepal’s GDP. But the pandemic has suddenly put these migrant heroes of the national economy in a precarious position.
Asia Foundation Trustee Adil Najam Moderates Coronavirus Livestream Discussion
April 1, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Asia Foundation trustee and Dean of Boston University’s Pardee School of Grant Studies Adil Najam moderates a seminar “Coronavirus and the Future of Infectious Disease,” on April 1. The seminar features a discussion between Nahid Bhadelia (associate professor, Medicine/Infectious Diseases, BU School of Medicine), Davidson Hamer (professor, Gl… Read more
Asia Foundation Insights on Development Programs and Covid-19 in the Philippines
March 27, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre features analysis from Country Representative in the Philippines Sam Chittick, Director of Governance Nicola Nixon, and Program Director Jaime Faustino on how the Foundation’s Coalitions for Change program in the Philippines is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past couple of we… Read more
Addressing the Covid-19 Crisis
March 27, 2020
News Post
As Covid-19 continues to spread, The Asia Foundation is responding. There are significant implications for public health and safety, economic security, governance, and political stability across Asia, and the Foundation is refocusing its work to battle the emerging global Covid-19 pandemic. Our 18 country offices are communicating closely with our… Read more
Asia Foundation Trustees Kounalakis and Lampton Discuss Covid-19 on World Affairs/KQED
March 24, 2020
Media Coverage Post
Current Asia Foundation trustee Markos Kounalakis interviews chairman emeritus David M. Lampton in this week’s World Affairs’ broadcast on the Covid-19 crisis, U.S.-China relations, and how we got where we are today. Breaking news about novel coronavirus is dominating headlines, making the context we need to understand it more important than ever…. Read more
New Children’s Digital Book Explains Covid-19 for Children
March 24, 2020
Program Snapshot Post
With the spread of Covid-19 and many countries experiencing shelter in place orders, the need for resources to help children understand the world around them and maintain normalcy in their lives is greater than ever. In response, The Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read initiative has published COVIBOOK, written by Manuela Molina Cruz, and available to any… Read more
The Asia Foundation Covid-19 Response
San Francisco, March 11, 2020
News Post
Dear Members of The Asia Foundation Community, The health and safety of our community, partners, grantees, and employees is our top priority. As the Covid-19 health emergency unfolds, we are working hard to continue the Foundation’s important programs focused on improving lives and expanding opportunities on the ground in Asia. Each day we a… Read more