Hot Centers – Asian Scientist Magazine

Finn Partners has acquired Singapore-based communications and PR consultancy Rice Communications, strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With Rice joining Finn's APAC region, led by Howard Solomon, the Singapore office will become one of the agency's largest, expanding to nearly 250 staff and $15 million in revenue. The acquisition adds offices in Thailand and Myanmar and builds on Finn's presence in Hong Kong and the Philippines, aligning with the agency's global expansion strategy. Full...

Folk-rock musician Neil Young and his band Chrome Hearts will kick off their European tour with a free concert in Ukraine, as announced on his website. The details of the show, including the date and location, are still being finalized. The decision to hold the concert in Ukraine was made shortly after Young criticized US President Donald Trump, stating that the country had "lost its standing" under his leadership. Full Article

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's new sovereign investment fund, Danantara, aims to oversee a $20 billion fund for strategic projects, but faces skepticism due to recent scandals, including corruption within state energy company Pertamina and the collapse of major firms like Sritex and eFishery. Despite concerns about governance and oversight, Prabowo is pushing forward with plans to consolidate state-owned enterprises and invest in key areas like renewable energy. Anti-corruption activists fear potential misuse of funds and...

Chinese smart EV manufacturer XPENG has entered the Indonesian market with plans for local production by the second half of 2025, focusing on the X9 and G6 models tailored for the right-hand drive market. The company aims to leverage local supply chains and partnerships to establish a strong presence in Indonesia and other APAC markets, showcasing AI-driven innovation and high-performance driving in its product lineup. XPENG, known for its advanced driver-assistance system technology, is expanding...

When South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho signed with a Chinese club, he symbolized China's ambition in the sport, but after being detained by Chinese police and pressured into signing a confession for bribery and match-fixing, he became a victim of China's legal system. Son, who maintained his innocence, was coerced into admitting guilt under duress, showcasing the use of plea leniency in China's justice system, which has been criticized for being unfair and lacking...

On February 17, a U.S. Congressional delegation celebrated 75 years of U.S.-Cambodia diplomatic relations with Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, while two Chinese warships docked at Ream Naval Base. Cambodia is shifting towards a balancing strategy, reaching out to the U.S. while still relying on China economically and militarily, as Hun Manet seeks to diversify diplomatic relationships to attract foreign investment and navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics. Recent signs of thawing relations include discussions...