Asia Can Do African Development Aid Differently

Elle Bullen, Partner and Executive Creative Director at Bullfrog Australia, faced cancer during her successful career in 2019 but made a comeback in 2022, leading her team to a 60% increase in new business wins and initiating projects to support women-owned start-ups and challenge toxic wellness misconceptions. Bullen's part-time role at Bullfrog has promoted a more flexible and gender-balanced workplace, where 21% of the team works part-time, allowing more women to hold senior positions and...

We have selected five Trending in China stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. A 103-year-old woman in China passed away after waiting for her husband's return for over 80 years. A Chinese woman, who survived being pushed off a cliff by her husband, shared that her IVF newborn is battling congenital heart disease. Additionally, a fully automated noodle shop in China prepares orders in 48 seconds for just US$1.4, with...

Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis has secured a deal with Hanwha Ocean for two very large crude carriers, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. The agreement includes an option for an additional newbuild, costing approximately $125m each. Marinakis-controlled Capital also has six LNG dual-fuel VLCCs under construction at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, with deliveries expected until 2028. Full Article

The Jakarta Composite Index experienced a sharp decline on March 18 due to rising state debt and economic policies by President Prabowo, prompting a 30-minute trading halt. Analysts attribute the market crisis to a combination of domestic issues eroding investor confidence, urging immediate recovery measures. Concerns over expensive government programs, debt in construction SOEs, and capital outflows have contributed to Indonesia's capital market instability, with the IHSG falling by 13% year-to-date in 2025. Full Article

AsianScientist article discusses how giant pandas, despite their bamboo-based diet, have carnivorous digestive systems, suggesting a transition to plant-eating. Researchers found plant miRNA from bamboo in panda blood, impacting gene expression related to feeding, reproduction, and physiological processes. The study highlights the role of bamboo miRNA in pandas' adaptation to their diet and opens new avenues for research into dietary shifts and miRNA transfer from plants to animals. Full Article

Venturi Partners, a growth-stage investor based in Singapore, has launched its second fund with a target of US$225 million and a hard cap of US$250 million, aiming for a first close of US$130 million by Q2 of CY 2025. The fund will focus on backing disruptive consumer brands in India and Southeast Asia, particularly in high-growth sectors like retail, education, healthcare, and FMCG. Founded in 2020, Venturi Partners has a successful track record with its...