Stories about East Asia from September, 2015
Malware Outbreak in App Store Alerts Tech Companies to Security Risks of China's Great Firewall
XcodeGhost has infected thousands of iOS apps and potentially affected hundreds of millions of users as WeChat was also inserted with the malware.
Six Ways Pro-Government Forces Went After Hong Kong's Occupy Movement
"The [Occupy Central] movement suggests that both the Internet and Hong Kong are at a crossroads, that both cannot take its freedoms for granted," writes Lokman Tsui.
China's State-Owned Enterprise Reform Is Missing the Point, Economists Argue
China is launching a reform of its state-owned enterprises, but economists argue the plan is too conservative and won't help address the issues of pervasive corruption and market dominance.
Consumers and Activists Take Action in Singapore to Stop Haze Pollution
"As consumers, we can contribute towards our collective fight against haze pollution by making informed and responsible purchases."
Netizen Report: China Joins Russia in Crusade to Keep User Data at Government’s Fingertips
This week, a public outcry over encryption proposal sent Indian legislators back to the drawing board. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders are re-centralizing power under the country's Supreme Cyberspace Council.
How School Lunch Plays a Central Role in Education in Japan
Cafeteria Culture (CafCu) has produced an engaging informative video that provides great insight into how school lunches are a fundamental part of learning in Japan's schools.
Myanmar Peace Activists Call for an End to the Country's 60-Year-Old Civil War
The activists, who marched in the former capital city of Yangon on International Day of Peace on September 21, also called for the release of political prisoners.
As Election Draws Near, Myanmar Turns to Social Media at Democratic Turning Point
The election is widely seen as a test of the government's willingness to hold a clean election, and as an important step in the country's transition to a modern democracy.
UN Does Not Recognize Taiwanese Passport, Denies Entrance to Geneva Office
Several Taiwanese citizens were denied entrance to the United Nations offices, after the receptionist there said the passport issued by Taiwan (ROC) was not a valid identity document.
Surprise Swings Lead to Landslide Victory for Singapore's Ruling Party
Singapore's ruling party, which has been in power since 1959, clinched a landslide victory in the recent general election. Many were surprised by the results.
What Could a Protest of Taxi Drivers in Lisbon and Jakarta Possibly Have in Common? Uber!
Uber is challenging the taxi business concept all around the world. Portuguese taxi drivers are reacting very seriously: with protests. The same is happening in Indonesia.
Taiwan Fishing Heritage: Fish and Fire Dance in the Sea
Every year from May to September, masses of anchovies and sardines swim off the northern coast of Taiwan. "Jolting fire," a traditional way of fishing, is used to catch them.
Brewing Sake in Japan Is Becoming a Woman's Game—Again
In ancient times, it's said that brewing sake was a women's craft. But for the past few hundred years women have been forbidden from brewing. That's changing in big ways.
Photos Show How Badly the Haze Is Affecting Southeast Asia
As a forest fire sends a thick haze above Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, face masks have become the fashion du jour for those venturing outdoors.
The End of Japan's ‘Peace Constitution’ Draws Ever Closer
As the country's ruling coalition prepared to pass a new law allowing Japan to go to war, protesters lined the streets and scuffles broke out inside the Diet itself.
In Myanmar, Election Candidates Chase Votes Via ‘Likes’
Yen Snaing from The Irrawaddy writes how election candidates in Myanmar are using Facebook to get the support of voters.
A Hong Kong Business Magnate ‘Runs Away’. Chinese Netizens Ask, Why Shouldn't He?
In an article that was quickly removed, a think tank affiliated with the Chinese government slammed Li Ka Shing for moving his business away from Hong Kong and mainland China.
Veteran Thai Journalist Detained After ‘Attitude-Adjustment’
"Freedom can't be maintained if we're not willing to defend it," Pravit tweeted on the day of his detention.
As Japan's Largest Volcano Erupts, Tourists Upload Snapshots to Instagram
Japan's largest volcano erupted unexpectedly on Monday, September 14. Tourists captured the spectacle on Instagram.
A Joke About Refrigerators Mocks China's Trend Toward Extreme Patriotism
"Long live the motherland, who knows which company sells refrigerators that are broad and flat?"
Haze Returns to Southeast Asia as Indonesia's Forest Fires Reach Critical Level
Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia has led to hazy skies in Malaysia and Singapore as well. Social media users reacted with concerns about health and jokes about "Haze Runner."
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