Myanmar has seen an increase in financial technology (fintech) and digital payment offerings since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic,raising hopes for the expansion offinancial inclusion in a country where banking penetration remains below the regional average. After Covid-19 arrived in Myanmar, fintech solutions quickly proved to beeffective in encouragingsocial…
After enjoying years of exponential growth, South-east Asia’s super apps have been forced to reassess their business models as a result of Covid-19, with many refocusing their priorities as they plan forthe post-pandemic world. In recent years so-called super apps – online or mobile platforms that combine multiple services into one app – have sought to continuously expand their offerings. While…
Although lacking the capital buffers and advanced medical infrastructure of the more developed economies in Asia, Myanmar has so successfully limited the spread of Covid-19 through integrated fiscal, monetary, social and health policy efforts.This latest report focuses on the response of policymakers and business leaders in helping to mitigate the challenges of the pandemic, and looks at the long…
At the start of 2020, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – potentially the world’s largest free trade deal – seemed on track to be signed by the end of the year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has slowed that process, raising some questions about when the agreement will be formalised. In what would constitute a significant win for multilateralism, the RCEP would bring…
Global food demand is expected to increase by anywhere between 59% and 98% by 2050. However, global freshwater resources are already overstretched due to climate change and soaring population growth, and it is unclear how agricultural production will keep up with these challenges. In recent years climate-induced water shortages in urban areas have brought water scarcity to the forefront of…
Covid-19 has shaken up the development of the digital economy in Myanmar, with the pandemic leading to a rise in demand for home broadband in this traditionally mobile-first market. As various containment measureswere imposed, companies located in themain business hubs scrambled to ensure that employeeswere able to work remotely. “Household broadband demand increased because…
On the need to develop a manufacturing ecosystem for medical supplies in Myanmar in light of the Covid-19 pandemic How could Myanmar become more self-reliant in medical supplies and equipment? WIN ZAW AUNG: Myanmar still depends on imports for medical equipment and 99% of medical consumables, including personal protective equipment. As one of Myanmar’s major suppliers of medical equipment and…
With 119 record cases and five deaths as of April 20, the status of the Covid-19 outbreak in Myanmar has not officiallyreached the critical levels experienced elsewhere. An April 14 report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said thatthe situationin Myanmar is still characterised by "clusters"of Covid-19 transmission – a step up from "sporadic"but below "community"transmission…
On changing entertainment consumption patterns amid the Covid-19 pandemic As social-distancing measures lead to increased demand for home entertainment, what strategies can be employed to increase penetration in a sustainable manner? MARC BARNETT: This situation is bigger than our internal business metrics, and I think we have a responsibility and an opportunity to help people through a difficult…
