Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, group CEO of Frasers Property, is overseeing One Bangkok, a $4 billion real estate development that aims to transform Bangkok's skyline with the city's tallest skyscraper and a modern integrated development. Slated for completion by 2027, the project will feature office towers, luxury hotels, retail areas, residential towers, and a concert hall, with a focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability. One Bangkok is largely owned by TCC Assets and Frasers Property, both linked to the Sirivadhanabhakdi family. The development has faced delays due to the pandemic but is set to begin opening in phases starting the following year. Despite concerns about the oversupply of office space and the retail sector's saturation, Panote is confident in the project's success, citing its premium pricing and strategic location.

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town in Laos, hosted the world premiere of 'Fly Sandy Fly,' a new film by Laotian director Phanumad Disattha, in a schoolyard setting. The event marked a significant cultural moment for the town, which has no movie theaters but has previously held film festivals in outdoor venues and hotel halls. The premiere included directors' talks, panel discussions, and parties, celebrating the return of such events after COVID-19 lockdowns.

Hong Kong billionaire Vincent Lo is strategically investing in Shanghai property through his Shui On group, despite the distressed mainland market. He is also preparing his daughter Stephanie Lo to succeed him. Shui On Land recently acquired a significant parcel in Shanghai, reflecting Lo's long-term vision, which has been successful in the past with projects like Xintiandi. The company is focusing on sustainability and has ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint. While facing challenges in replicating Xintiandi's success in other cities and navigating the post-Covid-19 market, Shui On Land remains strong, with Lo and his children holding the majority of shares. The family has worked on a succession plan to avoid disputes like those that have plagued Lo's family in the past.

Ai Weiwei, China's most controversial artist and activist, was placed under house arrest in 2011, marking a significant event in his ongoing conflict with Beijing authorities. His arrest, as he attempted to leave China, drew international condemnation and amplified his social activism, leading to global recognition and eventual exile. The incident, which saw Ai Weiwei disappear for nearly three months, sparked a global outcry with

Supinya Junsuta, known as Jay Fai, has been honored with the Icon Award by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, a recognition typically reserved for high-end fine dining. The award highlights the stark contrast between the traditional fine dining represented by previous winners and the street food culture embodied by Jay Fai, who operates her small Raan Jay Fai restaurant in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.

Jonathan Kaufman, an American journalist, began his career in Hong Kong and was one of the first Western journalists in Shanghai in the 1970s. His tenure as China bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal in Beijing from 2002 to 2005 led him to write 'The Last Kings of Shanghai,' a book that delves into China's modernization.

Julian Royer, a French chef in his mid-30s, has been awarded top honors at Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards in Macao for his Odette restaurant in Singapore, marking the first time in five years that the award did not go to Gaggan Anand of Bangkok, whose restaurant Gaggan placed second.

Discovery Bay, a development on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, was initially intended as a self-contained resort community but evolved into a residential area with a population of 20,000. The project faced numerous challenges since its inception in the 1970s, including the bankruptcy of the original developer and financial strain on the Cha family who took over. Despite difficulties, including a real estate market collapse in the 1980s, Discovery Bay has become a valuable asset, especially after the government allowed road connections to the new airport and Disneyland. The development's history involves negotiations with the Hong Kong government, a near takeover by Moscow Narodny Bank, and a transformation of the Cha family's textile business.

Girish and Surya Jhunjhnuwala, brothers from a family of entrepreneurs, transitioned from their family's mass-market watch manufacturing business in Hong Kong to the hospitality industry. They now run rival hotel chains, Naumi Hospitality and Ovolo Hotels, under the Hind Group. Both have embraced boutique hotels with unique designs and features, expanding their operations in Asia and looking to grow globally. Despite the competition from big brands, they remain nimble and innovative, with Girish focusing on design and Surya on value investment. Their expansion plans are ambitious, with new properties in New Zealand, Australia, and potential ventures in Europe and the U.S.

Jim Thompson, an American spy turned Thai silk baron, disappeared in 1967, leaving behind a legacy that continues to thrive through Thai Silk Co. Under the leadership of Bill Booth and his son Eric, the company has grown to 2,600 employees and $90 million in annual sales. With a strong domestic presence, the Booths are now focusing on international expansion, aiming to establish Jim Thompson as the first global luxury brand from Thailand. The company's commitment to quality and the craft of silk weaving is a cornerstone of their strategy, as they plan to open stores in major cities worldwide and expand their restaurant chain.

Cambodia, a nation with a history of attracting global attention due to its ancient civilization and more recent associations with the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge, is the subject of Sebastian Strangio's book 'Hun Sen’s Cambodia'. The book details the country's complex past and the United Nations' intervention in the 1990s, which ended prematurely, leading to continued conflict and coups.

Golden Boten City, a development project in northern Laos, promised economic growth but became a hub for gambling, crime, and brothels before its collapse. Thousands from China's Yunnan Province visited daily until issues such as gambling debts and violence led to a shutdown. The project's main figure, Huang Minxuan, and his associate George Huang faced criticism for the project's failure. Despite an investment of $200-$300 million, the site is now desolate. New plans aim to transform Boten into a trading hub, with assistance from Singapore firm FBI365, but the future remains uncertain.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, a non-profit learning center, attracts two million visitors annually with its vast array of marine life and interactive exhibits. It is located in the heart of America's largest marine sanctuary and features over 120,000 creatures across 525 species. The aquarium recently opened a US$58 million Outer Bay Wing, expanding its offerings to include ocean sunfish, sharks, and jellyfish. Founded by David Packard of Hewlett-Packard, the aquarium also operates a rescue program and is part of a three-phase expansion plan. The aquarium is situated in Monterey's historic district, contributing to the town's revival.

A survey by Hong Kong Polling and Business Research revealed strong opposition to the decriminalization of cannabis, with fears that it could lead to the use of more dangerous drugs. The majority of respondents disagreed with justices Kaplan and Godfrey's views that cannabis laws are outdated. The survey found that professionals and management personnel were the biggest opponents of decriminalization, contradicting trends in Western nations. The poll also indicated that Hong Kong's drug problem is perceived to have worsened over the past five years, with a significant cannabis haul recently seized at Kai Tak airport.

The Potala Palace in Tibet, a significant cultural and historical site, is set to open after restoration by the Chinese government, coinciding with the Tibetan harvest festival, Shoton. Despite the celebrations, the absence of the exiled Dalai Lama underscores the ongoing tension and dissatisfaction among Tibetans and activists. Lodi Gyari of the International Campaign for Tibet and others criticize the restoration as a destruction of Tibetan culture and a commodification of their sacred sites for tourism. Human rights groups like Amnesty International report increased unrest and arrests, particularly of monks and nuns. There are also concerns about surveillance and the lack of Tibetan input in the restoration process. Calls are made for international protection of the sites by organizations such as the United Nations or UNESCO.

Therese Necio was allegedly attacked by a taxi driver after he ran over her foot outside Admiralty MTR station in Hong Kong. Witness Marc Seabrook reported that the driver became violent towards Necio, who was then threatened with arrest by police unless she agreed to drop assault charges. Necio, a mother and originally from the Philippines, was forced to pay bail after the incident. The Hong Kong Police refused to comment on the matter.

A 27-year-old man was detained in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, in connection with two sexual assaults, but not linked to the rape and murder of 19-year-old Ip Wing-sze. Residents of Yau Oi estate, where one attack occurred, are forming vigilante groups for protection, with support from the Housing Authority and the City and New Territories Administration. Police have increased patrols and conducted interviews, while sales of personal alarms and self-defense weapons have surged. A security firm, Hong Kong Guards, has hired additional staff for estate security.

Paul McKenna, a hypnotist known for the British television series 'The Hypnotic World Of Paul McKenna,' performed to a sell-out crowd at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. He entertained the audience by hypnotizing volunteers to perform various humorous acts, such as racing without horses, turning into goldfish, and using shoes as mobile phones. The show maintained a high pace, with spontaneous and unpredictable entertainment even during the intermission.