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Why Brisbane is emerging as Australia's next tech powerhouse and global innovation hub
Why Brisbane deserves your attention
When people think of global tech hotspots, they might first picture Silicon Valley, Singapore, or Tel Aviv. But increasingly, eyes are turning to Brisbane. With momentum building across startups, advanced manufacturing, and quantum computing, Queensland’s capital is quietly—but rapidly—shaping up as a serious contender in the next wave of global technology development.
The city is riding a wave of post-pandemic growth, capitalising o
2 days ago4 min read


What is the future of digital payment systems?
Digital payment systems are undergoing a profound transformation. The past decade has seen the gradual shift from cash to card, then from card to mobile, and now to something far broader — a fully integrated digital financial ecosystem. What began as a convenience has become an expectation, and as technology continues to evolve rapidly, the lines between payments, identity, mobility, data, and commerce are blurring. The convergence of mobile, artificial intelligence (AI), ope
Jun 146 min read


What is the emerging opportunity of eVTOLs - the next era of aviation
Is mobility is on the cusp of a sustainable aviation transformation?
For decades, aviation has largely been the domain of airports, long-haul routes, and tightly controlled airspaces. Now, with the emergence of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a new chapter is beginning—one that reimagines how people and goods move through the skies above cities and regions. While still in the development phase, eVTOLs are being seen as a promising solution to cong
Jun 85 min read


What impact is China having on Thailand's economy?
Thailand’s economic trajectory, once buoyed by strong regional linkages and a thriving tourism sector, is increasingly being shaped by the evolving situation in China. In the past decade, China has emerged not only as Thailand’s largest trading partner but also as a primary source of investment, tourism, and even migrant labour. However, with China now facing significant economic headwinds—including a real estate crisis, weakening consumer confidence, and tightening capital c
May 316 min read


Thailand’s uncertain medium to long-term outlook
Thailand, long viewed as a stable economic performer in Southeast Asia, is now confronting a murkier and more uncertain future. While short-term indicators may sometimes hint at resilience, the broader outlook for the country's economy in the medium to long term is far less encouraging. From persistent structural weaknesses to escalating global trade tensions, multiple pressures are converging to create an increasingly complex economic environment for Thailand.
This article
May 304 min read


How can film and movie location tourism boost local economies
Film and television have the unique ability to bring places to life, shaping the way audiences around the world see destinations. Locations featured in popular films can become tourism hotspots overnight. More than just a temporary surge, these sites often experience long-term benefits that extend to branding, marketing, employment, and infrastructure.
From sweeping landscapes captured on screen to quaint towns turned famous by a single scene, film tourism can be a powerf
May 294 min read


What are ten ways to navigate a trade war?
Navigating a trade war requires a careful strategy
In today’s volatile global trade environment, managing tariffs is not just a cost-control exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. A structured, forward-looking approach can help businesses turn compliance challenges into opportunities for competitive advantage. The following ten approaches could provide a practical roadmap for navigating and mitigating tariff risks.
May 254 min read


In Nepal the cycle of dysfunction continues...
Nepal finds itself at a crossroads—struggling to move forward while weighed down by economic fragility, political instability, and deep-rooted corruption. What might appear on the surface as a nation hampered by suspended foreign aid and slow infrastructure progress is in fact a complex crisis touching every corner of public life. While the dream of progress endures, the harsh reality for many Nepalis—particularly in remote areas—is that their hopes are being pushed further o
May 185 min read


What is the solution to Bali's over tourism? Is it time for Bali 2.0?
Bali’s tourism model is no longer sustainable. That’s why Indonesia needs to consider a radical but pragmatic solution: developing a new tourism hub—Bali 2.0—from the ground up.
May 173 min read


How to create a culture of fiscal discipline amongst officials
For any government genuinely aiming to improve financial sustainability, a commitment to responsible financial management must go well beyond Parliament and Cabinet. It must be firmly embedded in the day-to-day choices made by civil servants, programme leads, procurement professionals, and senior executives at every tier of government. Yet, in many departments, agencies, and working-level teams, this culture is noticeably absent. The question is how to create such a culture?
May 166 min read


What is the strategy behind the US tariff's?
What is really behind the tariffs launched by the US administration in 2025? Is it really as simple as seeking 'fairness' or 'generating revenue'? There are likely a wide range of reasons for the tariffs depending on the trading country and what the US believes is in its interests. This is very likely just the opening salvo in what will be a dynamic period of changing trading relationships.
Apr 134 min read


What is the 'users guide to re-structuring the global trading system' and why is it a big deal?
Stephen Miran’s A User’s Guide to Re-Structuring the Global Trading System presents a pathway for major shifts that could reshape how global
Apr 65 min read


The impact of the Brisbane Olympic stadium on infrastructure planning and investment
The Queensland Government has unveiled ambitious plans for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a centrepiece being the cons
Mar 264 min read


Forensic accounting at scale to drive transparent and efficient Government
How forensic accounting can be undertaken at scale across governments using AI - this can be used to drive radical transparency and efficien
Mar 233 min read


Europe may now consider further financial de-coupling from US
Will Europe begin to quietly move away from US dollar as part of a broader de-coupling?
Mar 34 min read


Bangladesh - Looking forward with optimism
Bangladesh is at a crossroads where it can choose to embed sustainable progress and growth or stall and slow it down. Reforms are needed an
Feb 153 min read


How could data and AI improve three methods for assessing the impact of new transport projects
How data and AI could significantly improve some models used for transport planning. Gross Value Added (GVA) analysis, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling, and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), while also exploring emerging opportunities to integrate new data sources and artificial intelligence (AI).
Feb 15 min read


What are three methods to assess the impact of new transport projects?
There are a number of methods and approaches to assessing the impact of new transport projects. Here are three that can be considered in their own right or as part of a suite of approaches.
Jan 314 min read


Top reasons to consider investing in Vietnam in 2025
What are the top reasons to consider investing in Vietnam in 2025 - and in what sectors?
Nov 20, 20245 min read


Why are international companies leaving China?
What are the main reasons behind companies exit from China’s manufacturing ecosystem and where are they re-locating to?
Nov 13, 20246 min read
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