asia – Laman 3 – Sanggraloka Wisata Nusantara

AIKEYME Drives India’s Naval Push in Africa, Countering China

oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | asia, foreign policy, international relations, military, politics

Experts suggest that India’s naval diplomacy aims at fostering trust and providing a ‘non-confrontational’ alternative to China’s investment strategies.

India
is scheduled to commence its initial significant maritime drill involving 10 African countries next month, indicating its expanding strategic aspirations.

The Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) drill will be conducted off the coast of Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania
In mid-April, amidst New Delhi’s expanding military engagement on a continent where China has historically held significant influence.

The Indian Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, will kick off the six-day drill, where India will be co-hosting alongside the Tanzania People’s Defence Force. This gathering will assemble navies from various countries including Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.

Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.

This exercise represents a significant move in India’s maritime diplomacy, strengthening its position as a regional security contributor and enhancing both strategic and economic connections with Africa, asserts Robinder Sachdev, an expert in international relations and the founding president of the Imagindia Institute, a Delhi-based research organization.

India’s naval activity in the area isn’t completely unprecedented. The nation currently runs a coastal radar monitoring system across Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives through its Integrated Coastal Surveillance System. However, “AIKEYME enhances the level of combined operational preparedness,” as noted by Sachdev, thereby facilitating quicker and better-coordinated reactions to marine security challenges.

He stated that strategically, this exercise strengthens India’s role as a dependable and non-coercive maritime ally, especially in nations such as Mozambique and Tanzania, where India maintains significant interests in LNG and ports.

Sachdev stated that AIKEYME held significant geopolitical importance as it aligned with the policy objectives of the
United States
And other democratic allies were also mentioned. He stated, “The United States has continually urged partners such as India to assume more significant responsibilities in ensuring regional security, particularly within the Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific region.”

A ‘managerial role’

The scheduling of AIKEYME is not accidental. China, with its vast
Belt and Road Initiative
has solidified its position as Africa’s biggest trading partner and lender, with official statistics indicating that commerce between them totaled $295 billion last year. China has additionally set up a military presence in Djibouti and significantly increased investment in East African ports and infrastructure.

India’s action is seen as a deliberate strategy to offset Beijing’s increasing clout, according to experts. Analysts suggest that East Africa holds significant strategic importance for India across various sectors such as energy resources. In this light, they believe this specific combined naval drill will enhance India’s reputation as a trustworthy ally in Africa. As stated by C. Uday Bhaskar, a retired Indian navy official and director of the Society for Policy Studies research organization, “This military exercise underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.”

He recognized the difficulties involved, though. Given that China’s economic assets vastly exceed those of India, Bhaskar suggested that Delhi should concentrate on fostering good relations instead of attempting to compete with China financially.

“It would be perfect if India and China could both collaborate to support Africa, but achieving this would demand significant political acumen and cooperation from both nations,” he noted.

Alongside AIKEYME, there’s another pioneering effort known as the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar. Between mid-April and early May, the offshore patrol ship INS Sunayana will operate with a mixed crew consisting of Indian naval officers alongside servicemen from nine African countries such as Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa. This team will carry out combined patrols within the exclusive economic zones of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. During these operations, they’ll also make stops at ports like Dar es Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Malé.

Dongkeun Lee, a defense studies academic from the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University, noted that this initiative underscored India’s ambition to assume a “management position” within the Indian Ocean region.

While the Western Indian Ocean is frequently excluded from discussions about the Indo-Pacific, especially within U.S. circles, India views the region as an integral part of the Indo-Pacific concept,” he stated. “Furthermore, several African nations participating in naval drills are situated in the Western Indian Ocean, highlighting India’s desire to play a leading role throughout the larger area.

Lee stated with certainty that China intended to broaden its Belt and Road investments throughout Africa. This suggests that programs like AIKEME and Sagar could be viewed as part of New Delhi’s approach to counterbalance China’s growing sway over the larger Indian Ocean area.

The importance of AIKEYME has grown due to its timing after “Peace-Unity 2024,” a one-month joint military exercise conducted in mid-2024 involving China, Tanzania, and Mozambique. According to Paul Nantulya, a researcher affiliated with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in the U.S., this particular drill marked China’s biggest troop deployment to Africa since 1997.

“It appears AIKEYME was intentionally made bigger than Peace-Unity 2024. Since China hasn’t held any exercises in Africa for 2025, it will be intriguing to see their response to this upcoming Indian effort,” Nantulya commented.

India’s economic involvement in Africa began before China started engaging with the continent, he stated. “India boasts a significantly larger native populace that forms an integral part of Africa’s demographics, arriving in the 17th century and actively participating in the region’s political landscape, particularly during its fight for freedom,” explained Nantulya.

This indicates that they possess an edge since they assimilate with African communities and turn ‘native’ in a manner that Chinese enclaves do not.

Economic, strategic stakes

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, India’s commerce with Africa amounts to $83 billion, with 90 percent of this volume transacted through maritime channels. In the last ten years, New Delhi has provided approximately $12 billion in credit to 42 African countries, accounting for roughly 40 percent of its international credit pledges.

However, commentators indicate that India’s initiatives appear modest alongside China’s substantial investments. These Chinese investments encompass 643 direct projects totaling $150 billion, as reported by the Hinrich Foundation, a trade sustainability organization based in Singapore.

Sayantan Haldar, a maritime-security specialist with the Observer Research Foundation think tank based in Delhi, views these naval drills as an essential move for India to position itself as a key security ally in Africa.

“Towards this objective, India’s strategic presence within the area is expected to gain significant enhancement,” Haldar stated, emphasizing that converting this progress into an economic aspect would be crucial. He pointed out that India’s main hurdle was China’s extensive economic involvement in Africa.

In order to rival China in Africa, India should refine its strategy and foster stronger economic collaborations.

Sayantan Haldar, maritime-security expert

“Africa has been striving for consistent development collaborations,” Haldar stated. “In this regard, China is considered a vital ally. In order to rival China in Africa, India must refine its strategy and enhance economic alliances. Nonetheless, collaboration on maritime security could serve as a significant foundation for India’s efforts in Africa.”

African countries are facing challenges such as drug smuggling, unauthorized fishing, and piracy—areas where India’s naval experience could offer valuable assistance, according to Bhaskar.

Even with these initiatives, India’s impact in Africa stays restricted due to the absence of permanent diplomatic missions in 16 African nations and its comparatively sluggish implementation of developmental aid.

Sachdev stated that India’s initiatives in Africa do not seek to outcompete China economically, but rather provide a reliable, long-term strategic option. This approach is particularly focused on sectors where China’s debt-fueled, government-dominated strategy has sparked worries amongst African countries.

In September, China hosted leaders from 53 African nations at the ninth summit.
Beijing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
, ending with a shared statement advocating for a more multipolar global order, along with the endorsement of an action plan designed to enhance collaboration between them in the upcoming years.

Ayala Prepares $35M Joint Venture with Singtel via Globe

oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | asia, business, commerce, technology, telecommunications

MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom Inc. has entered into an agreement worth PHP 1.87 billion to establish a joint venture (JV) with a subsidiary of the Singtel Group aimed at enhancing cloud, data, and artificial intelligence services across the Asia-Pacific area.

On Thursday, the Ayala Corporation announced that NCSI Holdings Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore, will acquire a 51% ownership stake in Globe’s IT subsidiary, Yondu, while retaining a 49% share.

READ:
Globe observes indications of recovery and invests in broadband operations.

Yondu will also gain complete control over NCSI’s domestic affiliate—NCSI Philippines, whose primary services encompass digital applications, infrastructure, engineering, and cybersecurity.

Yondu is an IT solutions company providing services such as custom software development, managed security, e-commerce solutions, and cloud services.

Globe stands to gain from the technological expertise and product range provided by the consolidated assets of the joint venture.

Globe is a collaboration between Ayala Corporation and SingTel, with Asiacom Philippines Inc., their joint venture, holding 52.3 percent of the company.

In addition, Ayala holds a 14.5% share in Globe, whereas Singtel owns 22.2%.

“Our aim for Yondu is to become a positive influence via efficient IT solutions and offerings,” stated Ernest Cu, who serves as the president and CEO of Globe.

Going global

Cu mentioned that joining forces with NCSI will open up new international prospects, allowing Yondu to broaden its scope and provide more effective IT solutions across the globe.

“This partnership represents a crucial step in our expansion within the Asia-Pacific region as we remain committed to investing in order to address the increasing demand for technological services, specifically AI-driven solutions,” said NCSI CEO Ng Kuo Pin.

The transaction is awaiting regulatory approval.

Globe and NCSI are teaming up as the need for digital solutions tailored to businesses increases.

A study conducted by International Data Corp. forecasts that the IT services market across the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 6.2% between 2024 and 2028. In this timeframe, the market in the Philippines is anticipated to expand with an impressive 8.7% yearly increase.

In order to enhance its IT services, Globe has also been bolstering its infrastructure to accommodate the rise in data traffic.

Last year, the corporation affiliated with Ayala built 1,212 new cell sites, improved 4,613 current mobile locations, and installed 67,456 home fiber connections. Additionally, they set up 587 new 5G stations nationwide.

Ishiba’s Upcoming Visits to Philippines and Vietnam Aim to Strengthen Cooperation

oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | asia, foreign policy, international relations, politics, politics of japan

Tokyo (Jiji Press) — According to government sources, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba intends to travel to the Philippines and Vietnam over the holiday period beginning at the end of next month.

Ishida intends to strengthen security collaboration with these two Southeast Asian nations as a response to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

Japan has been aiding the Philippines, strategically positioned along important sea routes, through the provision of military gear and substantial patrol vessels.

In addition to working with Vietnam, Japan has been advancing the transfer of equipment and defense exchanges.

In the realm of economics, Ishiba is anticipated to inform the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam that Japan continues to uphold its commitment to backing these nations in sectors such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and capacity building.

During his visit to Malaysia and Indonesia in January, Ishiba plans to highlight Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Southeast Asian countries through subsequent trips to the Philippines and Vietnam.

Angelle Siyang-Le’s Journey to Art Basel Hong Kong: An International Edition

oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | art, art history, asia, news, visual arts

The director of Asia’s largest contemporary art fair on finding her voice through art and immersing herself in the artistic community

During my early years, I lived in Mainland China. My mother traveled with me across various regions of China due to her work, which spanned journalism, trading, and publishing. The precise sequence of her career changes eludes me, but I recall moving from one place to another frequently.
Shanghai, Shenzhen
And Nanning, close to the Vietnamese border. When I was about 12 years old, I was dispatched to England. Similar to numerous youngsters during that period, I was among the tide of children who were sent overseas for education.

Luck of the draw

In primary school, we were encouraged to maintain a journal. I recall my teacher mentioning, “There’s no need to begin your diary with ‘
jintian
‘Today, you could begin by illustrating your day; perhaps opt for a more artistic approach.’ When I was around eight or nine years old, I clearly preferred coloring my days rather than merely documenting events.

Finding a forte

Back when I was in mainland China, fields like art were not seen as legitimate subjects; they weren’t taken seriously compared to literature and sciences. Therefore, it wasn’t until I relocated to England that I discovered my passion for art and design. It took getting an A-Level art scholarship for me to realize, “Maybe this could actually be a viable career option.”

Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and global developments? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.

Express permission

When I was around 15 or 16 years old, my teacher first showed me
Alberto Giacometti’s work
His creations aren’t particularly simple to appreciate—they’re not the most visually appealing or vibrant. However, I found myself intrigued by the story behind them and the reasons driving this artist to produce such somber works. The paintings and sculptures exuded a profound sense of weightiness. For me, this represented the duality of art—it’s not merely about beautiful aspects of life. This realization led me to view art as more than decoration; instead, it became for me a form of expression and a historical record.

Master plan

My mom was skeptical about my choice of pursuing a fine arts degree. She felt I should opt for something closely related to art, but with better prospects for employment. As a result, I went ahead with that alternative option.
urban design and planning
At University College London, they offered me an unconditional place to pursue my master’s degree. I convinced my mother once more to let me study art history for my master’s since I had taken architectural history as part of my foundational coursework.

Goodbye, Gagosian

During my master’s degree, I worked in galleries and also had an internship at the Pinta Art Fair. Later, I received an invitation from the Gagosian to join as a registrar. However, I chose to relocate to Dubai with my then boyfriend instead of accepting the position at Gagosian.

Hello, Dubai

The first time I went to Dubai, sometime between 2008 and 2009, the city was just starting to develop its modern art community. I searched for galleries but could find only one or two. After interning at Art Dubai, I started looking into various possibilities until I connected with an individual collector named Rami Farook. He gave me a position within his collection. At that point, I informed my mom, “I’ve secured a role in Dubai.”

Moving on up

I applied to
Art Basel
Since I learned about the plan for a new fair opening in Hong Kong back in 2012, I decided to apply, not really expecting anything to come of it. However, I received a phone call the very next day offering me the position. Before I could fully process everything, three weeks had passed, and I found myself relocating to Hong Kong.

Community spirit

Upon arriving in Hong Kong
When I returned to Dubai, the art scene had expanded significantly since my initial arrival. However, the strong sense of community where everyone supported one another remained unchanged, which made the adjustment smooth. From Rami, I understood the significance of having a supportive community, a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since. Over these past 13 years, I have witnessed and been part of the growth of Hong Kong’s artistic circle alongside it.

In the family

I am a parent to two kids, and engaging with art has been an integral aspect of their upbringing. In contrast, this wasn’t something present during my own childhood. By the time my eldest child arrived in early February, the nearby Art Basel event took place just weeks later in March. Even at merely a month old, he attended his inaugural Art Basel exhibition. This tradition continued as he joined us for each subsequent show.
My young ones exhibit remarkable creativity through painting; they’re free to convey themselves without constraints imposed by notions of correctness or error within artistic expression. For them, making art comes naturally—almost like second nature—an inherent trait woven into who they are from birth.

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line Named Among World’s Greatest Places for 2025 by TIME Magazine

oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | asia, public transportation, transportation, vietnam, world

The U.S.-based magazine TIME has included the metro line in Ho Chi Minh City on its list of the world’s most notable locations for 2025.

The inaugural Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, commenced operations in December.

Stretching for almost 20 kilometers, this subway system includes 2.6 kilometers of tunnels beneath the ground, along with three subterranean stations and eleven raised stops. The project required an overall expenditure exceeding VND43.7 trillion (approximately US$1.72 billion). It boasts a fleet of 17 trains, each designed to accommodate as many as 930 riders, comprising 147 seats and space for 783 individuals who will be standing during their journey.

Travelers now have the option to avoid speeding motorcycles and congested roads to access well-known attractions like the French colonial Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue walking street, and the lively backpacker/nightlife area of Bui Vien.
TIME
editors wrote.

This listing includes various accommodations like hotels and cruises as well as attractions such as museums and parks. These options are divided into two groups: destinations for lodging and sites for exploration.

TIME
According to its website, ‘s editorial team assesses submissions considering criteria such as relevance, innovation, impact, and success.

The other Asian locations featured include the Zebun Nessa Mosque in Bangladesh, the Nintendo Museum Uji in Japan, the Beijing Library in China, the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center in Mongolia, and the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum in Bhutan.

Southeast Asia Leads the Way: Top Countries for Digital Nomads Worldwide

oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | asia, indonesia, singapore, Travel, vietnam

According to a report by VisaGuide.World, an online resource offering free visa-related information globally, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been included among the top 40 nations most suitable for digital nomads.

In the rankings, Thailand secured the 31st spot, succeeded by Malaysia at position 32 and the Philippines at 36. The evaluation considered various aspects including internet speed, taxation rules, duration of tax exemptions, income prerequisites for visa applications, cost of living, quality of healthcare services, and tourist attraction levels.

Thailand is lauded for its rapid internet connectivity.
quality of healthcare service
And tourism popularity; meanwhile, Malaysia and the Philippines received high scores due to their affordable cost of living.

Last year, Thailand initiated the
Destination Thailand Visa
This enables digital nomads to remain for as long as 180 days and remains effective for five years. To apply, one must pay a fee of 10,000 baht (approximately US$283). Additionally, candidates need to demonstrate a minimum financial capability of 500,000 baht.

In October 2022, Malaysia launched a digital nomad visa initiative aimed at luring remote workers globally.

For eligibility, applicants must have an annual income of at least $24,000.

The digital nomad visa for the Philippines was launched in June 2023.

“Lum Kamishi, a project manager at VisaGuide.World, noted that digital nomads favor locations with pleasant climates and warm welcomes, particularly those frequented by many travelers,” he stated.

Spain topped the list as the premier destination for digital nomads, closely trailed by the UAE and Montenegro.