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Special Reports

This section features in-depth special reports by our editorial team on various issues related to sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Mah Meri villagers look towards Port Klang as they travel to their shrine off the coast of Carey Island on Hari Moyang, meaning Ancestors' Day. Image: Samantha Ho

Carey Island, home to Malaysia's Indigenous Mah Meri community, is being primed for the expansion of Port Klang, one of the world's busiest container terminals. But the Mah Meri, who depend on the island's dwindling mangroves to produce their UNESCO-recognised wood carvings, are urging the government to recognise the importance of the land to their culture and heritage.

17 Jul 2026

Much of Asia's infrastructure was built for a more predictable world, one that no longer exists

EB Studio Floods, blackouts and overstretched transport systems are exposing a deeper challenge. Across Asia, governments and investors are beginning to write a new playbook, one that moves beyond incremental fixes towards structural transformation.

As the world marks International Day of the Tropics, the Philippines has pledged to conserve 24 per cent of its land by 2040, but a severe shortage of forest rangers and chronic funding gaps threaten to keep the target out of reach.

The Philippines has lined up tens of gigawatts of offshore wind projects on in service contracts, is preparing to auction 3,300 megawatts more, and already has 178 megawatts in early development – strong signs of growing interest. How much of this will actually get built, however, is uncertain amid social implications, high costs, geopolitical tensions, and the unclear role of Chinese players.