Having the opportunity to travel and work at the same time is a great privilege and one I enjoy immensely. However, unlike 'normal' travelers or vacationers, as a digital nomad, you have to be a bit more selective about where you go. Will the area have good WiFi? Are there co-working spots or cafés quiet enough where you can make a call? Is the cost of living manageable in the long run?
Over 280 million Southeast Asians, about 40% of the region's population, identify as Muslim. That's spawned demand for goods and services that cater to a more Islamic lifestyle. It's more than just halal food: Muslim consumers also demand more modest fashion or cosmetics that don't use pig-derived products or alcohol. Even Southeast Asia's finance sector is becoming more halal. Islamic finance in Southeast Asia totaled roughly $859 billion in 2023, up from $754 billion in 2020.
"Even as they face among the most punitive tariffs globally, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has sought to reassure southeast Asian nations of Washington's commitment to the region."
Together, the two have created a collaboration that serves as a cultural conduit. It's about more than just limited-edition gear - it's about capturing the soul of a scene and amplifying voices often overlooked in global conversations.
Sea's digital financial services arm, rebranded to Monee, achieved nearly 35% growth last year, reaching $2.4 billion, showcasing the growing demand for fintech in the region.
"This is organized crime with a really high degree of sophistication and the continued adoption of new technology," Hofmann told DW. "The industry is growing and becoming more complex almost on a daily basis."
"People are very worried about their check-ins. They are dedicated to complying with their reporting requirements and want to continue to comply as they have been doing for years, but they are also afraid to report based on what they have seen on the news."