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☆ How the costumes of ‘American Born Chinese’ straddle fantasy and reality
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Harmeet Kaur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —“American Born Chinese,” the new Disney+ show based on Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel of the same name, transports viewers to two distinct realms: Heaven, via iconic Chinese mythology, and Earth, via an American high school. The first centers on Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a Chinese American teenager at a mostly White high school. One of the storylines of "American Born Chinese" is rooted in classic Chinese mythology. But having so much Chinese and Chinese American representation on screen and behind the scenes proved immensely helpful. Sally Woo, a Chinese American costumer on the show, told Cretton stories about the Monkey King she heard from her mother and grandmother, and shared other media adaptations of “Journey to the West” for inspiration.

Persons: CNN —, Gene Luen, Joy Cretton, You’re, Jin Wang, Ben Wang, Jin, Wei, Chen, Jimmy Liu, Carlos Lopez, Disney Wei, Cretton, Sun Wukong, Daniel Wu, –, ”, Huy Quan, Freddy Wong, Cretton –, Maui –, Sally Woo, King, “, ” Cretton, Kelvin Yu, Bull, – Cretton, Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Sun, Michelle Yeoh, Mercy, Lim, Yeoh Organizations: CNN, CNN — “, Disney, “, diamante Locations: United States, American, Disney, Chinatown, Los Angeles, California, Maui, Heaven

A pedestrian looks at an electronic quotation board showing numbers of the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo on September 11, 2020. Asia-Pacific markets are mixed after Wall Street saw a tech rally led by Nvidia, and U.S. negotiators moved closer to a debt ceiling deal with just a week to go before the government faces a potential default. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.31% to end the day at 30,916 after surpassing the 31,000 mark earlier in the day. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.16% to end at 2,558.81, reversing losses from Thursday , while the Kosdaq was down 0.53% and finished at 843.23. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.23% at 7.154.8 after reversing earlier losses and snapping a four day losing streak.

Organizations: Nikkei, Nvidia, U.S, Shanghai, Shenzhen Component Locations: Tokyo, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, Shenzhen, 10.909.65

(Photo by Ed JONES / AFP)Hong Kong's Hang Seng index led losses in Asia on Thursday, falling about 2% to close at 18,746.92 — the lowest level this year. Mainland Chinese markets also fell, with the Shanghai Composite down 0.11% to finish at 3,201.26, its lowest close in over four months. The Shenzhen Component closed 0.22% lower at 10,896.48 in its third straight day of losses. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 1.07% to end at 7,136.9 and record its fourth straight day of losses. The index also hit its lowest level in about two months.

Persons: Ed JONES, Hong, Australia's Organizations: Lotte, Shenzhen Component, Bank of Korea, Nikkei Locations: Seoul, AFP, Asia, Shanghai, Pacific, Japan

☆ Asia markets slide: Shanghai shares hit 4-month low; Japan, HK post second-straight daily loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets slid Wednesday, with the Shanghai Composite ending down 1.28% at 3,204.75, its lowest level since Jan 13. The Shenzhen Component closed 0.84% lower at 10,920, erasing all its gains this year to sink to lowest since Dec 23 last year. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index posted a second-straight daily loss, closing down 1.77% at 19,087, while the Hang Seng Tech index shed 2.1%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.63% at 7,213.8, its lowest closing level since last Wednesday. The country also saw its retail sales volume fall 4.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, the second straight quarterly contraction following a 4% fall in the quarter ended December.

Persons: Kospi Organizations: Shanghai, Shenzhen Component, Hang Seng, Nikkei, Reuters, New, New Zealand, U.S Locations: Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, New Zealand

☆ Kenneth Anger, 96, Dies; Experimental Filmmaker Left a Pop Culture Legacy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Dennis Lim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

His death, at an assisted living center, was confirmed on Wednesday by Spencer Glesby, a spokesman for Sprüth Magers, a gallery that has represented Mr. Anger since 2009. He said an announcement of the death had been delayed while matters involving Mr. Anger’s estate were being put in order. Mr. Anger embodied the love-hate relationship between underground art and mass culture. Few other avant-garde filmmakers borrowed so liberally or so subversively from popular iconography. And with his sensuous, mystical imagery and pioneering use of pop soundtracks, perhaps none saw their work so readily absorbed back into the mainstream.

☆ Japan stocks snap seven-day winning streak as Hong Kong sinks to 2-month low
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

(Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets mostly slid on Tuesday as talks between U.S President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ended without a deal. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he had a "productive" and "professional" meeting, and said "I think the tone tonight was better than any other night we've had discussions," McCarthy said outside the West Wing following the hourlong meeting. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed 0.42% down at 30,957, snapping its seven day winning streak. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index reversed earlier gains and to sink 1.27% to 19,428.08, its lowest closing levels since March 21, while mainland Chinese markets also traded lower. The Shanghai Composite closed down 1.52% at 3,246.24 while the Shenzhen Composite ended down 1.03% at 11,012.58.

Persons: Kazuhiro NOGI, KAZUHIRO NOGI, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, we've, McCarthy, Kospi Organizations: Nikkei, Getty Images, U.S, Wing, Juno Bank Locations: Tokyo, AFP, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, Shanghai, Shenzhen

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday after the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima concluded and talks on the debt ceiling are slated to resume in the U.S. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slid 0.11% and the Topix traded close to the flatline following its outperformance last week. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was marginally lower, while South Korea's Kospi was fractionally higher. In contrast, the Kosdaq saw a loss of 0.34%Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks to slightly fall, with futures at 19,410 compared to its close of 19,450.57. China's 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates for May are scheduled to be released later in the day.

China's chip stocks rallied on Monday morning following Beijing's announcement to bar some purchases of products from U.S. memory chipmaker Micron . China's Cyberspace Administration barred operators of "critical information infrastructure" in China from buying products from the U.S. chip giant following a security review conducted by the Cyberspace Administration of China. Chinese authorities said Micron products have failed its network security review, and cited "serious potential network security issues." The firm poses a "major security risk" to China's critical information infrastructure supply chain and affects [its] national security," a statement said. Shares of Chinese chipmakers largely rose on Monday following the move: Hong Kong-listed Hua Hong Semiconductor rose as much as 3.14% on Monday, while SMIC rose 2.64%.

☆ These airlines are back in the black — they're looking to China as the next bright spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Travellers check in for the flight at the Singapore Airlines counter in the departure hall at Changi International Airport in Singapore on December 2, 2021. Roslan Rahman | AFP | Getty ImagesThree major airlines in Asia are back in the black, rebounding from their pandemic doldrums as global travel picks up, and they're all saying that China could be the next bright spot for them. Just this week, Singapore flag carrier Singapore Airlines posted a record net profit of 2.16 billion Singapore dollars ($1.61 billion) for the financial year ended March. At that time, ANA posted a net profit of just 28 billion yen, less than a third of its current net profit. Hopes in China reopeningAll three airlines are looking to China to power further growth.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) headquarters is seen beyond the cherry blossoms in Tokyo on March 20, 2023. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite jumped on Thursday to notch their highest closing levels since August 2022 as Wall Street traders kept focused on debt ceiling negotiations. Leaders from the Group of 7 will be gathering in Hiroshima, Japan for the G-7 summit that kicks off today. Japan stocks were on course to seeing its best week since October as the Nikkei 225 rose 0.67%, maintaining the highest levels since 1990 and the Topix climbed 0.37% in early trade — marking its sixth winning streak. Japan's core inflation in April rose 3.4% year-on-year, maintaining levels above the central bank's target.

Asia-Pacific markets are set to rise on hopes of U.S President Joe Biden and congressional leaders inching closer to a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling and avoid a default. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that a "better process" is now in place for further talks, saying it's "possible to get a deal by the end of the week." Biden shortened his trip to Asia to focus on the negotiations, the White House said. South Korea's Kospi gained 0.66% and the Kosdaq gained 0.77% in Asia's morning trade. Stocks in Australia also rose, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.74% as investors await the economy's unemployment figures for April.

☆ Aid groups seek green light from Myanmar junta to access cyclone-hit state
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] A view of the damage caused by Cyclone Mocha in Sittwe, Myanmar in this handout image released May 17, 2023. The U.N. Development Programme, the U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF) and U.N. refugee agency UNHCR also said their requests were pending approval. "It is important for humanitarian actors to ascertain damage, needs and provide immediate lifesaving assistance, not least as the monsoon season nears," UNHCR spokesperson Reuben Lim Wende said. State media on Wednesday said junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had visited affected areas in Bagan, another region, and separately met with a UNHCR representative to discuss relief efforts. About 5.4 million people were expected to have been in the storm's path, the majority of whom were considered vulnerable.

Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed as the region looks to economic data from several countries, including Japan and Australia. South Korea's Kospi traded close to the flatline on Wednesday, while the Kosdaq saw a 0.49% gain. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.79%, dragged by mining stocks as investors await the nation's wage price index later today. The wage price index measures changes in the price of labor in Australia, and is a key metric when the country considers its monetary policy. In Hong Kong, futures for the Hang Seng index were at 19,884, lower than the HSI's last close of 19,978.25.

The view from the observation deck at Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China, on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets are set to rise ahead of key economic releases from China. Compared to a low base seen in April a year ago, market watchers are largely expecting a rebound in growth. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Component saw their best days since May 8 and March 20, respectively. South Korea's Kospi and Kosdaq also saw gains on Tuesday, advancing 0.66% and 0.75% respectively, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.15%.

☆ Singapore's sovereign wealth fund is looking to invest more in the secondary market, as other VC funds look to sell
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Alistair Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund is keen on doing more in the secondary market, where private stakes in startups and VC funds change hands. That means there's pressure on distributions, which is the cash returned to VC and startup investors. GIC has a private-equity team that specializes in the secondary market. There's been a growing number of secondary funds and exchanges that help founders, employees, and even investors and VC funds sell their startup shares. So as some VC funds look to sell in the secondary market now, GIC has more freedom to be a buyer.

Investors are awaiting more tangible outcomes of Sunday's general election, after preliminary results showed the country's pro-democracy parties secured a strong majority. A calculation by Reuters based on data from the country' Election Commission suggests the anti-military Move Forward party, led by Thai businessman Pita Limjaroenrat, would win the most seats, followed by the Pheu Thai party. If confirmed, this would represent a resounding rejection of pro-military parties led by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, ending nine years of pro-military rule. The Pheu Thai party has put forward Paetongtarn Shinawatra — the daughter of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra — as its candidate for prime minister, while Reuters reported that Limjaroenrat also has "set his sights set on being prime minister." First quarter GDPSeparately, Thailand's gross domestic product for the first quarter grew 2.7%% year-on-year, beating expectations of a 2.3% rise.

Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed after two out of three major U.S. indexes recorded a second straight week of losses, fueled by concern over the U.S. debt ceiling and disappointing economic data. U.S. President Joe Biden and congressional leaders postponed a meeting set for Friday to the following week. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 opened marginally lower, along with South Korea's Kospi and Kosdaq, which lost 0.24% and 1.02% respectively. Japan's Nikkei 225 was up 0.51%, with the Topix also 0.5% higher on Monday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks set for a lower open, with contracts tied to the index at 19,421 compared to the HSI's last close of 19,627.

(Photo by Marc Fernandes/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed after the U.S. posted more data that showed inflation was easing. The producer price index for April, posted a year-on-year increase of 0.2%, against a Dow Jones estimate for 0.3% and after declining 0.4% in March. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite fell 1.12% and closed at 3,272.36, dragged lower by in academic and educational services stocks. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also fell 0.7% ahead of its first-quarter GDP figures. The Topix also climbed 0.64% and ended at 2,096.39, led by health care and utilities stocks.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 7, 2023 - The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and World Financial Center are seen on Lujiazui Street, Shanghai, China, March 7, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street saw a tech rally as U.S. consumer price index rose less than expected for April. The consumer price index showed a reading of 4.9%, slightly less than the 5% gain anticipated by economists polled by Dow Jones. Investors in Asia will be closely watching the inflation print from China for April as well later Thursday, forecasted to come in at 0.3%, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Futures tied to Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 19,725, lower than the HSI's last close of 19,762.

☆ Asia markets set to fall as investors await key U.S. inflation numbers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets fell on Wednesday as investors look ahead to U.S. inflation figures for clues on the path ahead for inflation and by extension, the U.S. Federal Reserve's moves. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect inflation to have increased 0.4% month-over-month in April, and 5% year-over-year. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.31%, after the country delivered its budget Tuesday night. Mitsubishi Corp recorded record earnings for a second-straight year, with net profit coming in above 1 trillion yen for the first time at 1.18 trillion yen ($8.72 billion)South Korea's Kospi inched down 0.14%, while the Kospi bucked the wider downtrend and gained 0.3%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks set to extend its Tuesday losses, with futures tied to the Hang Seng trading at 19,850 compared with its last close of 19,867.58.

☆ How Singapore's giant sovereign wealth fund is investing in generative AI technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Alistair Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

As CEO of GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, he must keep the country's savings growing ahead of inflation. AI retoolingThe 2 investors were most animated when discussing the recent explosion of generative AI technology, including large language models. Chris Emanuel, head of the Technology Investment Group at GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GICThere's already a generative AI startup feeding frenzy among venture capital funds. Secondary market actionFinally, GIC is keen on doing more in the secondary market, where private stakes in startups and VC funds change hands. That means general partners, the people running VC funds, already know GIC and are more comfortable dealing with the organization, Lim explained.

☆ A.I. could threaten search ad market, but South Korean tech giant Naver also sees an opportunity
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Naver Corp. website arranged on a screen in Gimpo, South Korea on Sept. 9, 2021. While artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT pose a threat to the search ad market, South Korean internet giant Naver sees the rise of AI as an opportunity for the company. Naver is South Korea's most used search engine, according to Statista, commanding a 61.2% market share of monthly active users. In contrast, the ever ubiquitous Google has a 28.55% market share in the country. If fewer people use search engines, that would lead to a decline in search ad revenue, often the largest revenue stream for their operators.

☆ A 19-Year-Old Pianist Electrifies Audiences. But He’s Unimpressed.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Javier C. Hernández | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“He’s a musician way beyond his years,” said the conductor Marin Alsop, who headed the Cliburn jury and led the Rachmaninoff performance. “Technically, he’s phenomenal, and the colors and dynamics are phenomenal. He’s incredibly musical and seems like a very old soul. Born in Siheung, a suburb of Seoul, Lim had a childhood filled with soccer, baseball and music. He began studying the piano at 7, when his parents enrolled him in a neighborhood music academy.

A general view of the container terminal in Qianwan of Qingdao Port, a port in Shandong Province, China, March 17, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed ahead of China's April trade data release as well as U.S. inflation reports later this week. China is projected to record a trade surplus of $74.3 billion, lower than the $88.2 billion in March, according to a Reuters poll. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.33% and South Korea's Kospi was 0.21% down, with the Kosdaq also shedding 0.39%. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 20,222, signaling a lower open compared with its last close of 20,297.03.

Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed on Monday after Wall Street snapped a four-day losing streak Friday. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 opened 0.47% higher, while in South Korea, the Kospi rose 0.62% and the Kosdaq was up 0.76%. Japan's Nikkei 225 sunk 0.46% in early trade, while the Topix reversed earlier losses and gained 0.15%. Au Jibun bank is slated to release private surveys on its services purchasing managers index for Japan later Monday, as well as its composite purchasing managers index. Futures tied to Hong Kong's Hang Seng index point to a lower open for the index, trading at 19,984 compared to its last close of 20,049.31.

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