Asia Social Issues

Elements of Jasmine Tea Packaging that Influence Customers’ Awareness

Yumeng Yan — 2024-11-15

Historically, Chinese tea was considered medicinal and a condiment. Tea now exists as a daily beverage for young people. Jasmine tea is widely available in Chinese beverage stores, but little attention has been devoted to its history. Packaging is the visual presentation of products in beverage retailers and an effective method of introducing tea culture. This study’s objectives are to 1) investigate and analyze the current status of jasmine tea, 2) investigate how to disseminate tea culture through beverage store packaging, and 3) propose the implementation of its culture in jasmine tea packaging. The study searched tea-related market reports and literature, combined with the field observation of Guangxi jasmine and Chinese chain beverage stores. The study proposes the investigation content of tea packaging that affects consumers’ cultural awareness, taking Guangxi jasmine tea as a case. The findings are as follows: 1) Chinese young people prefer new tea drinks, and their packaging conveys tea culture awareness to the public. 2) Jasmine tea packaging can influence the public’s awareness of tea culture through the text, pattern, and icon of Guangxi origin.

Competition and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Thailand under The Financial Sector Master Plan Phase II-III

Wikrant Paukmongkol — 2024-11-15

The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationship between competition and bank profitability of 14 commercial banks in Thailand that operated under the Financial Sector Master Plan Phase II-III (2010-2020). Structural and non-structural approaches assessed competition in Thailand’s banking industry. Econometric estimation was performed using the one-step GMM model. The findings reveal that the effects of competition on bank profitability varied depending on the approaches and indicators used. Under the structural approach, the concentration ratio (CR5) illustrated that increased competition positively affected bank profitability, as measured by ROA and ROE. The result was different when NIM was used to measure profitability, as reduced competition was found to enhance profitability. Nonetheless, the Herfindahl–Hirschman index exhibited no statistically significant relationship with profitability. Under the non-structural approach, when using the Lerner Index and Boone Index as competition measures, decreased competition was found to have a positive effect on bank profitability, as measured by ROA and ROE. The result differed when PRH was used to measure competition, as PRH indicated that increased competition enhanced bank profitability in terms of ROA and ROE. Lastly, profitability measured by NIM did not demonstrate any statistically significant relationship under this approach.

Evidence-Based Model Curricula for Master’s Degrees in Teacher and Principal Education Program in Cambodia

Neak Piseth — 2024-11-15

This paper aims to study the challenges and way forward of evidence-based model curricula for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Cambodia’s teacher and principal education programs. There are three objectives: 1) to examine critical components to build evidence-based model curricula for master’s degrees in teachers and principal education programs, 2) to identify the problems in implementing these curricula, and 3) to explore how to implement these curricula. Document-based and content analysis has been employed for data and information from research articles, reports, and books related to curriculum, design, and other relevant documents. This article’s findings articulated three core components to building evidence-based model curricula: adaptive learning systems, practical-based learning, and need and problem-based learning. Moreover, the conventional mindsets of Cambodian teachers, insufficient human resources and scientific research, and lack of awareness and understanding among educators are challenges in carrying out evidence-based model curricula for master’s degrees in teachers and principal education programs in Cambodia. Lastly, there are possible ways to solve those challenges, like producing more competent human resources, promoting more scientific research activities, and raising awareness of Cambodian teachers and educators to understand the importance of implementing those curricula and coping with the problem of skill mismatch in Cambodia.

Enhancing Transboundary Haze Pollution Cooperation in Southeast Asia (2003-2020): External Actors and ASEAN Supporting Mechanisms

Phurida Charusombat — 2024-11-15

The ongoing and escalating crisis of transboundary haze pollution in Southeast Asia, primarily caused by peat fires in Indonesia, has caused regional and global concern. The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) was launched in 2002 as a joint effort to address this environmental issue, but its effectiveness has been questioned. This study examines the role of external actors working with ASEAN support mechanisms in implementing the AATHP to improve the implementation of the AATHP during the period 2003-2020. The study employed qualitative analysis, which thoroughly examined credible academic documents. Contrary to the prevailing views on the limitations of the ASEAN Way, the findings highlight the multiple roles of external actors as funders and implementers working with ASEAN support mechanisms, particularly about peatland management. Specifically, the European Union (EU), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Global Environment Centre (GEC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have played a pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s institutional framework, financial support and promotion of international cooperation. The study concludes that the engagement of external actors has had a positive impact on ASEAN’s ability to tackle transboundary haze pollution and has promoted a more robust and collaborative regional environmental management approach.

The Factor Analysis of Digital Emotional Intelligence Among Adolescent Students in Bangkok

Elwin Thanpaisarnsamut — 2024-11-15

This research aimed 1) to study the indicators of digital emotional intelligence of adolescent students 2) to investigate the concordance of digital emotional intelligence model with empirical data. The sample used in the study were adolescent students studying in the secondary school in the academic year 2022 in Bangkok from the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 1, Secondary Educational Service Area Office 2, office of Bangkok, and Office of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The sample group included ten key informants and 400 students. They were chosen by multiple random sampling. The research instrument used for collecting data was a digital emotional intelligence questionnaire with 30 items. The data were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis. The research results were found as follows; 1) The components of digital emotional intelligence of adolescent students consisted of 5 components: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, interpersonal skills, and empathy. 2) The digital emotional intelligence model by the empirical. All variables were appropriate as observed variables of digital emotional intelligence.

From India to China: Willow Branches and the Gender Transformation of Avalokiteśvara’s Iconography in China

Lele Huang — 2024-11-15

Avalokiteśvara (Deity who looks down), known as Kuan-yin in China, becomes the most important deity and is popularized throughout Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism. Avalokiteśvara, a Bodhisattva believed to have made a great vow to assist sentient beings in times of difficulty and to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has assisted every sentient being in achieving nirvana, experienced a long process of change. One of the striking changes in the image of Avalokiteśvara in China is the shifting of the gender of Avalokiteśvara. Kuan-yin became the most popular Bodhisattva during the Sui-Tang period (581-907 A.D.), and there were varied manifestations of the Kuan-yin image, one of the most popular being Willow Kuan-yin (Kuan-yin holding willow branches). Willow branches, associated with feminine qualities in Chinese culture, substituted the lotus in the iconography of Kuan-yin in China. This paper argues that the substitution of lotus for willow branches signifies the localization of Avalokiteśvara in China and, to an extent, pushed the gender transformation of this deity in the Chinese context.

Reviews of Theories and Conceptualizations Influencing Online Purchasing Decisions in Thailand: A Comparison of Including and Excluding Live Streaming Attribute

Kwanrudee Prachaseree — 2024-11-15

In recent years, live commerce has become a significant activity for Thai online shopping. Previous studies in China, where live commerce is prevalent, have highlighted several unique attributes. Hence, this study compares theories and conceptualizations influencing online purchasing decisions, including the live streaming attribute, and other platforms excluding the live streaming attribute in related studies published between Jan 2019-Jun 2023. The results indicated that the top five most frequently implemented theories and conceptualizations in these related studies are the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Consumer Purchasing Decision, Marketing Mix, Consumer Behavior, Trust, Uses and Gratification Theory, Social Media Marketing, and Demographic Factors respectively. Besides, the top five most frequently used theories and conceptualizations in previous studies on the purchasing decisions of Thai online shoppers, including the live streaming attribute (except Social Media Marketing), are similar to those used in online platforms, excluding the live streaming attribute. The discussion and future research recommendations can be related to the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and its extensions as popular theories for explaining all aspects. However, with a specific focus on live commerce, future studies should incorporate the unique aspects of live streaming attributes. Previous studies in Thailand have primarily explored the ECIL type of live attribute. Therefore, investigating the live streaming attributes of the LSEEC type holds promise for future research.

Social Capital, Social Solidarity and Volunteer Behavior among Pga K’nyau Youths in Ban Phra Bat Huay Tom Community, Lamphun, Thailand

Kanokwara Phuangprayong — 2024-11-15

This qualitative research aimed to answer the following questions: 1) What are the components of social solidarity of Ban Phra Bat Huay Tom community; and 2) What are the factors supporting the volunteer behavior among Pga K’nyau youths in support of the Kruba Chaiyawongsa Pattana Robe Changing Ceremony and Kruathan Parade? Data were gathered by conducting in-depth interviews (IDI) and participant observation with 20 Pga K’nyau youth volunteers at the Kruba Chaiyawongsa Pattana Robe Changing Ceremony and Kruathan Parade. Content analysis was then used to analyze, categorize, and derive conclusions from the collected data. The results identified the following four elements of social solidarity of Ban Phra Bat Huay Tom: 1) Similarity; 2) Social norms; 3) Consistent interactions; and 4) Participation in activities. The study also found that social capital and cultural capital are important factors that promote the social solidarity of the community. These factors support the volunteer behavior of Pga K’nyau youths. The results of this research should be beneficial for other communities with similar cultural contexts that aspire to build social solidarity and encourage the new generation to take part in community development through volunteering.