The Asia Foundation

This Sinhala and Tamil press review, conducted under the aegis of the second Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA2), "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), sought to capture local perspectives on the island's...

This Sinhala and Tamil press review, conducted under the aegis of the second Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA2), "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), sought to capture local perspectives on the island's protracted conflict and Norwegian-brokered peace process as reflected in the vernacular press. While many local actors have been subject to closer scrutiny in relation to Sri Lanka's politics and peace process, there has been insufficient focus on the role of the vernacular media.

Market-led economic growth is a proven, effective means of reducing poverty. In Cambodia, the best way to achieve economic growth is to encourage the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which dominate the economic...

Market-led economic growth is a proven, effective means of reducing poverty. In Cambodia, the best way to achieve economic growth is to encourage the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which dominate the economic landscape. The large majority of MSMEs are located in the provinces. At present, little is being done to improve the business environment for rural MSMEs. MSME owners are among the worst affected by opaque regulations, lack of information, and costs associated with corruption and over-regulation. The Asia Foundation’s economic reform program in Cambodia focuses on supporting the policymaking process of reform, empowerment of the private sector, particularly provincial MSMEs, and developing a more business-friendly environment.

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment...

The Asia Foundation supported the establishment and construction of the first women’s shelter in the Lao PDR—opening in January 2006—to serve the needs of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. The establishment of the shelter, a direct result of growing awareness of these problems in Laos and the passage of the 2004 Development and Protection of Women Act, was made possible by the dedicated work of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU), which has been supported by the Foundation for more than a decade.

Improving the responsiveness, accountability, and transparency of governance is now accepted as vital to the achievement of improved standards of living and opportunities in developing countries. The heightened attention in recent years to...

Improving the responsiveness, accountability, and transparency of governance is now accepted as vital to the achievement of improved standards of living and opportunities in developing countries. The heightened attention in recent years to good governance has logically led to a greater focus on the way in which budgets are formulated, implemented, and monitored. This publication is intended as a reference for local governments, civil society groups, and nongovernment organizations seeking to apply consultative budgeting methods.

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program has operated in Vietnam since 1993 through a partnership with the National Library in Hanoi. Over the past five years, the Foundation has provided approximately 160,000 volumes to Vietnam to...

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program has operated in Vietnam since 1993 through a partnership with the National Library in Hanoi. Over the past five years, the Foundation has provided approximately 160,000 volumes to Vietnam to more than 100 institutions throughout the country, with an additional 120,000 expected to be shipped over the next three years, with a total value of $4.5 million.

The first report of a 16-month assessment designed to accelerate and guide the revitalization of Post-Tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. Phase 1: Health and Education Services, Housing, Distribution of Survival Allowances, Restoration of Ownership...

The first report of a 16-month assessment designed to accelerate and guide the revitalization of Post-Tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. Phase 1: Health and Education Services, Housing, Distribution of Survival Allowances, Restoration of Ownership Documents, and Economic Recovery.

A profile of the Foundation's in increased use of survey data. The strategy has proved to be particularly successful in the Philippines due to the availability of high-quality researchers spread across the country. Probability methods of...

A profile of the Foundation's in increased use of survey data. The strategy has proved to be particularly successful in the Philippines due to the availability of high-quality researchers spread across the country. Probability methods of public opinion research enable citizen preferences to inform policy deliberations and indirectly provides the average citizen a voice in policy debates that might otherwise be dominated by political elites and the media.

Whether it is the ability of governments and non-governmental organizations to inform populations on important issues such as HIV/AIDS, environmental protection, and human trafficking, the ability of small business owners and farmers to access...

Whether it is the ability of governments and non-governmental organizations to inform populations on important issues such as HIV/AIDS, environmental protection, and human trafficking, the ability of small business owners and farmers to access essential information on markets, or the ability of citizens to make informed decisions at the ballot box and hold government accountable, the efficient flow of information is essential to a country's economic, political, and social development. In Cambodia, The Asia Foundation has worked to vastly expand access to information for citizens and local organizations, with various projects around the country.