Feb 3, 2009
I had a good Davos wrap-up conversation with Ronald Synovitz of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He concluded – correctly – that I came out of the meeting with a fairly depressed view of the state of the world. I found my breakfast with Shimon Peres particularly depressing. The feeling was that the economic crisis will
Jan 31, 2009
The most amazing session I attended this year in Davos was a 2-hour Dignity Day event in a local school auditorium. Speakers included the schoolchildren, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, who sang Biko a capella. Hearing Desmond Tutu speak was an incredible experience. I have rarely seen someone captivate and hold an
Jan 31, 2009
Summary – in text – below video. By Thomas Crampton DAVOS, Jan 31: Abhisit Vejajiva, Thai Prime minister, today warned protesters gathering on the streets of Bangkok that they should not further upset the Thai situation. Speaking with a blogger on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Abhisit also urged former Prime
Jan 30, 2009
This morning I attended a breakfast with Israel president Shimon Peres who lashed out at a Spanish court probing Israel officials for alleged “crimes against humanity” relating to a 2002 Israeli attack in Gaza. This is an accidental video exclusive, since no other journalist attending used a video camera.
Jan 29, 2009
George Soros, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, says that he made a “pretty good return” from the market turmoil which he foresaw.
Jan 28, 2009
Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan tried out YouTube and I and briefly discussed it afterwards. When I asked whether he thought Social Media could help bring about world peace, he suggested I ask Barack Obama. Sadly, Obama is not here in Davos, so will have to wait on that question.
Jan 22, 2009
Preparing for another Davos session, in addition to the ones on Privacy and Asia’s digital ecosystems. This panel features Tony Blair and I will be a discussion leader on new media’s role in helping religious dialogue. Official title: How can new catalysts – such as the innovative use of technology and social media – stimulate
Jan 22, 2009
Next week I return to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 2004 when I wrote about Bloggers breaching the gates of Davos, I took this photo of Loic Le Meur, Yat Siu and Joi Ito, now all good friends. A great turnout of world leaders is expected at this year’s
Jan 21, 2009
In addition to the privacy panel I blogged about earlier, another Davos panel in which I will participate is about Asia’s digital ecosystems. The panel is extremely eminent, but I particularly look forward to seeing Jun Murai again. He has fascinating perspectives and insights into the underlying direction of Internet development. Once again, I solicit
Jan 8, 2009
Asia news seems too small bore for Washington mainstream media these days, so here’s another detailed analysis by Chris Nelson of Samuels International. Nelson confirms some of the appointments he speculated about in my posting of Monday: President-elect Obama today announced the top assistants to Secretary of Defense Gates, confirming earlier reports that the Deputy
Jan 7, 2009
Wang Tao of UBS today offers his her view on recent reports in China’s state-run media that rising unemployment could spark unrest. Wang strongly disagrees. Urban unemployment has declined significantly in recent years and the nature of the current job losses are different from 1998. UPDATE: Rich Brubaker at All Roads Lead to China has
Jan 7, 2009
danah boyd, a wonderful friend who normally cannot have her iPhone or Sidekick out of her hands for 2 minutes, has taken a email sabbatical. Below is the entirely danah-esque reply I got when I sent her an email. She did a great blog posting on her email sabbatical and how it annoys people. Ironically,
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About Me
Thomas Crampton was a correspondent for the
International Herald Tribune and The New York Times for more than a decade, reporting from five continents, writing a column on Asia and covering Asian politics, economics and culture. Currently based in Hong Kong, he writes here about China, the Internet and New Media seen from Asia, while also advising companies on digital communication strategies. For more information click here...
