Peter Hessler, a renowned American author and New Yorker staff writer, took an unexpected step by accepting a teaching position at Sichuan University in China. Known for his insightful writings on China, Hessler's decision was part of a strategic plan, despite personal commitments in the U.S. His career gained prominence with his book 'River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze,' which chronicled his experiences in China with the U.S. Peace Corps. Hessler's ongoing connection with his former students and his literary contributions continue to shape his narrative on modern China.

Locke, California, the last rural Chinese village in America, faces a struggle between preservation and development. Founded by Chinese immigrants who contributed significantly to California's prosperity, Locke remains a historical and cultural treasure. However, its aging population and the departure of younger generations have left it vulnerable. The town's ownership by Hong Kong developer Ng Tor Tai and his company, Asian City Development, has sparked controversy over plans to develop the area into a tourist destination. Local residents and state authorities are divided, with some advocating for strict preservation and others supporting development to revitalize the town. The future of Locke hangs in the balance as stakeholders debate the best path forward.

I.M. Pei, a prominent Chinese architect known for iconic structures like the Louvre Pyramid and the Bank of China tower, is receiving his first career retrospective. Despite his significant contributions to modern architecture, Pei had previously declined such retrospectives. His son, Sandi Pei, reflects on his father's legacy and the family's architectural firm, Pei Architects, where I.M. Pei worked until his passing at 102.

Dusit Thani, a renowned Thai luxury hotel brand, is undergoing a $1.3 billion redevelopment project to rebuild its iconic Bangkok hotel as part of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development. Under the leadership of CEO Suphajee Suthumpun, the company is expanding its global footprint with new hotels in Japan, Nepal, Greece, and plans for India and Saudi Arabia. The project, a collaboration with Central Pattana, aims to diversify Dusit International's portfolio and increase its hotel count to 100 within five years. Despite financial challenges due to the pandemic, the company is optimistic about its future, supported by strategic partnerships and a focus on asset-light management. The redevelopment honors the legacy of founder Chanut Piyaoui, with a modern hotel retaining Thai cultural elements.

Entrepreneurs on this year’s Consumer Technology list are utilizing AI for various applications and offering solutions to daily problems. The article highlights the innovative approaches of these young entrepreneurs in addressing consumer needs through technology.

Irish actor Eoin O'Brien received an unexpected call from Deborah Snyder, a co-producer of major films, offering him a potential breakthrough role. Known for his martial arts expertise, O'Brien had previously appeared in minor roles. Snyder mentioned she admired his performance in 'The Last Full Measure,' a film featuring stars like William Hurt and Samuel Jackson.

Jakarta's culinary scene is experiencing a renaissance, with chefs like Ragil Imam Wibowo at Nusa Indonesian Gastronomy showcasing authentic regional dishes. The city, traditionally known for street food, is now embracing fine dining, with establishments like Hakkasan and Vong Kitchen elevating the gastronomic landscape. The Ismaya Group is leading this transformation, opening numerous eateries and aiming to match global standards. New ventures like Txoko and Animale are gaining attention, offering diverse cuisines and innovative dining experiences. Despite the growth, there remains a lack of global awareness about Indonesian cuisine, which chefs are eager to change.

Kita Food Festival, concluding in Kuala Lumpur, aims to spotlight under-appreciated Southeast Asian cuisines, such as those from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Founded by Darren Teoh, the festival features fine dining, talks, and panels, and seeks to boost the community of chefs. Events like the Great Mezze and discussions on sustainability and culinary diversity highlight the festival's impact. Chefs like Ross Magnaye, John Kevin Navoa, and Kurt Sombero showcase their heritage through innovative dishes, emphasizing the festival's role in promoting regional flavors.

Artist and activist Ai Weiwei, known for his critical stance against China, has released a viral documentary 'Coronation' filmed in Wuhan during the lockdown. He continues to produce new material, including a video montage in London's Piccadilly Circus and upcoming exhibitions in Thailand at the Bangkok Art Biennale and Tang Gallery.

Bangkok faces severe climate challenges, including unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and rapid urbanization leading to land subsidence. The city is sinking at an alarming rate, exacerbated by reduced green spaces and increased concrete surfaces. Government and international efforts, such as the 100 Resilient Cities project, aim to address these issues through various measures, including improved water management and innovative urban planning. However, progress has been slow, and large infrastructure projects continue to consume potential green spaces, intensifying the urban heat island effect and pollution. The need for better water flow management and more permeable surfaces is critical to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Bangkok.