#CreativeEconomy

The intersection of design and computer science is revealing innovative possibilities for the way we live, shop, and build—thanks to cutting-edge research emerging from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A recent report highlights the work of a MAD Fellow at MIT, a graduate student innovating by merging artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and robotics with human-centric design to create systems that make everyday tasks smarter and more intuitive. This approach is not just shaping the future of architecture and retail but also carries implications for sustainable development and community resilience—including lessons with strong relevance for Thailand’s rapidly modernising society.

Bali, already world-renowned for its scenic beauty and spiritual richness, has emerged as Southeast Asia’s vibrant new crucible for creative industries, propelled by local talent, affordable production costs, and a strategic location that fosters cross-border commerce in the region. The shift, documented in recent reporting and underscored by major international conferences scheduled throughout 2025, signals not only an evolution in Bali’s identity but portends significant implications for other Southeast Asian economies—including Thailand—as the region looks beyond tourism for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.

A Shanghai bookstore renowned for its futuristic interior design, which has been drawing enthusiastic crowds even through the recent summer rainstorms, is being lauded as one of the city’s latest cultural and tourism landmarks. Locals and visitors alike are flocking to the site, which has, since its 2013 opening, become a shining symbol of the dramatic transformation underway in China’s traditional bookstore sector (CGTN).

The emergence of this bookstore as a magnet for both culture-seekers and tourists is emblematic of broader shifts in urban China, where physical bookstores are evolving from mere retail outlets into experiential destinations. Despite the digital boom—e-books, online retailers, and audiobooks—demand for tactile, immersive reading environments persists and appears to be growing, particularly among younger generations and urban professionals seeking communal experiences and creative inspiration.

The animation industry may be on the verge of a historic turning point as artificial intelligence (AI) technology slashes the cost of creating cartoons by up to 90%, according to a compelling new report from The New York Times published on 21 May 2025. Driven by rapid advances in generative AI, studios are already seeing drastic reductions in time and workforce needed to create high-quality animation, with profound implications for filmmakers, artists, and global media companies—including potential paradigm shifts in Thailand’s burgeoning animation and content creation sectors.