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Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Bhutan's double bet: Mindfulness and nature to drive tourism and investment
[KUALA LUMPUR] Bhutan, long regarded as one of the world's most serene and isolated destinations, is opening a new chapter – one that seeks to blend its spiritual heritage with modern economic ambitions. At the heart of this transformation is the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a transformative urban project in southern Bhutan designed to attract high-quality foreign direct investment while preserving the kingdom's ethos of Gross National Happiness. Envisioned as both an economic and spiritual hub, the Mindfulness City represents a bold experiment in development where governance is rooted in Bhutanese values, yet informed by globally recognised frameworks for transparency, regulation and innovation. In June, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, welcomed about 20 guests, including invited Singaporean media by Chan Brothers Travel, to an exclusive meeting in his office at the capital city Thimphu. Dressed in a traditional gho, the prime minister shared that construction for a new international airport in Gelephu is set to begin in early July, marking a significant milestone for the US$100 billion GMC development – a landmark project designed to attract global investment while preserving Bhutan's cultural and environmental heritage. Paro International Airport is nestled among 5,000 m peaks and is accessible to only 50 specially trained pilots worldwide. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Strategically located near the Indian border, the airport is intended to serve as Bhutan's second international gateway, easing the burden on Paro International Airport – currently the only port of entry for air travellers. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Spanning 731,946 square feet, the new airport is designed to handle up to 123 flights daily and 1.3 million passengers annually, according to Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group, which is leading the airport's design. Though modest by regional standards, the facility is a major leap for a Himalayan kingdom that caps tourist arrivals at 300,000 annually. Before clearing immigration and customs, tourists have the unique opportunity to take pictures on the tarmac at Paro International Airport. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Nestled among 5,000 m peaks, Paro International Airport demands exceptional skill. Only about 50 pilots globally are certified for its challenging, manual and no-radar landings. The new Gelephu airport is expected to transform accessibility and signal Bhutan's readiness to welcome a new wave of visitors, investors and innovators. Former CapitaLand chief executive officer Liew Mun Leong was appointed as CEO of GMC in October 2024. He now oversees the city's strategic direction, infrastructure roll-out and global partnerships. 'GMC is a carefully designed special administrative region – what I call our micro state, three times the size of Singapore, with its own set of rules and regulations,' said the 60-year-old premier. A gateway to growth Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (left) and Chan Guat Cheng, executive director of Chan Brothers Travel, at an exclusive meeting in Bhutan. PHOTO: CHAN BROTHERS TRAVEL GMC, which spans more than 2,500 square kilometres, will be developed in phases over the next 21 years. It is envisioned as a future-ready city hosting sectors as diverse as finance, green energy, education, healthcare, logistics and spirituality – all anchored in sustainability and well-being. To fund early development, the Bhutanese government launched the Gelephu Mindfulness City Nation Building Bond (GNBB) in December 2024. By June 2025, the initiative had raised 3.3 billion ngultrum (S$49.1 million), well above its original target of two billion ngultrum. Singapore has played an instrumental role in advising Bhutan on the legal and institutional design of GMC. The city-state's legal system has inspired the adoption of 18 Singaporean laws into GMC's framework – covering company incorporation, employment law and taxation. 'Singapore is a role model we would like to adopt,' said Tobgay, pointing to the country's strengths in governance, regulation and long-term planning. Reversing the brain drain Tour guides and drivers in Bhutan. According to one of them, it is not uncommon for locals to be proficient in at least four languages, largely attributable to the government's provision of free basic education. PHOTO: CHAN BROTHERS TRAVEL Beyond economic development, GMC is a strategic response to one of Bhutan's most pressing challenges: brain drain. In 2024, youth unemployment was at 19 per cent, prompting many young Bhutanese to seek opportunities overseas – particularly in Australia. The trend has deepened over the past decade, with estimates suggesting that between 50,000 and 65,000 Bhutanese have migrated abroad in the last eight years. 'We are not stopping young talent from going out and exploring the world… But if they don't return, a small country like ours will suffer. In some ways, we are the victims of our own success,' Tobgay lamented. Bhutan offers 12 years of free public education, and youth literacy rates are nearing 100 per cent. More than 1,100 schools span the country, and enrolment among children aged six to 12 is over 98 per cent. 'We hope to create more job opportunities, good-quality and higher paying jobs for Bhutanese via GMC,' said Tobgay, who himself once revealed that he struggled to find a suitable job after returning to Bhutan from Harvard. In Bhutanese monasteries, it is common to see elderly devotees bowing and praying reverently on their hands and knees. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Bhutan's cultural identity remains resilient despite the external pull factors. Traditional attire – gho for men and kira for women – remains common in everyday life. Despite its undeveloped, rustic charm, the country reveals an unexpected intellectual depth. Travellers are frequently amazed by the locals' strong command of English and their widespread multilingual abilities, with many tour guides proficient in at least four languages. Dago Tshering, who guided the media, is fluent in six languages: Dzongkha, English, Mandarin, Hindi, Japanese and German. Despite receiving offers to work overseas, he chose to remain in Bhutan. His reason was simple – family and the simplicity of life back home. Bhutan's home-grown brand Mountain Cafe, which sources and roasts beans from local farmers. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Echoing this principle, even if Bhutan is opening its doors to foreign investment, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji emphasised that collaborations will be carefully selected to align with the country's values-driven development approach. 'In principle, it is not necessary for us to import foreign brands, if we have our own alternative and better options,' said Dorji in a meeting with the media. He pointed to the home-grown brand Mountain Cafe, which sources and roasts beans from local farmers. 'Even without international franchises like Starbucks, we are not feeling deprived. We hope to offer tourists something unique that only could be found in Bhutan,' he added. South-east Asia tourists in focus Tashichho Dzong, a prominent fortress and Buddhist monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. This spiritual nation is home to over 2,000 monasteries and temples. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT As hydropower and agriculture continue to dominate its economy, Bhutan's government recognises diversification as crucial for sustainable growth and long-term resilience. Tourism, which presently accounts for about 10 per cent of Bhutanese gross domestic product, is targeted for revitalisation with an ambitious goal: to boost its contribution to 15 per cent by 2030, returning to pre-pandemic levels. But Bhutan remains committed to its 'low volume, high value' approach. Rather than attracting mass tourism, the country aims to offer curated experiences focused on culture, wellness and nature. One of the must-visit destinations in Bhutan, the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The temple, which perches at 3,120 metres, draws thousands of tourists annually. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Known as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan is home to more than 2,000 monasteries and temples. One of the most famous, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, which perches at 3,120 metres, draws thousands annually. But the prime minister said there are still more hidden gems for tourists to explore in Bhutan. 'We want visitors to go beyond the monasteries… Cycling through our valleys, engaging with local farmers, going for a concert or even having a memorable wedding in Bhutan – these are the kinds of experiences we want to offer.' While India remains the top source of visitors, accounting for around 70 per cent of all arrivals, Bhutan is actively courting travellers from the South-east Asia region in hopes of rebalancing the ratio to 50:50 within the next few years. 'India will always be an important partner, but for Bhutan to grow as a global destination, we need to diversify,' said Dorji. To further encourage more tourists to come to Bhutan, the government has reduced its sustainable development fee to US$100 a person a night from Sep 1, 2023, from US$200 a night. In 2024, Bhutan welcomed 145,065 tourists, around 40.7 per cent higher than the 103,066 in 2023. But tourist arrivals still fall short of the 150,000 target. For 2025 and 2026, the country has set a target to attract 300,000 tourists. Rising interest from Singapore travellers Bhutan's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji (back row, fifth from right), with representatives from Chan Brothers Travel and the media. PHOTO: CHAN BROTHERS TRAVEL Singapore, Bhutan's third-largest source of tourists after China and India, is a key focus. Last year, 3,200 Singaporeans visited Bhutan, up from the typical 2,000 annually. As at June this year, 1,200 had already arrived, suggesting continued growth. Chan Brothers Travel's executive director Chan Guat Cheng emphasised Bhutan's unique appeal: 'Singapore alone has more than five million outbound tourists annually… With a rising number of tourists seeking more nature, peace, and spiritual and adventurous travel, Bhutan stands out from others to attract more tourists.' On Jul 4, Chan Brothers Travel and Drukair formalised their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding in Singapore. This agreement lays the groundwork for more exclusive chartered flights between Singapore and Bhutan. She noted that in response to growing interest, the number of chartered flights has expanded significantly, from six last year to a total of 30 scheduled across this year and next, reflecting strong demand for travel to Bhutan. As Chan Brothers Travel celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the Singapore-based agency is advancing its strategic vision with a series of Bhutan tours. These tours will be operated via exclusive chartered direct flights by Drukair, Bhutan's national carrier. 'As the sole travel agency offering such privileged air access, we are looking at deepening collaboration with Bhutan's Department of Tourism,' she said.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE, Bhutan launch 'AI for Development' Initiative to unlock AI's potential for economic growth in Global South
In a milestone effort to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive development, the United Arab Emirates and the Royal Government of Bhutan, in collaboration with the Eurasia Group and G42, convened a high-level two-day workshop titled 'AI for Development' in Thimphu, Bhutan. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, were present at the workshop, which began with the traditional Marchang Ceremony, reflecting the deep essence of Bhutan's rich culture. The workshop brought together policymakers, technical experts, and development practitioners to identify creative AI solutions for local implementation. This initiative stems from a broader UAE foreign policy agenda that embraces technological diplomacy and supports inclusive, high-impact partnerships—particularly across the Global South. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, who led the UAE delegation, remarked, 'This initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to technological diplomacy through harnessing AI and technology for global development. Bhutan's agility and forward-looking digital transformation, together with the UAE's technical expertise and strategic vision, create a natural synergy. Through such partnerships, we aim to advance impactful solutions that align with national priorities and contribute to sustainable development.' Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan, further elaborated, "The UAE is proud to partner with Bhutan, in navigating pioneering, scalable tech solutions, from entrepreneurship to agriculture, advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inclusive growth across the Global South.' As the first pilot country, Bhutan was selected for its commitment to innovation and its willingness to explore cost-effective, context-sensitive technology solutions to drive economic growth. During the workshop, participants focused on three priority areas: boosting entrepreneurship, promoting regenerative tourism, and increasing agricultural productivity. These themes align closely with Bhutan's national development goals and key UN SDGs. Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of GovTech Agency in Bhutan, stated, 'While AI offers remarkable conveniences, its true potential lies in driving transformative solutions that deliver meaningful and inclusive impact. The 'AI for Development' workshop presents a timely opportunity to explore, through strategic dialogue and knowledge exchange between Bhutan and the UAE, how AI can accelerate Bhutan's socio-economic transformation in ways that align with our national values and priorities. May this mark the beginning of many meaningful and enduring collaborations between our two nations in shaping a responsible and forward-looking AI future.' On the sidelines of the workshop, the UAE delegation was honored to receive an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. His Majesty highly commended the UAE's efforts in the fields of advanced technology and space, as well as the workshop, led by all participating entities, which reflects great opportunities for further cooperation in these areas. The success of the Thimphu workshop underscores the UAE's evolving role as a strategic partner to the Global South, championing collaborative approaches to frontier technologies and capacity building. The UAE delegation included Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan; Muath Alwari, Policy Planning Director; and representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and G42.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Davos of the East
It's been several weeks now since I returned from Bhutan and Gelephu Mindfulness City, and I can't stop thinking about what I saw there. You know how Davos brings together all those world leaders every year? Well, imagine something similar, but with a completely different vibe -- less about power lunches or GDP growth, and more about meditation breaks and happiness. A City That Actually Makes Sense Gelephu is wild. It is a new city being built in southern Bhutan that basically takes everything we think we know about urban planning and flips it on its head. Instead of cramming in as many office buildings as possible, they're designing spaces where you can actually breathe -- meditation gardens, green corridors, community spaces where people can just… be human. What struck me most is how different it feels from our typical conference centres. In Davos, everyone's rushing between meetings, checking their phones constantly. Gelephu is being designed to slow you down, to make you think differently. Conference rooms open onto gardens, innovation hubs sit next to organic farms. It's like someone finally asked: "What if we built a city for humans, rather than just for business?" The Trip Of A Lifetime This wasn't just any Bhutan visit. Organised by FBX Thailand, we got to meet His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and former prime minister Lotay Tshering. PM Tshering Tobgay welcomed us with a joke that part of the secret to Gelephu's success is tours for foreign business leaders exactly like the one I am on. "We hijack seasoned leaders to serve as sounding boards," he said with a smile. An innovative approach -- rather than hire expensive consultants, they want real-world business veterans to poke holes in their plans, challenge their assumptions and basically keep them grounded. It's refreshingly honest. How many government projects actually admit they need our sceptical business minds to reality-check their vision? Meeting King Jigme Wangchuck was an experience I will never forget. He shared his vision for a "future-ready Bhutan", and here's what blew my mind -- he sees Gelephu as a "country within a country", a sandbox where Bhutan can experiment with new opportunities and manage risks without compromising the traditional Bhutanese way of life. It's genius when you think about it -- test the future in one place while protecting what makes Bhutan special everywhere else. What struck me was that His Majesty sees Gelephu as a "missing jigsaw piece" for the world, a utopia that could inspire the movement towards a truly sustainable world. Think about it. We've tried everything else to solve our global problems, but maybe what's been missing is a living example of how things could actually work differently. I could feel His Majesty's compassionate yet progressive leadership. There's something powerful about a leader who can bridge tradition and a technology-driven future, without losing perspective about either. You could sense everyone in our group thinking: "Ah, this is what thoughtful modernisation looks like." Running the Gelephu Mindfulness City project is Dr Lotay Tshering, the former prime minister. "This is a project that both I and my rival [Tshering Tobgay] share, a common dream, a common vision," Dr Lotay said. Ponder the thought. How often does one see political rivals in complete agreement about anything? But Gelephu is different -- it's bigger than politics. It's about Bhutan's future, and both understand that completely. Investing In People Gelephu isn't just about attracting international visitors. The planners are dead serious about showcasing local Bhutanese talent and stopping the brain drain that affects so many developing countries. They are creating opportunities for young Bhutanese professionals to work on world-class projects right at home. I heard stories about brilliant young architects who studied abroad but are coming back specifically for Gelephu. Why design buildings in Dubai when you can help create something revolutionary in your own country? The city is setting up incubators for local entrepreneurs, artist residencies for traditional craftspeople and research centres where Bhutanese scientists can work alongside international collaborators. Gelephu is giving locals a reason to stay and a platform to shine on the global stage. Can It Work? We have been trying to solve the world's problems with the same old approaches for decades, and let's be honest, it's not really working. Climate change is getting worse, inequality is growing and everyone seems more stressed than ever. Gelephu offers something different -- a place where leaders can step back and ask bigger questions. The whole city runs on Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness, or GNH. The idea is that progress shouldn't just be measured in dollars and data points, but in whether people are actually living good lives. While walking around Gelephu's planned spaces, you can't help but think: "Perhaps they are on to something." I think Gelephu can genuinely bridge Eastern and Western thinking. We have Silicon Valley innovation on one side and ancient Buddhist wisdom on the other -- why not bring them together? The city is perfectly positioned for this, sitting in neutral, peaceful Bhutan, right in the heart of Asia. The planning team mentioned hosting everything from mindfulness retreats for CEOs to sustainability workshops for policymakers. But here's the kicker -- they want local experts to lead many of these sessions. Imagine tech leaders from California learning meditation from Bhutanese monks, or European climate scientists collaborating with local farmers who've been practising sustainable agriculture for generations. That's the kind of cross-pollination that could spark real change. I have attended enough global summits to know that most blend together after a while. It's the same hotels, the same panels and the same networking events. Gelephu is aiming for something completely different. They want it to be a year-round hub where people don't just meet for a week and forget one another, but genuinely build lasting collaborations. The city itself is designed to be carbon-negative (yes, negative!), following Bhutan's incredible environmental track record. Traditional Bhutanese architecture meets cutting-edge sustainable tech. Local artisans are working alongside international designers, ensuring that Bhutanese craftsmanship isn't just preserved but elevated to the world stage. Will It Work? That is the million-dollar question. Can a mindfulness city in Bhutan really become a global hub for conscious leadership? I think it has a chance. Not because it's trying to copy Davos, but because it's offering something we desperately need -- a space where success isn't just measured in quarterly reports, but in whether we're actually making the world better for our children. The early interest is encouraging. People from tech companies, NGOs and governments are all intrigued by what Gelephu represents. They are tired of the same old conference circuit and hungry for something more meaningful. And they are especially interested in learning from Bhutan's unique approach to development. If Gelephu succeeds, it won't just be the "Davos of the East" -- it could be the birthplace of a whole new way of thinking about leadership and progress. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, maybe what we need isn't more of the same, but a quiet revolution that starts with taking a deep breath and asking better questions. My mind keeps returning to one thought -- mindfulness is the best technology within ourselves. We keep chasing the latest gadgets and apps, but maybe the most powerful tool for the future is the one we've had all along -- our ability to be present, aware and intentional. Perhaps Gelephu isn't just a place, but a state of mind that gets us ready for whatever comes next. I can't wait to go back.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements
Sign a climate pledge: Palau For understandable reasons, tiny island nations tend to take sustainability seriously. But in 2017, the Micronesian nation of Palau (population 18,000) took things one step further by requiring all international visitors to sign a special environmental pledge committing them to 'tread lightly' and minimise their carbon footprint during their time on Palau. As with a lot of climate stunts, the jury is out as to whether it adds up to more than just a clever gesture. But at least it leaves travellers with a nice talking point, given that the signed pledge is affixed to the pages of their passport as a novel souvenir. Pay $US100 tourist tax: Bhutan Tourist taxes are all the rage in Europe these days. But the controversial charges levied by the likes of Venice and Amsterdam look positively puny compared to that of Bhutan, which has imposed a $US100 daily fee on international tourists (excluding those from neighbouring India) to be payable on arrival. Unsurprisingly, Bhutan's 'sustainable development fee' (to give it its proper name) is the highest tourism tax in the world. Despite that, though, the country's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, insists that the hefty charge is welcomed by adventurous travellers who come to marvel at the kingdom's breathtaking landscapes. 'Most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,' he told a US news network this spring. Provide proof of parental permission: Canada In the era of widespread international travel, the abduction of children by a parent has become a serious problem, with countries around the world cooperating to stop spurned parents trying to take their offspring out of the reach of their ex-partner. That said, few countries take such a proactive approach to the problem as Canada, which advises that any parent travelling alone with their child (or children) bring a letter from their spouse proving that the arrangement is consensual. In theory, then, it's a clever safeguard against parental kidnapping. In practice, it's the sort of unexpected requirement that could also trip up unsuspecting travellers with perfectly innocent intentions. Leave chewing gum (and handcuffs) at home: Singapore Singapore's zero tolerance approach to chewing gum has been part of travel folklore for decades. What is less well known, though, are the similar prohibitions on Christmas crackers and (ahem) handcuffs, both of which are taken equally seriously. One benefit to Singapore's strictness is it presumably encourages travellers to check the bags – and the rules – carefully before their trip. Given the city state's extremely tough rules on drugs, including some prescription medicines, that is probably a good thing. Hire a tour guide (with one exception): North Korea Most people are aware that the only way into North Korea is to sign up for one of those tightly controlled propaganda tours which have become a fixation for a certain type of adventure tourist. But did you know there is an exception? Loading For all its embrace of authoritarian socialism, the hermit kingdom actually contains a semi-capitalist 'special economic zone', where foreign investment is welcomed and entry requirements are considerably lighter for foreign nationals. Getting to the city of Rason isn't easy, given that you'll have to obtain a Chinese visa first and make your way to the North Korean border. But if you're looking for novel entry requirements, it must be one of the most counterintuitive on Earth.
The Age
03-07-2025
- The Age
Welcome, $100 please: The countries with the weirdest entry requirements
Sign a climate pledge: Palau For understandable reasons, tiny island nations tend to take sustainability seriously. But in 2017, the Micronesian nation of Palau (population 18,000) took things one step further by requiring all international visitors to sign a special environmental pledge committing them to 'tread lightly' and minimise their carbon footprint during their time on Palau. As with a lot of climate stunts, the jury is out as to whether it adds up to more than just a clever gesture. But at least it leaves travellers with a nice talking point, given that the signed pledge is affixed to the pages of their passport as a novel souvenir. Pay $US100 tourist tax: Bhutan Tourist taxes are all the rage in Europe these days. But the controversial charges levied by the likes of Venice and Amsterdam look positively puny compared to that of Bhutan, which has imposed a $US100 daily fee on international tourists (excluding those from neighbouring India) to be payable on arrival. Unsurprisingly, Bhutan's 'sustainable development fee' (to give it its proper name) is the highest tourism tax in the world. Despite that, though, the country's prime minister, Tshering Tobgay, insists that the hefty charge is welcomed by adventurous travellers who come to marvel at the kingdom's breathtaking landscapes. 'Most tourists are delighted that they can play a small part – a small meaningful part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,' he told a US news network this spring. Provide proof of parental permission: Canada In the era of widespread international travel, the abduction of children by a parent has become a serious problem, with countries around the world cooperating to stop spurned parents trying to take their offspring out of the reach of their ex-partner. That said, few countries take such a proactive approach to the problem as Canada, which advises that any parent travelling alone with their child (or children) bring a letter from their spouse proving that the arrangement is consensual. In theory, then, it's a clever safeguard against parental kidnapping. In practice, it's the sort of unexpected requirement that could also trip up unsuspecting travellers with perfectly innocent intentions. Leave chewing gum (and handcuffs) at home: Singapore Singapore's zero tolerance approach to chewing gum has been part of travel folklore for decades. What is less well known, though, are the similar prohibitions on Christmas crackers and (ahem) handcuffs, both of which are taken equally seriously. One benefit to Singapore's strictness is it presumably encourages travellers to check the bags – and the rules – carefully before their trip. Given the city state's extremely tough rules on drugs, including some prescription medicines, that is probably a good thing. Hire a tour guide (with one exception): North Korea Most people are aware that the only way into North Korea is to sign up for one of those tightly controlled propaganda tours which have become a fixation for a certain type of adventure tourist. But did you know there is an exception? Loading For all its embrace of authoritarian socialism, the hermit kingdom actually contains a semi-capitalist 'special economic zone', where foreign investment is welcomed and entry requirements are considerably lighter for foreign nationals. Getting to the city of Rason isn't easy, given that you'll have to obtain a Chinese visa first and make your way to the North Korean border. But if you're looking for novel entry requirements, it must be one of the most counterintuitive on Earth.
