Why Not All Indonesian Muslims Support Iran
A'an Suryana|Ary Hermawan
Most Indonesian Muslims are against the US-Israeli war against Iran. But some of them evince anti-Iran sentiment stemming from their belief that Shi’a Islam is a heretical sect.
Articles
Sino-Philippine Energy Cooperation in the South China Sea: A Chimera
Ian Storey
Faced with an energy crisis at home, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has broached the idea of joint energy cooperation with China. The idea will not fly, for a variety of reasons.
How ASEAN Can Reduce Its Heavy Dependence on Imported Agricultural Inputs
Paul Teng
ASEAN should enhance efficiency of fertiliser application, increase local fertiliser production, and fortify policies on pesticides and seeds.
Still Legally Relevant: The South China Sea Award After Ten Years
Pham Ngoc Minh Trang|Tran le Duy
The 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea has subtly shifted claimant states’ practices, a decade on.
Seizing the Middle-Power Moment: ASEAN and Canada at a Convergence
Ambra Dickie
ASEANFocus is privileged to feature H.E. Ambra Dickie, Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador Dickie reflects on the evolution of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations and discusses how both sides can seize the “middle power moment” together, amid a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. She shares Canada’s perspectives on the importance of ASEAN as the region’s leader, the significance of the forthcoming ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Canada ties to sustain an inclusive and enduring partnership.
To Lam’s Visit to China: Charting a ‘New Era’ in Sino-Vietnam Ties
Phan Xuan Dung
To Lam’s recent visit to China helps Vietnam to realise its national ambitions. Hanoi is mindful of the risks of such an engagement, which will need to be managed carefully.
Rethinking Economic Integration as a Strategic Hedge
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Kristina Fong emphasises the need for ASEAN Member States to narrow gaps in productive capacities and technological readiness to strengthen economic integration to credibly counter rising geostrategic pressures.
Is Penang’s Inter-faith Appreciation Under Threat?
Norshahril Saat|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek
The cancellation of a Hari Raya open house by a temple association in Penang has underscored the need to design interfaith engagements which are possible under certain conditions.
Corporal Punishment in Thai Schools
Panarat Anamwathana
Legal changes have not meaningfully changed long-standing attitudes towards the corporal punishment of school children in Thailand, even among those who teach them.
World Bank Resurrects Industrial Policy: Ball is in Southeast Asia’s Court
Marco Kamiya
The World Bank has made a volte-face on industrial policy. Southeast Asian countries will need to consider the new policy, but calibrate it across vastly different national contexts.