The State of Southeast Asia Survey
Terence Chong
The US has gained ground against China in the contest for regional influence in Southeast Asia, according to the latest State of Southeast Asia Survey. ASEAN continues to be seen as ineffective in the eyes of respondents; at the same time, they are willing to give it credit when it is due.
Tham Siew Yean
Can regional free trade agreements facilitate further development of start-ups and unicorns in ASEAN? The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement does just that by providing an expanded regional market, bolstering protection of intellectual property and enhancing rules in services and e-commerce.
JC Punongbayan
There is a lot at stake in the Philippines' 2022 presidential polls, especially where the economy is concerned. The new president faces the formidable challenge of putting the economy on a steady course to recovery.
Euan Graham
The local lessons from the dramatic defeat of British and Commonwealth forces at the hands of the Japanese in 1942 have been well learned and internalised. Eighty years on, there are still wider lessons to be gleaned that transcend time and place.
Burhanuddin Muhtadi
Polls on voter preferences consistently suggest that Indonesians value 'honesty' and 'care for the people' as the two most important traits that Indonesia's President should have.
Ian Storey
The chief of Thailand’s air force wants to buy eight American-built F-35 fighter jets. While the sale would be a shot in the arm for the US-Thailand alliance, Washington may be reluctant to approve the sale because of Thailand’s growing military ties with China.
Nazia Hussain|Tan Ming Hui
As ASEAN and India commemorate the 30th anniversary of dialogue relations this year, the two parties have little to show in terms of functional collaboration. A reassessment of the relationship should focus on three areas: connectivity, trade and public health.
Aranya Siriphon|Fanzura Banu
Thailand is reaping the benefits of a steady stream of Chinese students being enrolled in its universities. The trend, however, is not cost-free.
Melinda Martinus|Qiu Jiahui
The Covid-19 crisis has stalled the delivery of much-needed climate finance to developing countries. For Southeast Asia, a region frequently cited as being one of the most vulnerable regions threatened by climate change, the broken promise of climate finance is highly disappointing.
Anusorn Unno
Thailand’s conservatives see new threats to their conception of political order, in the form of a politicised youth movement and the ruling government led by the Phalang Pracharat Party.