One Shock Too Many: Why Southeast Asia’s El Niño Response Must Be Different
Elyssa Kaur Ludher|Paul Teng
ASEAN countries need to brace themselves for a “super” El Niño weather phenomenon.
Articles
Rules or Ruse? Myanmar’s Anti-Money Laundering Efforts Coerce Compliance with a Rigged Financial System
Jared Bissinger
Since being labelled a “Jurisdiction of Concern” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2022, Myanmar’s military government has undertaken efforts to improve its technical compliance with the FATF’s recommendations on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). But the regime uses AML/CFT compliance less to address actual money laundering, and more as a tool to compel individuals and businesses to use the state-controlled financial system.
Southeast Asia Cannot Fight Online Sexual Abuse One Takedown at a Time
Nuurrianti Jalli
Governments are taking action against online sexual harassment, mostly by providing relief after the discovery of harmful content. They must also prevent its creation and circulation.
Two Anwars on the Ballot? Regulating AI Before GE16
Nuurrianti Jalli
There is an urgent need for Malaysia to regulate AI-assisted campaigning before the next general elections.
The 2016 South China Sea Award and the Future of a Legally Binding Code of Conduct
Joanne Lin|Huynh Trung Dung
Joanne Lin and Huynh Trung Dung examine what the continuing legal divergence surrounding the recognition of 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award means for ASEAN and China’s pursuit of a legally binding Code of Conduct.
Cambodia’s Three-Track Strategy for Peace with Thailand
Chheang Vannarith
Cambodia has adopted a comprehensive approach to resolving its border dispute with Thailand. Substantive progress, however, would only occur when the two sides agree on border demarcation.
Melaka State Government: What DAP’s Departure Portends for Federal Government
Tricia Yeoh
DAP’s departure from the Melaka state assembly will have repercussions for the PH-BN unity government at the federal level.
ASEAN’s Convening Power Meets Its Delivery Test: Lessons From the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Huynh Trung Dung|Joanne Lin|Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Huynh Trung Dung, Joanne Lin and Kristina Fong examine whether ASEAN can convert its convening power and shared commitments into tangible regional outcomes.
Quietly, not Silently: How Vietnam Deals with China on the South China Sea
Huynh Trung Dung
Vietnam did not sign the joint statement on the Tribunal Award invalidating China’s claims on the South China Sea. Hanoi’s consistent "speak less, do more" approach combines public restraint with a range of quieter policy tools.
Redirecting Crypto Exchanges to Fight — Rather than Facilitate — Crypto Scams in Southeast Asia
David Lam
Southeast Asian countries can significantly amplify their anti-scam efforts by compelling crypto exchanges to proactively join the fight. Exchanges are not merely the primary gateways through which scam funds flow — they are also the custodians of valuable on-chain and platform intelligence needed to detect and disrupt those flows.