Policymakers' View
Malaysia’s Higher Education Sector: Time to Soar to a Higher Plane
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin
The pandemic presents a plum opportunity for extensive reforms in Malaysia’s higher education sector.
Articles
Malaysia’s Covid-19 Response: Pressed to Be (in the) Present
Lee Hwok-Aun|Kevin Zhang
Pressed by short-term exigencies caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is planning to raise Malaysia’s debt ceiling to 65 per cent of GDP. Another round of stimulus package might be on the cards.
ASEAN’s Covid-19 Recovery Measures: Missing Opportunities for a Green Future
Melinda Martinus|Sharon Seah
As of 28 May 2021, ASEAN countries had authorised a total of US$ 730 billion, equivalent to 7.8% of ASEAN’s total GDP, in stimulus dollars. But few ASEAN countries have prioritised green components to their Covid-19 stimulus packages.
Reopening Malaysia’s Parliament: Not a Panacea
Norshahril Saat
The Malaysian government’s decision to reconvene Parliament has been welcomed. But this in itself will not resolve the list of problems facing the country in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Complex Calculations: Vietnamese EB-5 Investments in the United States
Ivan V. Small
Many wealthy Vietnamese are making use of America’s EB-5 investment visa programme as a pathway to a green card and, eventually, a US passport. But there are many other reasons why they would consider settling Stateside.
A Tale of Two Vaccines in Vietnam
Hoang Thi Ha
The public reactions to the arrivals of Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam – one from China, the other from the United States – underscore a geopolitical dilemma for the country.
Malaysia’s Latest Political Fisticuffs – Muhyiddin or Zahid on the Ropes?
Francis E. Hutchinson
In the past week, the Malaysian prime minister had to absorb a couple of political blows. But his coalition is not in any immediate danger — yet.
Biden’s ‘China Challenge’ and Domestic Politics: Implications for Southeast Asia
Shaun Narine
Under President Biden, Southeast Asia is dealing with a US administration that remains determined to compete with and confront China but is mired in political paralysis caused by deep ideological divisions. This will constrain the US’ ability to act as a reliable security and economic partner in the region.
K-pop Activism: A Potent Political Force
Dorcas Gan
K-pop activism is a growing phenomenon in Southeast Asia, serving as an alternative means of political mobilisation and expression among tech-savvy youth.
Phalang Pracharat Party’s Reshuffle: Preparing the Ranks for Battle
Punchada Sirivunnabood
While the recent reshuffling of its executive committee and a proposal to revise Thailand’s electoral system, Thailand’s ruling Phalang Pracharat Party is well-placed to contest the country’s next round of elections.