Covid-19 Outbreaks: The Challenge Facing the Fight Against Poverty
Phi Minh Hong
The Covid-19 pandemic has had manifold impacts on the poor in ASEAN member states. Upping vaccination rates will go a long way.
Articles
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Southeast Asia Tour: Assurances and Dividends
William Choong|Hoang Thi Ha|Le Hong Hiep|Ian Storey
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to three Southeast Asian countries in July 2021 was aimed at reaffirming America’s commitment to regional alliances and partnerships amid concerns of US neglect of the region in the first six months of the Biden administration.
Don’t Miss the Turning Point of ASEAN’s Energy Plan
Ryan Wong
ASEAN’s Energy Plan is an empty fortress – dejected and under-delivered. But if done right, the region can turn a corner and do more to harness the power of renewables.
Covid-19 and Vietnam’s Short-lived ‘Breakout Moment’
Tuan Ho
At the beginning of 2021, Vietnam was looking forward to a “breakout moment”, with its hitherto successful containment of the coronavirus expected to facilitate strong economic recovery. However, the country now appears to be missing this opportunity due to the ongoing fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.
US Challenges in Southeast Asia Under Biden
Robert Sutter
The Biden Administration has reinvigorated its approach towards Southeast Asia. This, however, will be limited by important US priorities and Southeast Asian reluctance to irk Beijing.
Policymakers' View
The Malaysian Impasse: Some Outcomes to Consider
Liew Chin Tong
While Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government only commands a minority in parliament, those who wish to see him gone would need to cobble together an alternative majority.
The Pandemic’s Benefits for Indonesia’s Fintech Sector
Manggi Habir
One major impact of Covid-19 has been the early signs of consolidation in Indonesia’s fintech landscape. The prospects for fintech, in a country of 270 million people with significant internet penetration and about a third of the population still unbanked, are alluring.
State Elections in Sarawak: Kingmaker in the Offing?
Lee Poh Onn
The political temperature in Kuala Lumpur has risen recently due to the governing coalition’s increasingly tenuous hold on the reins of power. In the general elections that are to come, any coalition eyeing power will have to look at the eastern state of Sarawak.
UMNO Withdraws from Perikatan: September Blues for Muhyiddin?
Norshahril Saat
Malaysia Prime Minister Muhyiddin pulled off a historic coup in February last year, when he ditched the then-ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition to form a new government. Eighteen months on, he might soon be getting a taste of his own medicine.
Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes
Htet Myet Min Tun|Moe Thuzar|Michael J. Montesano
Following his 1 February seizure of power in Naypyitaw, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing formed an 11-member junta called the State Administration Council (SAC). This article examines the biographical profiles of junta’s key military members, in an effort to better understand the regime.