Sara Loo
Malaysia’s ambitions to be a digital powerhouse demand urgent consideration of rapidly increasing energy demands. Based on current figures, Malaysia appears to have overcommitted to data centre expansion, especially in Johor, without sufficiently robust sustainability guidelines in place.
Wannaphong Durongkaveroj
Thailand’s poverty alleviation programme needs reform as the existing system of self-targeting to access welfare cards excludes many low-income individuals while allowing some better-off ones to receive undeserved benefits.
Tricia Yeoh|Francis E. Hutchinson
To live a long political life in Malaysia is not unusual; to have a century’s longevity and the lengthiest career guarantees its two-time former premier ‘Dr M’ a unique place in the history books.
Isabelle Chua
Isabelle Chua analyses the rapid expansion of Chinese food brands, highlighting how this trend has become an informal yet influential form of Chinese soft power in Southeast Asia.
Dennis Blanco
Divorce elicits a multitude of opinions in the devoutly Catholic nation, both supporting and opposing it. Only a definitive public consensus can help resolve the issue.
Xu Jingzhi
To move up the technology value chain, Vietnam needs to think beyond foreign direct investment and focus on upgrading domestic capacity.
Anissa R. Suharsono|Yanuar Nugroho
The Prabowo government’s ambitious goal for Indonesia of achieving energy self-sufficiency faces significant challenges due to the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and renewed large-scale biofuel ambitions.
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
Chinese brands are rapidly expanding in Thailand, with increased capital, tax incentives, and scalability, putting more pressure on local F&B businesses.
Archanun Kohpaiboon
The US has imposed new duties on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries to address unfair Chinese trade practices. The duties will continue to be part of Washington’s arsenal of options.
Napon Jatusripitak
Following her suspension as prime minister, the writing is on the wall for Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra and what remains of her ruling coalition.