When AI Becomes Less Intelligent Beyond the English-speaking World
Surachanee Sriyai
Social media depend largely on English-language models to train their AI content moderation models. This has become a problem.
Articles
A Crisis of Trust: The SAC’s Failure in Post-Disaster Strategic Communications
Su Mon Thazin Aung
The ruling military regime in Myanmar has only itself to blame for dismal levels of public trust in it two months after the massive earthquake that shook the country.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: Laying the Groundwork for Vision 2045
Joanne Lin|Melinda Martinus|Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Joanne Lin, Melinda Martinus and Kristina Fong analyse how Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and Vision 2045 reflect ASEAN’s strategic recalibration amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.
Thailand Should Not Rush to Be a Service-based Economy
Wannaphong Durongkaveroj
The quest for new growth drivers should focus on upgrading manufacturing which will, in tandem, boost services.
Green Hydrogen in Southeast Asia: Connecting National Strategies with Public Support
Christopher Len
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s 2024 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey highlights a notable rise in public enthusiasm for green hydrogen year-on-year. However, continued public support towards green hydrogen will depend on the ability of policymakers to deliver on their promises. Public enthusiasm may turn negative if the public is forced to pay a high cost for green hydrogen, or when concerns over its safety arises and remains unaddressed.
Will Contradictions within the Indonesian Labour Movement Sharpen?
Max Lane
From two different May Day events in Jakarta, divergent approaches in negotiating workers’ aims and rights in Indonesia can be discerned.
The Strategic Calculations Behind To Lam’s Eurasian Tour
Nguyen Khac Giang
Vietnamese leader To Lam's recent tour of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan was aimed at diversifying Hanoi’s strategic partnerships and securing Moscow’s backing for its military needs and South China Sea claims.
From Cell to Suite: Genuine Illness or Special Favour?
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces probes to determine whether his six-month stay in hospital in lieu of prison was justified on medical and legal grounds.
A Malaysian Minister’s Clarion Call to Save the Planet
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun converses with Minister Nik Nazmi about the urgent challenges of sustainability and climate change from Malaysian and ASEAN perspectives. Recorded on 28 April 2025.
Key Takeaways for Southeast Asia from US-UK Trade Deal: It Will Be a Hard Slog
Stephen Olson
As they negotiate with the US for new trade deals, Southeast Asian countries are hoping for at least some relief from the US’ reciprocal tariffs. With the recent US-UK trade deal in mind, these countries should do so with much circumspection.