Philippines Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs): Off-putting
Teresita Ang See
The high-profile case involving Alice Guo has uncovered a raft of issues related to offshore gambling operators in the Philippines.
Articles
The Impact and Complexity of Saudi Funding on the Dissemination of Wahhabism and Salafism in Indonesia
A'an Suryana
While the Indonesian government still needs to be vigilant about Saudi funding to promote Wahhabism and Salafism, the reforms under the Saudi Crown Prince Muhamad bin Salman towards a more moderate brand of Islam have also opened up opportunities to attract more Saudi investment into Indonesia and to boost Indonesia’s exports to Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia’s New National Mosque: Big Shoes to Fill
A'an Suryana
Indonesia’s national mosque in Jakarta has a storied past and stands as a beacon of tolerance and understanding. Can the new national mosque to be, still under construction in Nusantara, be an adequate replacement?
Chinese EVs in Southeast Asia: More Sustainable Approach Needed
Shi Youwei
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firms have made inroads into the Southeast Asian market. But they cannot take their current position for granted.
Indonesia’s Free School Lunches: Not So Free
Maria Monica Wihardja|Arianto Patunru
President Prabowo’s universal free school lunch programme is well-intentioned, but it would be more effective if done in coordination with other complementary programmes.
Rethinking Economic Planning in the Philippines
JC Punongbayan
There are plans to transform the Philippines’ socioeconomic planning agency, NEDA, into a new Cabinet department. But this proposal fails to address its declining relevance and chronic inability to ensure the implementation of crucial development projects.
Navigating Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Keep Calm and Carry On
Kristina Fong Siew Leng
Southeast Asian countries are likely to be caught up in the crossfire between China and the US. But there could be a silver lining.
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt
Norshahril Saat
The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.
Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk
Nyi Nyi Kyaw
The authorities of affected countries should crack down on crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, they should also consider what the human cost of such policing might be for thousands of displaced and vulnerable Myanmar citizens.
Chinese Streaming Content in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Thailand
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
China is using popular drama series to expand its soft power in Southeast Asia, and in particular, Thailand.