2024: What Difference a Year Makes, and Goodbye (for Now)
William Choong
There will be a publishing break for Fulcrum between Christmas and the New Year. We will resume publication on 2 January 2025.
Articles
Chinese Migrants and the Philippines: The Need to Plug Legal Loopholes
Teresita Ang See
The Philippines’ immigration laws have failed to keep pace with a growing influx of new Chinese immigrants. The laws need to be reviewed to curb corruption in the system.
The Ulama Leadership Model of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS): Perspectives of Key Leaders
Syaza Shukri|Muhammad Baihaqi Aminudin
Key leaders within PAS believe in the necessity of maintaining the model of ulama leadership to maintain the party’s alignment with Islamic principles. However, such an exclusivist leadership model limits PAS’s acceptance beyond its traditional Malay Muslim base.
Outlook 2025
ASEAN Needs a Common Position on Myanmar
Sharon Seah|Moe Thuzar
After years of intractability, the regional organisation needs to move as one to make any headway on Myanmar. It is not clear this can be done without inclusive conversations.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and Supply Chain Bifurcation: A Lose-Lose Proposition
Jayant Menon
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
Seaweed: Prospects for Decarbonisation and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Elyssa Kaur Ludher|Wei-Li Woo
Enthusiasm about seaweed has been growing due to its potential to contribute to food security, decarbonisation, and economic growth. Southeast Asia is a major global producer of seaweed; Indonesia and the Philippines are among the top-producing countries. The region’s millions of farmers could potentially benefit from an expansion of the industry.
Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
Paul Chambers
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.
China’s Pop Fiction Boom Poses a Dilemma for the Party
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
The export of Chinese pop fiction has found ready markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand. But some undesirable genres pose a dilemma for China’s soft power.
The Political Economy of Vietnam’s North-South High-Speed Rail Project
Nguyen Khac Giang
Today, Vietnam is arguably better positioned, both financially and geopolitically, to move forward with the North-South High Speed Rail project. However, the feasibility of this ambitious megaproject hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, which is fraught with uncertainty.
Politically Proofing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone for Credibility and Durability
Adib Zalkapli
There is positive sentiment on both sides of the Causeway about the proposed special economic zone in Johor. However, the project needs to be future-proofed against potential political complications up north.