2024 Top 10
Tham Siew Yean
What was touted as a mega project in the form of the Melaka Gateway is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.
2024 Top 10
Maria Monica Wihardja|Sherry Tao Kong
China’s purported industrial overcapacity is a double-edged sword for Southeast Asian economies.
2024 Top 10
Maria Gabriela Alano|Deryk Baladjay
The Philippines needs to start investing in a credible deterrence strategy if it wants to secure its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
William Choong
There will be a publishing break for Fulcrum between Christmas and the New Year. We will resume publication on 2 January 2025.
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.
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
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.
Jayant Menon
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
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.
Paul Chambers
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.