While it is early days yet, might West Java’s highly popular new governor feature in Indonesia’s next presidential race?
Author Archives: chahaewon
The Vietnam War and US Security Policy on the Asia-Pacific
The region’s security architecture is evolving in the wake of the Trump Administration’s pressure tactics on US allies and partners. An articulation of doctrine would be helpful but may not be forthcoming.
Rethinking Thailand’s University Admissions System
Thailand’s university admissions system needs a proper fix.
Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Revival: Ambition or Overreach?
Vietnam’s renewed ambition of developing nuclear power plants to fuel its industrialisation drive and meet its climate obligations faces several obstacles, including an unrealistic timeline and financial challenges.
Thorny Issue: The Durian Economy and Land Tussle in Pahang
There has been an ongoing dispute between the Pahang state government and farmers cultivating durians on encroached state land. With a new player in the fray, however, the dispute looks closer to a settlement.
Thai-Cambodian Tensions: For Thailand, Appeasement Will Not Hold the Line
In seeking to defuse tensions with Cambodia over a border dispute, Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra has scored an own goal. Thailand now faces an uphill climb in resolving the dispute.
Facilitating Gainful Labour Migration in Southeast Asia Remains an Elusive Task
ASEAN has focused on facilitating high-skilled labour mobility, although the vast majority of migrant workers occupy medium- and low-skilled jobs. Disparities in labour standards and uncoordinated migrant labour systems continue to impede the realisation of an integrated regional labour market.
Positioning Thailand as an LGBTQ+ Tourism Hub: Opportunities and Challenges
Thailand has begun to market its LGBTQ+ friendliness to woo LGBTQ+ tourists and boost the economy. While the country has made progressive strides by legalising same-sex marriage, transgender individuals still face systemic hurdles.
Understanding Bobby Saputra, Indonesia’s ‘Professional Son’
Bobby’s satirical skewering of nepotism and corruption strongly appeals to Southeast Asians, who share disillusionment and a desire to laugh at a system seen as unfair and ineffective.
US-China Negotiations in London Signal a Tough Road Ahead for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries lack the personal rapport and leverage that have shaped US-China bargaining, and with US’ limited bandwidth, could find themselves on the outside looking in.