The Arakan Army’s recent victories in Rakhine have significant implications for the state and the country.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Big Data, Bigger Debate: Malaysia’s PADU System and the Future of Digital Governance
Public reactions to Malaysia’s Central Database Hub (PADU), particularly on social media platforms like Reddit, reveal widespread concerns about data security, government transparency, and the system’s capabilities. The PADU initiative highlights the need for robust data protection measures, clear communication, and strong legal frameworks to build public trust.
Will the “Chronic Disease” of Vietnam’s Private Banks Ever Be Treated?
Truong My Lan’s death sentence for gross embezzlement sends a chilling warning, but Vietnam needs to address the banking sector’s root problems of cross-ownership and corrupt lending practices.
The South China Sea in 2025: More of the Same, Possibly Worse
The prognosis for tensions in the South China Sea dispute this year is pretty straightforward: what has been and is will continue to be so, and perhaps even worse.
The Ulama Leadership Model of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS): Perspectives of Key Leaders
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.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and Supply Chain Bifurcation: A Lose-Lose Proposition
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
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
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
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.
Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence
The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.