The road to Myanmar for ASEAN goes through Bangkok. This in itself might be a problem.
Author Archives: chahaewon
The Malaysian Government’s Silence on Covert Conversion: A Poor Start to Madani Harmony?
A controversial Malaysian preacher promotes the secret conversion of non-Muslim youth to Islam and is unrepentant about going against the law of the land.
Unravelling of the Marcos-Duterte Dynastic Alliance
The resignation of Vice-President Sara Duterte from the Cabinet signals the end of Marcos-Duterte political alliance and portends a likely clash between two of the country’s most powerful political dynasties.
Sarawak Offers Malaysia Lessons in Managing Diversity
Sarawak’s unity and harmony stands in marked contrast to the politicised race and religion on the Peninsula. The nation ought to take lessons from East Malaysia.
Hun Sen’s Counterproductive Attempt to Tame Vietnamese Online Critics
Cambodia’s relationship with Vietnam will remain stuck in the past if both sides cannot move past entrenched narratives of the other’s faults.
Indonesia’s Islam-based Mass Organisations and the Mining Industry Vortex
The Indonesian government’s decision to grant mining concessions to religious mass organisations has resulted in some creative theological justifications. It begs the question whether the recipients have the requisite skill not to damage the environment or their own autonomy.
Johor-Singapore Causeway at 100: Momentous Yet Mundane
At 100, the Causeway linking Johor and Singapore is testament to the multi-fold connections linking the two sides together.
Structural Problems of Thailand’s Export Sector: Myths and Realities
Thailand’s export trends suggest the economy faces structural problems, but the macro data do not capture the full picture. The country’s export challenges and opportunities, and policy responses, are more complex.
Engaging Southeast Asia: The EU’s role as a Resilient and Reliable Middle Power?
The European Union (EU) is consistently seen in Southeast Asia as the preferred and trusted “third party” in hedging against the uncertainties of US-China rivalry and in its reputation for “doing the right thing” in the wider interests of the global community. But it needs to recognise the practical limitations Southeast Asian countries have in complying with its regulations and can do more to support capacity building programmes in the region.
NewJeansNim’s Controversial Popularity: New Progress in Buddhism?
A disc jockey performing chants clothed in Buddhist garb has stoked controversy in Singapore and Malaysia, highlighting the social and religious sensitivities in the two countries.