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.
Author Archives: chahaewon
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.
Election Integrity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Lessons from Indonesia
Indonesia’s 2024 election showed the ways Artificial Intelligence can corrode the integrity of future elections. Countries should regulate AI-generated political content across the entire information supply chain and devise strategies for combating disinformation and manipulation.
Southeast Asia’s Poor Showing at the Ukraine Peace Summit
The uneven responses of Southeast Asian nation-states to the recent summit in Switzerland on peace for Ukraine shows that other geopolitical preoccupations loom larger in the region.
The Suzhou Industrial Park: Singapore’s Evolving Role 30 Years On
Singapore continues to contribute to the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) by working with its Chinese counterparts to identify new areas of cooperation, helping Chinese companies go overseas to Singapore and facilitating Singapore-based companies to expand their businesses in China.
Bleak Future for Islamic Parties in Indonesia after the 2024 Election
This Long Read argues that the recently concluded 2024 Indonesian legislative election raises questions about the future of Islamic political parties. Their last strong showing was in the 1955 election, after which they have been experiencing a slow decline. They are now on the periphery of the country’s political arena.
With Malaysia’s Opposition Weakened, Anwar Faces More Secure Future
Many observers have rued that the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would not last. This is no longer the case.
Regional Institutions Should Step Up to Integrate South Asia with Southeast Asia
Regional institutions can potentially foster closer economic integration between Southeast Asia and South Asia, but the existing ones need to cooperate more closely and more strategically.
New Faces of Vietnamese Politics: Better Red than Expert?
While attention has focused on recent changes at the highest echelon of Vietnam’s collective leadership, it is also important to track the new faces in the Politburo and Secretariat.
Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Looking at the Private Sector
To achieve their climate change goals, Southeast Asian governments need to harness the power of the private sector.