Kerala’s experience in fighting poverty holds some important lessons for ASEAN countries.
Author Archives: chahaewon
Takaichi and Taiwan: When Deterrence Looks Like Provocation
Chinese reactions to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s comments about Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan contingency have an element of political theatre. Beijing is adopting a more sophisticated strategy of isolating Tokyo on the issue.
Beyond the Points: Vietnam’s Digital Citizen Score Is About Power
Vietnam’s digital citizen scoring proposal though based on incentives rather than punishment is a form of social engineering that paves the way for control by the security apparatus.
Improving Indonesia’s Submarine Cable Resilience
Indonesia has a growing network of subsea communications cables. It needs to ramp up its capacity to bolster the resilience of such critical networks.
What Southeast Asia Should Expect from Trump in 2026
Trump chalked up some notable wins in Southeast Asia in 2025. But doubts remain over his approach to the region, given his reciprocal tariffs and trademark unpredictability.
Ending the Year With a Bang
Amid the uncertainty and gloom that pervaded global headlines in 2025, the team at Fulcrum has many things for which to be thankful.
Beyond Autonomy: The Ripple Effects of Sabah Elections on Federal Power
Pakatan Harapan’s poor performance at the Sabah state elections has weakened its bargaining power vis-à-vis ruling coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak. It will need their support to form the next federal government.
Critical Mass: The Complexity of Malaysia’s Nuclear Reboot
Malaysia is re-considering the use of nuclear power. But the government will need to tackle questions about trade-offs.
Momentum or Mirage? Anutin’s Risky Road to Re-Election
Anutin Charnvirakul’s recent dissolution of the Thai Parliament is a tactical move to preserve incumbency advantages going into elections next year. Still, he might end up with an unwieldy “grand compromise” coalition that will give him little wiggle room.
Economic Gravity: The Rise of Asian Cities’ Powerhouses
Urbanisation in Southeast Asia is now one of the region’s most powerful yet under-recognised industrial policy tools. Urban planners and economists need to work together to unlock the potential of the region’s cities.