Indonesia has put paid to rumours that Russia is seeking an air base in Papua. Still, Papua’s proximity to the US force presence in Guam and Australia gives Moscow a clear strategic interest in pursuing the idea.
Author Archives: Isabelle Chua
Manufacturing Cruelty: Macaques Exploited by Content Farms for Profit in Vietnam
Some digital media companies are exploiting animals for profit in Vietnam. This needs to be curbed through active community policing and effective online moderation.
Javanese Dakwah Preacher Capitalises on Charisma, Human Touch to Pull in Crowds
Style rather than substance may be what is attracting people, especially women.
Laos Streamlines Bureaucracy to Make it More Efficient
The government plans to merge ministries and reduce redundancy to become more ‘lean’ and ‘robust’.
Southeast Asia’s Potential Role in Rare Earth Elements Diversification
Southeast Asia has the chance to participate in rare earth element (REE) supply chain diversification. The region must be strategic and cautious to exploit its REE reserves while avoiding the industry’s perils.
The Narrative Battle for Malay Muslim Support: PAS’ Exclusivist Dominance vs Madani’s Administrative Tactics
After the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) “Green Wave” of 2022-23, a wide range of Malaysian political actors believed that Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani federal government would not act to counter its narratives. Instead, Anwar’s forces have signalled that they would only check PAS using “administrative” tactics, and only in selected battles and arenas. As a result, PAS holds the narrative advantage. It is free to experiment and is ramping up its use of new and existing cultural assets to burnish its messages.
Thailand’s New Semiconductor Strategy: Ambitious but Challenging
Thailand has ambitious plans to upgrade its semiconductor sector. There are challenges ahead, however, which require good governance and oversight.
Xi Jinping’s ‘Great Rejuvenation of the Pan-Chinese Nation’: A Historical Perspective
Xi Jinping’s vision for the “Great Rejuvenation of the Pan-Chinese Nation” and “China Dream” emphasises a shared ancestry and cultural identity among ethnic Chinese, both within China and abroad. Through “united front work,” the People’s Republic of China (PRC) thus seeks to unite “Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad” under a common civilisational narrative. Despite its rhetoric of unity and shared heritage, however, the PRC offers limited legal and political protection to overseas Chinese.
Prayer and Prejudice: Marginalisation of Malaysian Hindus
The current Unity Government in Malaysia needs to take stronger action against individuals who upset the country’s delicate multi-religious fabric.
Trump’s ‘Liberation’ Day Unlikely to End Well for Southeast Asia — or Anyone
Trump’s “Liberation” day tariffs will hit Southeast Asia hard. Countries can hold firm and adopt appropriate countermeasures, or cut “deals” in order to reduce or eliminate the tariffs. Neither option bodes well.