Theravāda Buddhist communities across maritime Southeast Asia have long adapted to local conditions. Even today, believers are finding new ways of transmitting the faith to younger adherents.
Author Archives: blackbox
Political Storm in Sabah: Can Hajiji Noor and GRS Survive the Scandal?
Another scandal has rocked the state government in Sabah. But it is too early to tell whether it will deal the death blow to the government.
Fewer Voices, More Control: Vietnam Reshapes Its Media
As George Orwell noted in his seminal 1972 essay, “Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban”. As our authors argue, Vietnam’s state plan to reform its media could create more problems than it solves.
Fan Bingbing: Tourism Ambassadorship and China’s Soft Power
China’s soft power comes in various guises. Fan Bingbing’s appointment as Melaka’s tourism ambassador represents a new, private-sector driven form that will likely grow.
The State Administration Council and the Restyling of Myanmar’s Economy
This article reviews the complex drivers of post-coup business performance and the factors that have contributed to business survival under Myanmar’s State Administrative Council. Not all of the reasons stem from having close links with the military regime.
Thailand and the Chinese Import Surge: Possible Policy Responses
Apart from tariffs and import bans, there are more reasonable options to address the surge of Chinese imports into Thailand.
Prabowo Subianto Now President with New Cabinet but Speculation Still Rampant
The new president has been in power nearly two months but many questions remain unresolved.
ASEAN’s 2025 Chair: Navigating Tricky (Economic) Shoals
As ASEAN’s chair next year, Malaysia is well-placed to pilot ASEAN through economic turbulence, particularly at a time of intense geopolitical flux.
Reclaiming the ‘Resilient Filipino’: From Romanticised Climate Narratives Towards Resilience-Focused Climate Policy in the Philippines
Climate change is clearly affecting the Philippines. Whether it can transform a long-held national attribute into successful climate adaptation will determine what the future holds.
Women in Myanmar: Addressing Cracks Beneath the Tough Facade
Women in Myanmar are increasingly taking on traditional roles of men. But this has come at a cost.