blackbox

Singapore College of Islamic Studies: Prospects and Challenges

A new degree programme at the Singapore College of Islamic Studies will help equip graduates who are capable of contextualising religious teachings for Singapore but there are challenges to be overcome.

Amidst Malaysia’s Rising Polarisation: What More Mandarin-speaking Non-Chinese Malaysians Show

More non-Chinese Malaysians are enrolling their children in Chinese vernacular primary schools, and Malaysia’s job market increasingly favours Mandarin speakers as China’s power grows. How might this impact Malaysia’s inter-ethnic relations?

ASEAN Should Drive Action for Agri-Food Sector after COP29

Following the letdown of COP29, ASEAN needs to step up and lead the way in controlling emissions from Southeast Asia’s agri-food system.

Thailand’s Army White Paper: Heat is on to Supply the RTA

The Thai Army’s inaugural White Paper is spurring competition among suppliers for a slice of the kingdom’s defence procurement pie.

Petronas-Petros Dispute: Finding a Way Out

A legal confrontation between Petronas and Sarawak’s oil and gas company would not be productive. The dispute should be resolved using new political and economic arrangements.

Indonesian Muslims and the Apocalypse: End of the Road for Effective Green Transition?

Green transition in Indonesia is hampered by Indonesian Muslims’ belief that climate change is a sign of the end times.

Re-ordering the World: China’s Global South Focus versus the Ally-centric Approach of the US

Institutional balancing has become a key strategy in US-China strategic competition, with both powers taking different approaches in leveraging their institutional networks to advance their strategic agenda. Southeast Asian countries have straddled both institutional realms advocated respectively by China and the US, while continuing to leverage ASEAN-led mechanisms to advance their interests.

Vietnam, China and Rerouting: When Perceptions Matter as Much as Reality

Vietnam’s growing trade surplus with the US strongly suggests that China uses Vietnam as a backdoor to dodge US tariffs. Such rerouting is actually lower than is imagined. Given that perceptions drive politics, Vietnam will likely still be caught in the Trump administration’s sights.

Public Participation and Digital Propaganda in Indonesia: A New Form of State Control?

Indonesia’s democracy faces the threat of digital authoritarianism. However, there are ways to mitigate the risks, even as state-driven propaganda floods digital public spaces.