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Vietnam’s Mekong Middle Power Diplomacy

Hanoi is applying its South China Sea playbook to the Mekong.

Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint: More is Not Better

Then Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (C) smiles during a photo session with IAP members at 6th Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) International Advisory Panel meeting in Cyberjaya, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, on 5 September, 2002. (Photo: Ahmad YUSNI/ AFP)

This 100+ page plan may hinder more than help the country’s digital economy transformation.

What’s Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander

Protesters display banners outside the Criminal Court in Bangkok on 24 February, 2021, during a demonstration calling for the release of pro-democracy activists held under Thailand's lese-majeste royal defamation laws. (Photo: Jack TAYLOR/ AFP)

The convictions of three ministers do not augur well for the ruling coalition led by Thai Prime Minister Prayut. It also sets a precedent for pro-democracy protestors who have been detained – invoking one’s constitutional right to justify unlawful protest activities is an invalid legal defence.

To Be Young and Rich: Indonesia’s Vaccination Controversies

A health worker checks the containers of Covid-19 vaccine produced by China's Sinovac, as they arrived in Surabaya on 13 January, 2021. (Photo: Juni Kriswanto/ AFP)

No parliamentary opposition means the government is not held to account for its vaccination programme.

Constant and Continuous: Vietnam’s Foreign Policy After The 13th Party Congress

Protesters hold up marked depictions of Chinese president Xi Jinping as they march on a street leading to the Chinese embassy in downtown Hanoi on 5 November, 2015, a few hours prior to the arrival of the Chinese leader for a two-day state visit. (Photo: Hoang Dinh NAM/ AFP)

Hedging between the US and China while promoting a rules-based South China Sea will continue to guide Vietnam’s foreign policy.

The US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement: The Duterte Punchbag That Will Probably Survive the Blows

A long-standing Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States will probably survive despite threats from President Rodrigo Duterte to see the end of it.

Japan and Southeast Asia – Power and Propinquity

Japanese Ground Home Defence Forces Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) hit the beach of the Philippine navy training centre facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province, north of Manila on 6 October, 2018, as they join the annual joint US-Philippine marines exercises. (Photo: Ted ALJIBE/ AFP)

The latest State of Southeast Asia Survey is a ringing endorsement of Japan’s decades-long involvement and investment in the region.

Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund: Professionals Provide Some Comfort, But Challenges Remain

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani as Chairperson of INA Board of Supervisors delivers a press statement at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, on 16 February, 2021. (Photo: Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, Facebook)

Indonesia has appointed a blue-ribbon slate of professionals to head its new sovereign wealth fund. There will be several challenges ahead, including concerns about investor protection and the Covid-19 pandemic.