Islamic scholars and Indonesia’s public alike mourn the untimely passing of Azyumardi Azra, a leading light in Islamic intellectual discourse at home and abroad.
Author Archives: blackbox
The State of Southeast Asia’s Green Recovery Post Covid-19
Despite the high levels of interest in green investments in the region, some ASEAN countries are wavering in their commitments to clean energy transition.
Ending Our Toxic Relationship with Coal
The recently published 2022 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook indicates a growing consensus on ending coal consumption. But perceptions vary across countries, socio-economic classes and education levels of respondents.
Thailand’s New Electoral System: More Freedom of Choice, With a Catch
Thailand’s new electoral system, which will be used in the next general elections, will yield more freedom of choice for voters. It will, however, put smaller parties at a disadvantage.
Unifying Halal Product Certification: ASEAN’s Challenge
Halal certification for certain food and drink products is a tricky area and universal standards should be set to better reflect halal consumer needs and religious principles.
Searching for Keys as the Kyat Goes Out of Kilter
The Central Bank of Myanmar’s responses have failed to prevent rapid currency depreciation or alleviate the balance of payment situation, which has worsened due to increased capital outflows and decreased foreign direct investment. The stoppage of foreign loans and donations has also compounded Myanmar’s fiscal troubles.
Southeast Asia a Key Link in Renewable Energy Supply Chain Resilience
Southeast Asia has an important role to play in the diversification of the world’s renewal energy needs and helping to ensure that politics does not get in the way of progress.
Fuel Price Rises in Indonesia: A Challenge to Stay the Course
The Indonesian government has argued that there is a strong case for increasing prices for fuel. Given that fuel prices are a politically sensitive issue, it remains to be seen whether the government will be about to ride out the storm.
Myanmar Coup Makers’ Major Challenge is a Failing Economy
Myanmar’s economy has suffered considerably since the February 2021 coup and the prospects of recovery are dwindling given the ham-handed economic mismanagement of the ruling regime.
China Dream Keeps Southeast Asia Awake at Night
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan highlights his bid to advance his vision of the China Dream. This, however, will require changes in the global balance of power that Southeast Asian countries will find hard to manage.