Southeast Asian governments must be on guard against worsening food security in the region, lest its effects complicate post-pandemic recovery and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Author Archives: blackbox
Time for Vietnam to Apply Minimum Wage to Gig Economy Workers
On paper, gig workers appear to be paid more than their salaried worker counterparts in Vietnam. But the former have to work for longer hours and do not have access to the same benefits enjoyed by the latter. As such, the proposed raise in minimum wage should be applied to gig workers too.
China’s Think-Tank Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Idea Exchange or Echo Chamber?
China’s intensified efforts to engage with regional think-tanks have not produced the results it has hoped for, mainly because Beijing seems to care more about imposing its own views than a true meeting of the minds.
55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Much Ado About Everything (or Nothing)?
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings last week occurred at a time when the region was seeing ructions, be it in the Taiwan Strait, Myanmar or the war in Ukraine. ASEAN can boast that it has retained its convening power, but this in itself might be insufficient.
Indonesia Versus Malaysia: Ruffled Feathers in Chicken Export Competition?
Malaysia’s ban on chicken exports to Singapore has allowed Indonesia to join the competitive poultry export market.
Pelosi Visit to Taiwan: Lasting Impact on Southeast Asia
Following Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China has sought to bully the island with a series of import bans and a de facto blockade. Southeast Asian countries should take this to heart.
On the United States, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and US Freedom of Navigation Operations
The US has not become a party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) despite the overwhelming support for US accession by all American government agencies, major interest groups. This has been a serious impediment to the US’ credibility in promoting and enforcing a rules-based maritime order.
Malaysia’s GE15: Not All Youth Votes Are Equal
Malaysia’s Undi18, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, was supposed to empower a new generation of voters. As it turns out, however, not all youth votes have the same weight.
Bangkok’s Flawed Plan to Allow Foreign Land Ownership
Bangkok’s recent proposal to allow foreigners to buy land in Thailand is poorly thought out and will not be the panacea for the Thai economy that the government envisages.
Myanmar’s Danu Zone: From Peace to War
The emergence of a People’s Defence Forces in Myanmar Danu self-administered zone will have implications for the rest of Shan State and other parts of the country.