blackbox

Beyond Fleeting Fascination: How Moo Deng and Butterbear Offer Escapism in Hard Times

The viral popularity of a cute baby hippo and bear mascot is more than an Internet sensation; it enables people to momentarily escape their daily struggles.

Mahkota By-election: DAP Retains Status as Leading Party for Chinese Malaysians

The Democratic Action Party’s key role in rallying Chinese voters in a Johor recent by-election augurs well for future cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.

Political Will Sorely Lacking in Thai Educational Reform

Without a proper vision from the government and the determination to carry it out, education in Thailand is in danger of stagnating even more.

Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS): A Step Forward but with Challenges

A new Malaysian scheme aimed at selling renewable energy to large corporate customers is a step in the right direction. But more can be done.

Quiboloy’s Arrest: When Self-Proclaimed ‘Son of God’ Plays Politics

The arrest of Filipino religious leader Apollo Quiboloy comes amid the ongoing clash between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties, and exposes the dangers of an unholy alliance between religion and politics.

The Indispensable Political Participation of Indonesia’s Middle Class

Indonesia’s middle class can be a boon for democracy but a bane for the government. Its economic security and political participation are crucial to the country’s prosperity.

Is Interfaith Environmentalism Possible in Indonesia?

Can His Holiness’ recent visit light the way for diverse religious communities to work with one another to resolve Indonesia’s pressing environmental challenges?

ASEAN and the UN: Strengthening Security Through Multilateralism

Amid growing geopolitical fragmentation, ASEAN and the United Nations can work together to shore up the multilateral system.

Lessons from a Young Female Preacher on Islamic Preaching in Rural Central Java

A rare female Muslim preacher who uses humour in her outreach to mixed audiences of rural adherents shows the richness and diversity of Islam as practised in Indonesia.