Malaysia’s push to build a full rare earths value chain faces significant technology, trade, investment, and governance hurdles across the mining, processing, and manufacturing stages.
Author Archives: blackbox
Momentum, Alliances, Incumbency: The Bhumjaithai Party’s Ingredients for Election Success
The Bhumjaithai Party faces the February 2026 election with significant advantages.
Questioning the Question: Who Is Really Revising the Global Order?
For those who have consistently touted the “China threat”, recent US actions should necessitate some intellectual honesty.
Overseas Filipino Remittances and the Philippine Economy: Time for a Rethink
As remittances from overseas Filipinos slow down amid global uncertainties and a changing global economy, the Philippines needs to develop new growth drivers.
The JS-SEZ and Johor’s Private Healthcare Sector: Catalysts and Challenges
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone provides attractive investment opportunities in several sectors. The focus on private healthcare is warranted as Malaysia’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region.
Vietnam’s Post-War Generation Takes the Helm
For the first time, the next echelon of Vietnam’s top leaders have not been marked by the experience of the Vietnam War. They have to prove that they would be able to govern and produce the needed outcomes.
Rabble-rouser UMNO Youth Unlikely to Dent Ahmad Zahid’s Unity Call
UMNO Youth has pulled out all the stops to persuade the party leadership to yank UMNO out of the ruling coalition. But the UMNO president has different ideas.
Thai-Cambodian Dispute: Differing Configurations of Nationalism and Legitimacy
A durable peace at the Thai-Cambodian border requires a rethinking of how nationalism, history, and legitimacy are mobilised on both sides of the demarcation.
Heading Into GE16: Desires and Dissensions
Two years from the next general elections, there are dissensions in the ranks of Malaysia’s ruling and opposition coalitions. Observers of the country’s politics will need to brace for volatility.
Malaysia’s Proposed PM Term Limit: Some Things to Consider
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s legislation to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years is a prudent move. This should be paired with fixed parliamentary terms.