Small and medium sized enterprises in Southeast Asia have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. A way forward is for them to leverage on digital technologies to open up new markets.
Author Archives: blackbox
The Curious Case of Attacks Against Muslim Figures
It is unlikely that a string of attacks against Muslim figures in Indonesia was orchestrated. The attacks could have been hyped by a populace sensitive to the idea of Muslim figures being subjected to violence.
North Natuna Sea: Indonesia Needs More Than a Military Strategy
To deter Chinese activities in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesia needs to complement its military assets in the area with a strong civilian presence.
‘Global Britain’ and Southeast Asia: Progress and Prospects
Southeast Asia is crucial to the United Kingdom’s (UK) ‘tilt’ to the Indo-Pacific. It has achieved notable progress in strengthening its diplomatic, economic and security engagement with the region.
FPI Reborn: Old Wine In A New Bottle?
The Islamic Defenders Front, a hardline group which was banned by the Indonesian government last year, has relaunched itself under a new guise. Not many are convinced that the proverbial apple has fallen far from the tree.
Jokowi’s Shrinking Opposition: Smoothening the Path to Constitutional Amendments
PAN’s entry into Jokowi’s ruling coalition has cemented the President’s strong grip over Indonesia’s legislative assemblies and could make passing constitutional amendments even easier.
Twenty Years On: Reflections on The Aftermath of 9/11 and The New Era of Geo-Politics
Twenty years after the historic 9/11 attacks on the United States, the threat of terrorism has largely been contained and a new era of great power competition has returned. States in Southeast Asia need to have a deep appreciation of what drives China and the US in order to maintain agency amid geopolitical flux.
Idris Ahmad: Not Your Ordinary Religious Affairs Minister
The appointment of PAS ideologue Idris Ahmad as Malaysia’s new religious affairs minister provides the Islamist party significant latitude to advance its ideological agenda.
The Delta Variant and Border Closures: A Rethink is Overdue
The highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus should lead to a rethink about border closures in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia Goes Carbon Neutral, But With a Catch
Malaysia’s new target is more ambitious than any other target set by a Southeast Asian country so far. But the qualifier is achievement by 2050 ‘at the earliest’.