Malaysia is enjoying strong inflows of foreign direct investment. To up its game, it needs to channel such flows to less-developed states.
Author Archives: blackbox
Thai PM Srettha and the Cannabis Ban: Not Having it His Way
The Thai Prime Minister’s unexpected back-pedalling has ignited rumours that influential former PM Thaksin Shinawatra will back Deputy PM Anutin Charnveerakul as the future leader.
Indonesia’s National Data Centre Ransomware Attack: A Digital Governance Failure?
A recent ransomware attack on Indonesia’s public services revealed weaknesses that the country can ill afford to ignore if it wishes to fully participate in the digital century.
Peatlands and the Climate: This year’s COP29 must build on COP28
Carbon-rich peat ecosystems hold great potential to mitigate climate change, and help meet Southeast Asian national climate targets. The increased priority and action on peatlands must be continued from COP28 into this November’s COP29.
Democracy, Corruption, and Law Enforcement: Challenges in Achieving Grand Indonesia 2045
This article is from a speech delivered by former Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security and recent vice-presidential candidate Professor Mahfud MD at ISEAS on 4 July 2024
The Battle for Indonesia’s Environmental Future: Youth Movements Against Systemic Challenges
Environmental activism remains a cottage industry for the youth who champion Earth’s cause in Indonesia. Besides financial pull, they will need organisational evolution before any significant green movement can break the cosy ties between state and dirty business.
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election: How Political Personas and Policy Platforms Influenced Swing Voters
In Indonesia’s presidential election in February, candidates’ failure to distinguish themselves in persona and policies hurt their campaigns.
Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnam: The Loss of Ideological Cover
The passing of Nguyen Phu Trong leaves Vietnam short of ideological cover to pursue the country’s policies.
Tackling the Threat of Salafism Within: Muhammadiyah Leaders Need to Be Bolder
Allowing Salafi elements to join Muhammadiyah has proven a double-edged sword for Indonesia’s second-largest mass Muslim organisation.
Myanmar’s Economy Deeper in the Mire
The State Administration Council’s coercive and controlling approach to the economy does not bode well for Myanmar’s mid- to long-term prospects.