As the government rolls out stricter measures to control the spread of COVID-19, it is unfortunate that some people on the ground blame the authorities for their incompetence instead of working together to break the back of the virus.
Author Archives: blackbox
Fighting Covid-19: China’s Soft Power Opportunities in Mainland Southeast Asia
In mainland Southeast Asia, the Chinese government’s effective measures to curb the pandemic outbreak at home and the provision of Covid-19 assistance to regional countries have enhanced China’s soft power. Most of the mainland Southeast Asian countries, except Vietnam, have been receptive to China’s Covid-19 diplomacy.
When Busting the Graft Busters is Not On
A series of changes in Indonesia’s KPK will seriously dent the anti-graft body’s ability to investigate cases of corruption.
Military Rule in Myanmar: Parsing the Propaganda
Critics of the Myanmar military should not be too quick in dismissing its propaganda. A closer examination reveals the junta’s priorities and strategy.
Philippine-US Cooperation on Whitsun Reef: A “Win” for the Biden Team in Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asian views of the United States declined during the Trump administration, and persisted into the Biden administration early on in the year. But Washington’s sustained support for Manila amid the latter’s recent confrontation with China in the South China Sea has helped to offset negative perceptions of Uncle Sam in the region.
Borderland Without Business: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Peninsular Malaysia’s Southernmost State of Johor
The state of Johor has suffered disproportionately among Malaysian states due to the impact of Covid-induced border closures. Increasing poverty and unemployment are compounded by decreasing mental health and well-being. Several initiatives have been launched to alleviate difficulties. But the state will not fully recover until borders reopen, given Johor’s high dependence on international investments and its deep connections with Singapore for business, investment and livelihoods.
Lesson Learnt: Indonesia’s Second Eid al-Fitri under Covid-19
In 2020, Eid-al-Fitri was a national superspreader event. This year the government and Muslim organisations were better prepared.
Indonesia’s First Sovereign Wealth Fund (INA): Opportunities and Challenges
The Indonesian government is stepping up its efforts to kickstart its economic recovery by attracting more direct investment into the country. The 2019 Omnibus Law and the recent launch of the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, are deliberate steps in that direction.
Vietnam’s Consumer Finance Goes Global
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group’s new 49 per cent stake in FE Credit highlights the need for greater regulatory oversight and consumer protection measures.
Quad 2.0: Beyond “Not Making Choices”, Giving ASEAN a Slew of Options
India’s grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic at home has only highlighted the need for greater “issue-based” coalitions in the Indo-Pacific. This is relevant to ASEAN as the grouping looks to assert its centrality in regional affairs.