Cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council should be seen not only from the lens of trade investments, but also people-to-people connections.
Author Archives: blackbox
Malaysia’s Metadata Controversy: Surveillance in the Guise of Statistics
The Malaysian government’s directive to collect mobile phone metadata from telecom providers has sparked much unease. It should implement stronger safeguards to demonstrate accountability.
The Onset of ‘De-Jokowi-sation’ in Indonesian Politics?
Eight months into the job, President Prabowo Subianto appears to have started trimming the sails of his powerful predecessor.
Power and Opposition Under Prabowo’s Political Cartel
After months of speculation about what a Prabowo government would be like, the picture has become clearer. A large parliamentary coalition, also described as a ‘political cartel’, has coalesced to support Prabowo and his government. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) stands as the only party that is neither a part nor a supporter of this coalition.
Trump Administration’s International Student Curbs Risk Undermining US Soft Power
The Trump administration’s curbs on foreign student admissions not only risk undermining US soft power but could also pave the way for more educational exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.
Power Behind the Istana Gates: Musa Aman’s Quiet Influence in Sabah’s Election
Musa Aman, the former chief minister of Sabah, has made a dramatic return as the state’s governor. He is expected to provide the political stability that Sabah needs.
Next Challenge for Parti Keadilan Rakyat: Keeping its Anchor Role in Government
Parti Keadilan Rakyat has completed its leadership elections, which turned out to be intense and not without controversy. But it has a far bigger challenge ahead.
Vietnam’s Public Infrastructure Drive: More Haste, Less Speed?
Vietnam has an ambitious plan for the building of infrastructure. But it needs to be mindful of significant risks such as corruption and subpar construction quality.
Partnership, Not Protection: Trump’s Defence Policy in Asia
At his maiden Shangri-La Dialogue outing, the US Secretary of Defense laid out a stark and demanding vision for the region’s security. ASEAN and much of Southeast Asia did not feature in it.
Two-Tiered DEFA Needs A Coherent Strategy For Implementation
Given differing levels of digital capabilities among ASEAN members, a two-tier solution to the Digital Economy Framework Agreement might be most fitting.