The palm oil industry in Indonesia and Malaysia is seeing serious challenges in the form of green substitutes and strictures by the EU.
Author Archives: blackbox
Mineral Security Partnership and Southeast Asia: Forcing Countries to Choose?
The US-led Minerals Security Partnership is a two-edged sword for Southeast Asia.
Rightsizing Japan’s Economic Influence in Southeast Asia
Japan retains an edge in economic influence in Southeast Asia, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
Thailand Needs Economic Reform, Not Economic Stimulus
The Thai government wants to inject more economic stimulus to raise the growth rate. It should tackle productivity-raising long-term economic reform.
Why a Domestic War Movie Failed to Win Over Vietnam’s Communist Youth
To truly win the hearts of its youthful population, Vietnam should properly invest in war movies instead of exploiting the short-lived online popularity of a domestic war romance film for propaganda purposes.
Vietnam’s Geopolitical Anxiety Over Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal
Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.
Possibilities in Malaysia’s Difficult Path to a Low-Carbon Economy
Malaysia’s climate action commitments are vital, but difficult to achieve. A three-pronged approach opens possibilities to be a low-carbon economy.
Japan and Southeast Asia Set to Co-Create an Interwoven Future
Japan’s decades of cultivating relations with Southeast Asia have not only strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties but also deepened interpersonal and societal interactions, ultimately shifting postwar animosity towards Japan into a prevailing positive sentiment today.
Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election in North Sumatra: The End of a Long-Established Religious Binarism?
In February’s presidential race, the use of religion as a motivator to get votes seemingly declined in North Sumatra. This shift echoed the national propensity to focus on pragmatism in politics, rather than piety.
The Case for Vietnam’s Mekong Energy Diplomacy
Vietnam needs to complement water diplomacy with energy diplomacy to curb the unsustainable exploitation of the Mekong for hydropower. Hanoi should promote the development and cross-country trade of non-hydro renewables, especially wind and solar power.