Anwar Ibrahim’s vision of a post-Islamist Malaysia is a difficult balance to effect.
Author Archives: blackbox
Indonesian Muslims Divided over Prabowo’s Gaza Plan
It is not clear if Indonesia’s president has thought through all the implications of his offer of humanitarian shelter for injured Palestinians. Any mishandling of the issue could potentially hurt his position, domestically and geopolitically.
US Aid Cuts and Travel Ban Will Impact Laos
The US has reduced its overseas assistance to Laos significantly. At a time when other countries are following suit, Vientiane will be hard-pressed to find alternatives.
From Resistance to Survival: Myanmar’s Free Press Battles US Aid Cuts
The repercussions of the US’ funding freeze on foreign assistance resonate deeply in Southeast Asia, including in one of the countries where press freedom and independent reportage are most threatened.
Vietnam’s New Revolution: Will Provincial Mergers Bring Disruptions or Opportunities?
If all goes well, Vietnam’s bold administrative reform to trim its local and provincial bureaucracy and governments could unleash more power in the country’s socioeconomic engines and secure its leader’s legacy. Teething problems can be expected, nonetheless.
China’s Open-Source Revolution in Generative AI: Policy and Business Implications for Southeast Asia
China has led the way in providing ‘open weight’ large language models (LLMs) such as DeepSeek-R1. This means that governments and companies in Southeast Asia can access them more easily and cheaply.
Xi’s Visit to Vietnam: It’s Not All About Trump
Hanoi’s welcome of the Chinese president amid the global tariff war is a harbinger of steadfast commitment to serving Vietnam’s national interests and development, rather than a picking of sides.
Philippine AI Governance: Time to Shift Gears
While acknowledging the importance of establishing a framework for AI governance, the Philippine government has not enacted relevant laws or introduced regulatory policies through executive action.
Vietnam’s 46 Per Cent Tariff Shock: A Catalyst for Economic Reform?
Vietnam has in the past embraced reform under pressure. The Trump tariff shock should spur reforms, particularly in reducing non-tariff barriers.
Turbulent Waters Remain Top of Mind
China has sought to paint a narrative about a peaceful situation in the South China Sea. But Southeast Asian respondents to the State of Southeast Asia Survey 2025 beg to differ.