Truong My Lan’s death sentence for gross embezzlement sends a chilling warning, but Vietnam needs to address the banking sector’s root problems of cross-ownership and corrupt lending practices.
Author Archives: blackbox
From ‘Chubby Bear’ to Censored Content: Vietnam’s Double Standard Approach to TikTok
Vietnam is enforcing strict censorship on TikTok to protect leaders’ reputations while exploiting the platform to amplify its narrative. Amplifying pro-leader narratives this way also carries risks.
The South China Sea in 2025: More of the Same, Possibly Worse
The prognosis for tensions in the South China Sea dispute this year is pretty straightforward: what has been and is will continue to be so, and perhaps even worse.
Fanning the Yellow Flames of Thai Politics: Not So Fast
A media mogul is attempting to rally protestors against the Pheu Thai-led government. The call to action, however, might not resonate beyond a small core of anti-Thaksin hardliners.
Chinese Migrants and the Philippines: The Need to Plug Legal Loopholes
The Philippines’ immigration laws have failed to keep pace with a growing influx of new Chinese immigrants. The laws need to be reviewed to curb corruption in the system.
The Ulama Leadership Model of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS): Perspectives of Key Leaders
Key leaders within PAS believe in the necessity of maintaining the model of ulama leadership to maintain the party’s alignment with Islamic principles. However, such an exclusivist leadership model limits PAS’s acceptance beyond its traditional Malay Muslim base.
Trump’s Tariff Threats and Supply Chain Bifurcation: A Lose-Lose Proposition
Trump’s threat of tariffs on various countries including China could spark a 1930s-era trade war.
Seaweed: Prospects for Decarbonisation and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Enthusiasm about seaweed has been growing due to its potential to contribute to food security, decarbonisation, and economic growth. Southeast Asia is a major global producer of seaweed; Indonesia and the Philippines are among the top-producing countries. The region’s millions of farmers could potentially benefit from an expansion of the industry.
Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.
China’s Pop Fiction Boom Poses a Dilemma for the Party
The export of Chinese pop fiction has found ready markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand. But some undesirable genres pose a dilemma for China’s soft power.