Two China-driven projects show striking contrasts. The newly opened Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has been well-received by Cambodians. But grand plans for Sihanoukville to be an investment hub and “multi-purpose” city have instead seen Chinese businesses crowding out locals, a boom-bust cycle in construction and illicit trades.
Author Archives: Lyd w
UNCLOS: The Polestar for Philippine Maritime Ambitions
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has served the Philippines well in achieving its security, economic and environmental goals. The most high-profile application of UNCLOS was the country’s arbitration proceedings against China in 2013 over the South China Sea.
GE15: Parti Amanah Negara’s Strong and Volatile Seats
Amanah, the progressive Islamist party, will be contesting in as many as 54 seats in Malaysia’s general elections. The prospect of many multi-cornered fights suggests that the party faces an uphill battle to retain the eleven parliamentary seats it now holds.
Zooming In on the Government Zoomers Want
Political parties and coalitions campaigning in Malaysia’s general election will do better if they take note of the concerns of Gen Z voters.
Persuasion Not Regulation the Key for Social Media Influencers Navigating Religion and Culture
There is already a patchwork of laws supported by some communal surveillance and cultural policing when it comes to social media influencers in Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia. It is perhaps possible to socialise influencers, Muslim or otherwise, to tread carefully when navigating sensitive issues, but this must stop short of over-regulation.
“Anything Is Possible” at GE15, but Pakatan Harapan Needs a GE14 Rerun
In the lineup for Malaysia’s 15th general elections, Barisan Nasional appears to have an advantage over its rival Pakatan Harapan. To take power, the former can rally allies and partners to its side. The latter must win big on its own.
Perceptions and Pathways of Energy Transition in Southeast Asia
The results of the 2022 Southeast Asia Climate Outlook have significant overlaps with ASEAN’s long-term transition scenarios to cleaner energy futures. But the survey also reveals that opinions on renewables vary across nationalities, the urban/ rural divide and between socio-economic groups.
A Ground-Up Approach to Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Southeast Asia
For decades, sustainable farmers and their networks have been experimenting with farming techniques that increase climate resilience in agricultural production. This article highlights important policy insights that can be drawn from their experiences in Southeast Asia.
The United Kingdom and the Indo-Pacific: “Tilting” or Tottering?
The United Kingdom (U.K.) has launched a robust “tilt” towards the Indo-Pacific. To its credit, it has executed a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements and military deployments to the region. The question, however, is not about London’s desire to engage with the dynamic region but whether this tilt can be sustained.
UNCLOS and Thailand: Security, Prosperity and Sustainability
Despite being a party to UNCLOS only in 2011, the Convention has served Thailand well. But UNCLOS should be updated in light of emerging maritime issues such as climate change.