Nearly two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian countries have realised that they must continually adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the game.
Author Archives: Lyd w
Southeast Asians Weigh In On Climate Issues
A climate outlook survey conducted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute shows that Southeast Asians expect their government to exert more effort in addressing the issue.
PDI-P’s Presidential Nominee Race Will Shape Future Alliances
The current internal struggle within the PDI-P to determine the party’s 2024 presidential nominee will have a significant bearing on how broader political alliances will shape up thereafter.
Malacca’s Political Crisis: A Microcosm of Fragmented Malay Political Alignments
The collapse of the UMNO-led state government in Malacca throws up many questions about the ensuing feud between UMNO and Bersatu.
Thai PM Remains Vulnerable Without a Party of His Own
Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has narrowly escaped “political assassination” in the House of Representatives. This underscores the urgency of strengthen his political power base. Without doing so, the future of his premiership will remain at risk.
Thailand’s Warring Generals: Different Beds, Same Dream
The Thai prime minister might soon leave the ruling Phalang Pracharat Party-led governing coalition. Ironically, his departure might actually boost the party’s chances of assembling a winning coalition come the elections expected next year.
The New Battlefront in Myanmar’s Economy: Fake News
The lack of credible media outlets and the proliferation of fake news have led to much economic grief for the people of Myanmar.
Nominees and ‘Backyard Companies’: How Vietnamese Officials Conceal Their Illicit Wealth
Not a single Vietnamese leader or official has been named in the Pandora Papers, which has shed light on global leaders squirrelling their wealth away from the eyes of the taxman. As the saying goes, the absence of evidence does not necessarily mean the evidence of absence.
The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension
Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled.
The Quad and the Indo-Pacific: Going Slow to Go Further
In recent years, the Quad has gained momentum in response to growing Chinese assertiveness. But a lower key strategy is advised to allay regional concerns that ASEAN’s centrality will be undermined by a minilateral arrangement helmed by external powers.