Grassroots legislative candidates in Jakarta face an uphill battle in their struggle to make electoral politics work for the poor, including changing perceptions of the value of a vote.
Author Archives: Lyd w
Yusfarizal Yussoff’s “Deplorable Mention”: A Man to Watch
Yusfarizal Yussoff was given a “deplorable mention” by Federal Court justices last month. The career of the up-and-coming lawyer from Parti Islam SeMalaysia needs to be watched closely.
The “Jokowi Factor”: How Joko Widodo Helped Prabowo to Win Indonesia’s Presidency
The presumptive president-elect received an assist from the president of Indonesia not only through populist policies aimed at winning over the country’s poorest. Committing his firstborn son to the presidential campaign was essentially interpreted by voters as an instruction to vote for his former opponent.
Why XanhSM Might Dethrone Grab in Vietnam
Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing giant Grab has a new serious competitor in Vietnam. XanhSM, also known as GreenSM in international markets, has rapidly expanded by offering more secure employment and lower costs for drivers, and achieving high client satisfaction. But turning a profit will be challenging.
Australia-ASEAN at 50: Mateship for Peace and Stability
The 50th anniversary of the dialogue partnership between ASEAN and Australia would give leaders a welcome opportunity to take stock and discuss future engagement.
Examining Indonesia’s Potential New Source of Growth: A Case for Digital Services Exports
Digitally delivered services exports could be the silver lining, if not a silver bullet, in an increasingly challenging world for Indonesia’s economy, which is clouded by its stubborn growth deficit.
Vietnam’s Labour Export: Economic Boon or Developmental Bane?
Labour export yields economic benefits and provides life-changing opportunities for many young Vietnamese. However, Vietnam must craft a long-term strategy that gradually diminishes reliance on labour export, focusing instead on cultivating a competitive domestic labour market.
Cambodia and Japan: Firm Friends Amid Great Power Rivalry
Cambodia and Japan have elevated their bilateral ties. But this is not without challenges, given different positions in the ensuing Sino-U.S. rivalry.
Thailand’s Public Sector Data Breaches Erode Public Trust – And Might Undermine E-Government
Thailand’s negligence in addressing cybersecurity concerns in the public sector, and lack of accountability and transparency more broadly, can erode public trust — and undermine the future adoption of e-services.
Talking about Timor-Leste with Udan Fernando
Fulcrum editor Julia Lau sits down with Dr Udan Fernando, former Executive Director (2012-2020) of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), a Sri Lankan think tank. Based in Singapore and working as a consultant with the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), Udan is currently working on a project to develop under-represented scholars in the humanities and social sciences in Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Timor-Leste and Thailand.