The US appears to be losing to China in the race to understand Southeast Asia. The real test, however, centres on whether a country can sustain the institutions to study the region critically.
Author Archives: yeosiewhan
To Lam’s Regional Tour: From Hedger to Shaper
To Lam’s regional tour of Southeast Asia shows that Hanoi is shifting to a posture of shaping the rules of the game, rather than merely seeking to mitigate the risks of a fluid strategic environment.
Southeast Asia’s High-Income Aspirants Should Focus on Quality of Growth
The vast minority of middle-income countries graduate to high-income status. Past strategies that prioritised physical capital must give way to a quality of growth approach premised on investment in human and natural capital.
Negeri Sembilan’s Tenuous State Assembly: Procedural and Political Tests
The recent withdrawal of support for the chief minister of Negeri Sembilan raises pertinent questions about the precedent and role of institutions determining state leadership.
Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan: Best Frenemies Forever
Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are eyeing polls in Johor and Melaka. Due to the importance of these states to both coalitions, it remains to be seen if their pact at the federal level will hold.
May Day 2026 in Jakarta: Contradictions Become Clearer
Indonesia’s labour movement is split in different directions.
When Everything Becomes the 3R: Malaysia’s Problem of Definitional Boundaries
A complaint about a prayer hall in Ampang illustrates how technical disagreements can escalate into controversial questions about identity.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s “Kamikaze” Mission: A Brazen Double Dare
Two former People’s Justice Party (PKR) stars have launched their own political party. There is much derring-do in their move, but it is too early to write off the new entity.
Johor’s Unelected State Representatives: Rhymes and Reasons
The Barisan Nasional state government is seeking to increase the number of elected representatives in the legislature, in a bid to increase technical expertise and representation. But there is a deeper motivation.
Undersea Cable Risks: Lessons for Southeast Asia
The possibility of Iran targeting undersea cables in the Middle East has implications for Southeast Asia. The region should adopt strategies to maintain connectivity.