Southeast Asian countries are seeking to adopt some measure of autonomy in the AI technology competition between China and the US. The question is whether such efforts can be successful.
Author Archives: yeosiewhan
Beijing’s Restraint on Indonesia-US Trade Deal Shows What Is Truly at Stake
A new Indonesia-US agreement on reciprocal trade is likely to harm China’s interests. But China’s response has so far been restrained, even though it is not without remedies in its toolbox.
Fostering Talent Fleet of Foot: The Need for Harmony and Depth
The pursuit of high-value manufacturing and knowledge-based services has compelled ASEAN countries to develop systems to support the movement of skilled labour. There are challenges in implementing a uniform system.
Pakatan Harapan Under Water: Can Reforms Bring It Afloat?
The ruling Pakatan Harapan has been pummelled by the ethnocentric policies of its rivals. It should live up to its reformist credo.
The 45-Minute Standard: Making Southeast Asia’s Industrial Parks Efficient and Liveable
Industrial parks remain the workhorse of manufacturing-led development, but they are sometimes built as enclaves separated from surrounding communities. Southeast Asian governments should adopt a simple test: can workers, services and suppliers all be reached within 45 minutes?
Malaysia’s Chinese Investment Boom Has a Hiring Problem
Chinese firms are investing in Malaysia at record levels, but many recent entrants tend to fill key technical and managerial positions with costly expatriates rather than develop Malaysian successors.
Should Malaysia Become a Global Education Hub?
Malaysia is setting its sights on becoming a global education hub. In doing so, however, it might have overlooked its edge as a regional education hub.
Nahdlatul Ulama’s Establishment Versus Grassroots Leadership Race Will Affect Its Political Alignments
The leadership contest in Nahdlatul Ulama is consequential. The next executive chairman could stay the course and remain close to the President, or respond to grassroots calls for change.
From Streamlining to Delivery: Vietnam’s Second Administrative Test
Vietnam’s Central Committee has embarked on the most sweeping administrative overhaul in decades. But success is likely to be uneven.
Bangsa Johor’s Resounding Vote
The recent Johor state polls have some bearing on the upcoming general elections. But to many Johoreans, the polls were more about the pride of being part of the rich southern state.