The ruling Pakatan Harapan has been pummelled by the ethnocentric policies of its rivals. It should live up to its reformist credo.
Author Archives: yeosiewhan
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.
Southeast Asia Cannot Fight Online Sexual Abuse One Takedown at a Time
Governments are taking action against online sexual harassment, mostly by providing relief after the discovery of harmful content. They must also prevent its creation and circulation.
Two Anwars on the Ballot? Regulating AI Before GE16
There is an urgent need for Malaysia to regulate AI-assisted campaigning before the next general elections.
From Exporting Workers to Importing Them: Vietnam’s New Labour Reality
Vietnam is transitioning from being a source of labour exports to an economy that imports unskilled foreign workers. This is becoming a long-term trend.