Environmental conservation and economic opportunity can potentially converge through generating carbon credits based on Malaysia’s forests. However, the federal government must overcome the jurisdictional complexities that arise from the reality that forest management is predominantly governed by state authorities.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s Sock Scandal: The Sound of Silence
The situation is tense in Malaysia following a fiery fracas over foot coverings.
Vietnam’s Social Listening Programme: Big Brother Looming Over Ho Chi Minh City?
Locals in Ho Chi Minh City worry that a new government initiative for social listening powered by artificial intelligence would jeopardise their privacy rather than improve public services.
Vietnam’s High-Potential Energy Transition Needs Clear Policy And Clean Government
Vietnam’s green growth commitments crucially depend on expanding renewable energy and replacing coal. The country must seize the rich opportunities on hand and manage the transition with a clear plan and effective, corruption-free administration.
Conscription in Myanmar Pushing Young Men to Choose Sides
The State Administration Council is seeking to revive Myanmar’s policy of conscription. Instead of bolstering national solidarity, it will undermine it.
Southeast Asia’s Soldiers of Fortune in the Russia-Ukraine War
A small number of Southeast Asians are fighting in the war in Ukraine. They appear to be motivated by a mix of factors.
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)’s Green Proposition: A Hard Chug
Malaysia is seeking to promote greener modes in freight transportation via the ECRL. This is laudable, but not without a set of challenges.
The Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership in an Era of Geopolitical Realignment
The recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Australia demonstrates the resolve of the Philippines to solidify its strategic partnerships with like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.
Two Presidents Ousted in One Year: What Lies Ahead for Vietnam’s Political Outlook?
Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong will be replaced. The primary task of the country’s leaders now is to find his replacement and steady the keel.
An Urgent Need for Post-Election Civil Society Consolidation in Indonesia
There is serious disquiet among Indonesia’s civil society actors and academics, who support the two candidate pairs that lost last month’s election. Much work lies ahead if there is to be an effective national reckoning of alleged electoral misconduct – yet it may be a case of too little, too late.