Commentaries | FULCRUM

Made in China? The Challenge of State-Sponsored Cyber Intrusions in the Philippines

Apart from security challenges associated with regional geopolitical tensions, the Philippines must address its vulnerability against state-sponsored intrusions into its cyberspace.

Vietnam’s Labour Export: Economic Boon or Developmental Bane?

A Vietnamese migrant worker unloads donated broccoli

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.

Assessing Indonesia’s Post-Election Economic Policy Direction

The next president of Indonesia will have his work cut out for him on the economic and competitiveness front, even if he continues with many of the existing policies his predecessor will leave behind.

Liu Jianchao: New Foreign Minister, Same Foreign Policy?

Liu Jianchao could become China’s next foreign minister. While he could improve China’s outreach efforts, he is unlikely to bring about any significant change in China’s foreign policy.

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.

The “Small Yard, High Fence” Mirage: Why Sino-U.S. Tech Competition Will Not Be Contained

The U.S.’ “small yard, high fence” strategy of restricting key technologies from China would be difficult to effect in practice.

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.

Thai University Students’ Civic Engagement on Campuses

Amid the hurly-burly of national politics and against some mighty odds, Thai university students have managed to carve out a progressive niche through their campus activities. Whether they can sustain their momentum after they graduate is another question.

Indonesian Muslims’ Responses to the Palestine-Israel Conflict: Fragmented No More?

The aftermath of the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing violence has had repercussions in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s most populous Muslim-majority nation-state. Has the Palestinian issue galvanised Indonesians as one?