Ongoing trade Sino-U.S. tensions and the need to redirect FDI away from China may present a golden opportunity for economies in Southeast Asia.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia’s “Dubai Move”: Nothing to See Here, For Now
There has been recent speculation about machinations to bring down Malaysia’s Unity Government. This detracts from the need to deliver on governance outcomes.
Seeing the National in Gaming and Esports in Southeast Asia
Electronic sports have gained global attention, including in Southeast Asia. As with traditional sports, national teams can bring glory and boost a country’s soft power. On the flip side, team rivalries can potentially disrupt neighbourly relations.
Zulkifli Hasan as Malaysia’s New Deputy Religious Affairs Minister: An Analysis
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s new appointee in the religious affairs ministry has the requisite credentials to aid in the government’s bid to resist the rise of the conservative opposition.
China’s “Community of Shared Future” with Southeast Asia: Behind the Numbers
Seven ASEAN member states have signed on to China’s “community of shared future” more for mutually beneficial cooperation than because they subscribe fully to the Chinese vision of a new regional order. The remaining three may prefer practical cooperation to enmeshment in China’s grand strategy and discourse.
The Unexpected Twist in Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Saga
Punishment awaits the senior officials who allowed Vietnam’s renewable energy quest to go off the rails, despite its apparent initial success. This policy crisis has the potential to affect other economic sectors if no clear end is in sight.
The “T-Wave” Descending on China: Rising but Insufficient to Pull Tourists to Thailand?
Like Korea’s famous “K-Wave”, Thailand’s media stars and products have gained an Asian audience where Chinese fans dominate. Unlike the Korean trend, however, Thailand’s new “T-Wave” has not gained enough momentum to significantly increase Chinese tourist numbers.
Troubled Waters Ahead for Philippine-Vietnam Strategic Partnership on the South China Sea
Vietnam and the Philippines have formed a strategic partnership in the South China Sea. By reinforcing their respective claims to the area, however, they are vulnerable to a wedge strategy by third parties such as China.
Same Moon, Different Dates for Hari Raya (Again!)
Some countries in Southeast Asia might end up celebrating Hari Raya on different dates, but this should not detract them from the higher goals of Ramadhan.
“Red Card” for the President? Vietnam’s Biggest Political Drama in Decades
Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc might be removed from his position. If online speculation is true, Phuc will become the first Vietnamese president to be ousted while still in office.