The Philippines faces significant labour protection challenges amid a growing gig economy. It needs to outgrow consumer-focused regulations and address business risks being pushed down to at-risk workers.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Southeast Asia Needs a Strong Vision on Climate-Resilient Economy
Transitioning to climate-resilient economies in Southeast Asia requires fundamental rethinking on how we measure economic development, tackle economic inequality, and reform global economic governance.
Beijing’s Engagement With Myanmar In 2023: Walking A Tight Rope?
Beijing is likely to adopt a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to Myanmar. It would continue to engage the junta, yet at the same time work with ethnic armed groups opposed to it to protect Beijing’s investments in the country.
Using Climate Models to Predict Resilience of Energy Systems in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is well acquainted with the impact of climate change, but less so with the resilience of energy systems. A collaborative and regional approach to climate modelling of energy systems can inform the development of effective adaptation policies and drive deeper energy integration.
Locating Working Class Women in Indonesia’s Halal Economy
Working-class women of the Muslim faith, who are among Indonesia’s most vulnerable and lack access to public healthcare and other services, have something to teach the powers that be about true Islamic governance.
Malaysia’s ‘Green Wave’ Was a Long Time Coming
Parti Islam SeMalaysia made solid gains during Malaysia’s 15th General Election. It banked on candidates who are deemed to be religious and clean. In future, the party that hews to a more public expression of Islam will be able to hold on to the Malay-Muslim voter base.
South China Sea in 2022: Deadlock or Not, Disputant States Press Advantages
2022 proved to be another eventful year for the South China Sea as disputant states continued to take a variety of actions to assert their advantages.
The Significance of the Vietnam-Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone Demarcation
The recent agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia on delimiting their respective exclusive economic zones provides hope for the strengthening of the region’s commitment to international maritime norms and principles, as encapsulated in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Avoiding Divots in the U.S. Pivot to Asia
While the Americans have made noticeable progress in their “pivot” to Asia, the crux of successful regional engagement rests on Washington’s ability to work with and around China’s indisputable links and influence in this part of the world, while managing its own relationship with Beijing.
Indonesia as ASEAN Chair: Great Expectations for Southeast Asia’s Middle Power
After a relatively successful G20 presidency, a confident Indonesia is enjoying its status as a recognised – if yet to be truly tested – Asia-Pacific middle power. Indonesia’s agenda as 2023 ASEAN Chair contains opportunity and risk for its newfound mettle.