Mainland Chinese student numbers in Malaysian universities have surged recently, driven by affordability, proximity, and cultural familiarity, as well as restrictions in traditional study destinations such as the US.
Category Archives: Commentaries
After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang
Kedah’s Chief Minister Sanusi Nor has sought to blame his state’s current financial woes on historical wrongs that need to be righted. But he has other motivations too.
Understanding Bobby Saputra, Indonesia’s ‘Professional Son’
Bobby’s satirical skewering of nepotism and corruption strongly appeals to Southeast Asians, who share disillusionment and a desire to laugh at a system seen as unfair and ineffective.
Artificial Intelligence is Intensifying South China Sea Disputes in the Philippines
AI-generated propaganda is being used to distort reality and disinform the public, even gathering support for military escalation in already troubled waters.
Johor’s Data Centres: Implications for the Talent Landscape
Despite Johor’s data centre boom, there are concerns about the number and quality of jobs they can generate. But demand is rising for skilled workers in ancillary industries, notably construction.
The Divorce Debate in the Philippines: Why Not a People’s Referendum?
Divorce elicits a multitude of opinions in the devoutly Catholic nation, both supporting and opposing it. Only a definitive public consensus can help resolve the issue.
Anutin’s Rise and the People’s Party’s Test
By supporting the Bhumjaithai minority government, the People’s Party has embarked on a political gambit: working with the party’s erstwhile enemy in exchange for some degree of reform in the medium term.
Southeast Asia’s Economic Performance in 2024 and Outlook for 2025: Navigating Rising Risks
The region is finally showing clear signs of recovery from the multi-year pandemic but 2025 portends more serious headwinds against which regional governments and businesses will have to steer.
A Return to Political Chaos? The Philippines’ Impeachment Saga
Vice-President Sara Duterte’s upcoming impeachment trial will have a major impact on whether political stability in the Philippines is upended or maintained.
Ending the Year With a Bang
Amid the uncertainty and gloom that pervaded global headlines in 2025, the team at Fulcrum has many things for which to be thankful.