Private conglomerates in Vietnam have registered strong interest in Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s plan to build at least one million social housing units by the end of the decade. Attainment of the ambitious goal, however, remains doubtful.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Political Succession in Southeast Asia: When Dynasty Might Mean Destiny
Some of the region’s political scions will be rising through the ranks in future elections, but it is not all smooth sailing in politics even if one is born with a silver spoon.
Will the Thai Military Ever Get Its Submarines and Stealth Fighters?
Thailand’s military is facing a series of practical and political difficulties in its procurement processes to upgrade its air force and navy assets.
Unretweeted Love? #KeluargaMalaysia Overtures Fall Flat
Driving a successful hashtag campaign is more complicated than blitzing social media. An analysis of tweets appending #KeluargaMalaysia suggests that such attempts have backfired because the hashtag has been appropriated by Twitter netizens to express their discontent with the government.
The Implications of EU’s CBAM for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries should carefully weigh the economic and environmental impacts of unilateral climate policies like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Public Officials in Celebrity Podcasts: Dodging the Bullet
Celebrity podcasts have increasingly become the go-to place for Indonesian politicians and high-ranking officials. The problem, however, is that these platforms lack the same level of journalistic integrity and scrutiny.
Indonesia’s 2024 Elections: Party Elite Interest Versus Mass Popularity
Indonesia’s major political parties have started jostling for position for the 2024 elections, where party incumbency may be forced to give way to the people’s demands for the most popular choice.
Thai Parliamentarians Should Learn from Their Malaysian Counterparts
Thailand should take a leaf from Malaysia, which has effected a law to deter party hoppers in the country’s legislature.
The G7’s Global Infrastructure and Investment Drive: Not So Attractive For Southeast Asia
The Group of 7’s new infrastructure and investment drive seeks to provide what Southeast Asia needs, such as financing for hard infrastructure. But the need for multiple stakeholders and financing issues might not garner much buy-in from the region.
When Lack of Jaw Jaw Might Lead to War War
Washington and Beijing’s refusal to talk calmly to each other about the ongoing Taiwan crisis raises the stakes for Southeast Asia, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the chill between the great powers.