Digitalising paperless trade across ASEAN will help the grouping strengthen supply chains amid the Covid-19 pandemic. But ASEAN has a long way to go.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Whatever Happened to the Middle Way?
In an increasingly fractious world, Singapore and like-minded countries can reclaim the middle ground and build greater consensus and cooperation. Speaking at ISEAS’ 25th Regional Outlook Forum today, Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, spoke of how this can be achieved. The full text of the speech at the online forum is below.
Myanmar’s National Unity Consultative Council: A Vision of Myanmar’s Federal Future
The National Unity Consultative Council has built on earlier models to map out a vision for Myanmar’s federal future. A key challenge would be to gain the trust of ethnic armed groups and political parties towards Bamar-dominated processes.
Myanmar’s Submarines: The Race Is on Between China and Russia
Last month Myanmar became the first Southeast Asian country to take delivery of a made-in-China submarine. In doing so, China has upped the stakes in its competition with Russia to supply Myanmar with a new fleet of submarines. Price and geopolitics will decide which country wins.
The President Versus the Cleric: Managing Conservatives From Within
A recent public spat between President Joko Widodo and a prominent cleric underscores how the former is facing challenges in reining in conservatives in his inner circle.
High Vaccination Rates Bring Hope to Vietnam’s 2022 Economic Outlook
High vaccination rates have given Vietnam some latitude in opening up its economy — and some optimism for better GDP growth in 2022.
The ‘Revival’ of PKI: Bogeyman Tactics
The Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) no longer exists in the country’s political landscape. But this has not stopped some groups from using the PKI bogeyman for political gain.
Form over Substance: A Threat to Livelihoods and Social Cohesion
Recent trends in Malaysia show that religiously conservative ideas are no longer restricted to the Malay heartlands. There should be more space carved out for freedom of conscience, with less interference from state or civil society actors.
The 212 Movement: Flagging Political Fortunes
The decline of the 212 Movement in Indonesia could well portend the decline of political Islam.
Vietnam’s Covid-19 Response: ‘Those above tell, those below do not heed.’
Vietnam’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has been affected by tensions between the central government and the provinces. More cooperation between the regions might help.