The adoption of digital technology can help Southeast Asian countries adapt to the effects of climate change.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The 2022 Philippine Elections: Like Father, like Daughter-te
The son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of the current populist president Rodrigo Duterte are seeking to consolidate the power of their inter-dynasty alliance. The formation of an inter-dynasty alliance will have implications for the country’s political landscape for years.
The Future of Duterte’s Pivot to China: A Non-Defeatist Approach
Duterte’s China pivot is at a crossroads. The upcoming May polls will give the leading presidential candidates some room to rethink the country’s China policy.
COP26 and Southeast Asia: Cop-outs and Take-Aways
The conclusion of the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow has several implications for Southeast Asia.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2022
Cambodia’s Chairing of ASEAN: The Heat is On
As the chair of ASEAN in 2022, Cambodia will have a lot to prove, be it on issues such as Myanmar, the South China Sea, and the grouping’s external relations.
Southeast Asia and the Major Powers: Climate Change and the Need For Shrewdness
Although geopolitics is encroaching onto climate change discussions, a poll shows that Southeast Asians remain objective and pragmatic. Achieving climate goals in the region depends on realpolitik and ASEAN leaders’ shrewdness in tapping resources from all major powers.
Political Coalitions in Malaysia: Fluid, Fleeting and Fickle
Despite being part of the same coalition as the United Malays National Organisation at the national level, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia is contesting against the grand old party in the upcoming state elections in Malacca. This might well reflect a new normal in the country’s politics.
Standing Up to Be Counted
The lack of common and comparable ASEAN-wide business statistics is an impediment to realising the vision of an ASEAN Economic Community.
Malaysia’s National Trade Blueprint: Mind the Gap
Malaysia’s newly unveiled National Trade Blueprint seeks to arrest the country’s downward slide in global export rankings. But its prescriptions may fall short of what is needed in today’s environment.