Commentaries | FULCRUM

Transparency Needed as Southeast Asia Pushes Ahead on AI

Southeast Asians are divided over whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps or harms the environment. Regional governments should push data centres to be more transparent about how their operations impact the environment.

Mary Jane Veloso and Transnational Crime: Lessons for ASEAN

Mary Jane Veloso was treated as a criminal before she was recognised as a victim. Her case shows why victims of forced criminality need an integrated regional response, not just a national one.

US Midterm Elections Serve as Bellwether for Southeast Asia

The Democrats are poised to gain control of the two houses of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. If this happens, there could be a glimmer of hope for Southeast Asian countries dependent on exporting to the vast US market.

Southeast Asia Should Double Down on the AI Supply Chain

AI-related exports are a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economy. This represents an opportunity for Southeast Asia.

Expanding the Diplomatic Toolbox: Southeast Asia at the New Delhi BRICS Summit

Four ASEAN members attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, in different capacities. This shows the region preserving strategic autonomy, avoiding binary choices and expanding options.

Vietnam’s Growth Ambitions Are Outrunning Its Capital

Vietnam’s ambitious GDP growth target is premised on the building of infrastructure. But it is struggling to mobilise sufficient capital to finance such a goal.

Thailand’s Data Centre Rush: From First-Mover Advantage to Sustained Development?

Thailand needs to go beyond attracting big-ticket data centre investments. It should consider building domestic capabilities around such facilities.

Why an Unofficial Claim to Batanes Still Matters

Some Chinese scholars have argued that Batanes in the northern Philippines belongs to China via Taiwan. The claim is weak, but over time it can be politically useful.