EV-related industries hold out substantial promise, but ASEAN countries must be clear-eyed about the opportunities, complexities, and risks.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Cross-Causeway Consumption: Singaporean Shoppers and the Evolving Economy of Johor’s Ramadan Bazaars
Variety and affordability are the spice of life for fans of Ramadan bazaars on both sides of the Causeway.
LGBTQ Issues in Malaysia and the Politics of Conservative Modernity
Malaysia’s ruling government has a tough balancing act to pull off on the reform front.
The Rise of Iran’s Third Rahbar, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Implications for Malaysia’s Shia Community
The ascension of Iran’s new Supreme Leader bears implications for the validity of his late father’s rulings and their faith’s adherents in this region.
From Speculation to Disclosure: Steering Crypto to Create Value in Southeast Asia
Requiring disclosures is an essential step for building integrity and unlocking the potential of blockchain technology.
Trump’s Global Agenda Flies into Domestic Headwinds
Domestic factors will increasingly limit Trump’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.
Indonesia’s Aircraft Carrier: White Horse or White Elephant?
Indonesia’s plans to acquire a second-hand aircraft carrier from Italy have been derided. The warship is more a symbol of Indonesia’s global aspirations than an operational asset for the country’s navy.
Perikatan Nasional’s Opposition Leader Dilemma
Perikatan Nasional has been in a pickle over who will assume the role of opposition leader. While it has finally been decided that PAS should lead the coalition, PN’s marketability as a viable alternative to the ruling coalition remains in doubt.
Running of Kuala Lumpur: When Demographics Stand in the Way of Direct Polls
There are sound reasons for Kuala Lumpur to have a directly elected mayor. Such a technocratic solution, however, has been bogged down in the mire of ethnic anxieties.
ASEAN Services Liberalisation: Big Promises, Modest Progress
ASEAN’s slow growth in services trade stems from persistent reservation and diluted liberalisation. Member states need to consolidate the region’s rules-based framework — and facilitate services trade.