Several Southeast Asian nations are seeking AI sovereignty through home-grown large language models (LLMs) reflecting their cultures and values, aiming to turn regional insight into competitive advantage for local needs.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Rethinking Malaysia’s Path to Net Zero
Carbon credits to be tabled under Malaysia’s new climate change bill should serve as a bridge towards decarbonisation rather than a substitute for it.
Indonesia Joining the Board of Peace: At What Cost?
Indonesian Islamic groups’ endorsement of President Prabowo’s decision to join Trump’s Board of Peace risks perceptions that they are departing from their long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.
Thailand’s “Conservative” Turn?
The victory of the Bhumjaithai Party in the recent Thai elections does not necessarily signal a broad-based shift towards conservative elements.
Aligning Climate and Food Security Policies in ASEAN
ASEAN countries vary in their ability to address food security. More can be done at sub-regional levels.
Kla Tham in Thailand’s 2026 Election: Dark Horse or Greenhorn?
Patronage politics marches under a different banner in the farther reaches of the Thai body politic. This adaptation could shift future election outcomes.
The ART of Rescuing an Unintended Trade Deal While Safeguarding Malaysia’s Multilateralism
In signing the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Malaysia has granted the US exclusive preferential terms. Malaysia would be better off voluntarily extending the same terms to all countries.
Natural Gas in the Philippines: A Test Case for Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition
The discovery of substantial natural gas deposits in the Philippines does not obviate the need for the country to make a longer-term transition to renewables.
The Limits of Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
To plug its fiscal gap, Malaysia needs to go beyond asset recovery and clawing back proceeds from graft.
Malaysia’s Opposition: The Need to Close Ranks
To mount a creditable challenge to the ruling coalition, Malaysia’s opposition coalition needs to overcome a list of obstacles, foremost among them infighting within the grouping.