China’s extensive investments in Southeast Asia have delivered mixed results, underscoring the importance of policies that promote productivity, positive spillovers, and innovation.
Category Archives: Commentaries
State-Level Empowerment of Sufism in Addressing the Salafi-Wahhabi Threat in Malaysia
Where does Islam in Malaysia stand regarding Sufi ideology and practice? Some states are making their stance clear in response to mixed signals from the top.
Why Importing More Will Not Save Thailand from Trump’s Tariffs
Thailand is trying to increase imports from the US to tackle the challenge posed by new US tariffs slapped on Thailand. This is unlikely to significantly improve Thailand’s position.
The Sino-US Trade War Presents Hard Choices for Southeast Asia
In the ensuing Sino-US trade war, China, to use Trump’s lingo, has more cards to play than its economic rival.
How To Lam Can Unleash Vietnam’s Private Sector
The Communist Party of Vietnam’s General Secretary has directed his government to take concrete steps to encourage private sector growth and foster ‘national champions’ capable of global competition.
With Trump’s Coercive Tariffs Paused, Will ASEAN Collective Action Work?
While the potential for joint action may be limited, current circumstances demand that the regional bloc expand its horizons.
Indonesia’s Food Estates: Why Poor Public Policy Persists
Indonesia’s presidents keep trying to make food estates work but the scheme will fall short without engaging the true stakeholders and honestly assessing the project’s merits.
The Significance of the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The agreement builds on a rapidly strengthening economic relationship, with potential benefits for the UAE’s diversification and Malaysia’s trade and investment.
US Aid Cuts and Travel Ban Will Impact Laos
The US has reduced its overseas assistance to Laos significantly. At a time when other countries are following suit, Vientiane will be hard-pressed to find alternatives.
Trump’s Tariff Reversal: An Opportunity for Trade Realignment in Southeast Asia
As trade policy takes a volatile turn under the US leader, ASEAN can seize the moment to diversify global partnerships and assert a stronger voice in the international trade order.