Commentaries | FULCRUM

A Crisis of Trust: The SAC’s Failure in Post-Disaster Strategic Communications

The ruling military regime in Myanmar has only itself to blame for dismal levels of public trust in it two months after the massive earthquake that shook the country.

Thailand Should Not Rush to Be a Service-based Economy

The quest for new growth drivers should focus on upgrading manufacturing which will, in tandem, boost services.

Will Contradictions within the Indonesian Labour Movement Sharpen?

From two different May Day events in Jakarta, divergent approaches in negotiating workers’ aims and rights in Indonesia can be discerned.

The Strategic Calculations Behind To Lam’s Eurasian Tour

Vietnamese leader To Lam’s recent tour of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan was aimed at diversifying Hanoi’s strategic partnerships and securing Moscow’s backing for its military needs and South China Sea claims.

From Cell to Suite: Genuine Illness or Special Favour?

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces probes to determine whether his six-month stay in hospital in lieu of prison was justified on medical and legal grounds.

Key Takeaways for Southeast Asia from US-UK Trade Deal: It Will Be a Hard Slog

As they negotiate with the US for new trade deals, Southeast Asian countries are hoping for at least some relief from the US’ reciprocal tariffs. With the recent US-UK trade deal in mind, these countries should do so with much circumspection.

ASEAN’s Trade in Services with the US and China: A Hidden Casualty of Trump’s 2.0 Tariffs

In services trade, ASEAN has maintained a deficit with the US and a surplus with China. The Trump tariff fixation with goods has omitted services, to the detriment of all sides.

PKR Party Elections Will Shape Malaysia’s Political Future

The upcoming Parti Keadilan Rakyat elections will influence Malaysia’s political future.

Medical Care: Vietnam’s Underleveraged ‘Soft Power’ in Cambodia

Although Cambodians are still wary of the Vietnamese, they have faith in Vietnam’s medical services — an asset that the government has not yet fully taken advantage of.