Commentaries | FULCRUM

Beijing Retains Considerable Weight in Regional Perceptions

Despite some apprehension about its actions, Beijing continues to retain considerable weight among Southeast Asian elites. This should improve if China learns to temper its assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.

Prayer and Prejudice: Marginalisation of Malaysian Hindus

The current Unity Government in Malaysia needs to take stronger action against individuals who upset the country’s delicate multi-religious fabric.

Migrant Agriculture Workers: Potential Resource for Southeast Asia’s Food-resilient Future

Farm labourers returning from overseas can, if empowered, form a pool of experienced talent that Southeast Asia’s vulnerable agricultural sector can tap into for food security.

The Two-Term Limit on Prime Ministerial Tenures: Timely and Tantalising

PM Anwar Ibrahim supports a term limit on Malaysia’s premiership. Momentum for reform under his administration has been limited, and such a measure would rekindle support among the urban electorate. If Anwar spearheads the change, few may begrudge him a bid for a second term.

Autonomous Driving and Southeast Asia: Will it Hit the Road?

Chinese and American firms are seeking to export their autonomous driving technologies to Southeast Asia. The signal lesson is that their data-driven models require sensitivity and adaptation to the region’s diverse markets.

How Will Vietnam Deal With President Trump’s Shocking Tariffs?

Faced with 46 per cent US tariffs, Vietnam is unlikely to retaliate in kind. It is likely that Hanoi would avoid confrontation and lean on diplomacy instead.

Trump’s ‘Liberation’ Day Unlikely to End Well for Southeast Asia — or Anyone

Trump’s “Liberation” day tariffs will hit Southeast Asia hard. Countries can hold firm and adopt appropriate countermeasures, or cut “deals” in order to reduce or eliminate the tariffs. Neither option bodes well.

Betting on the Bulldozer: Why (Most of) Southeast Asia is Warming Up to Trump 2.0

The US president’s tough leadership, reputation as a dealmaker and expectation that he may pay more attention to the region seems to be winning over ASEAN countries.