It is not certain that the president’s establishment of a new haj ministry will ease all the problems Indonesia’s Muslim pilgrims face.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The 13th Malaysia Plan: Distinctive and Difficult Aspirations
The 13th Malaysia Plan focuses on the need to thrive based on economic complexity. While the term is fairly new, the challenges of transitioning the economy to a higher value-added one remain the same.
Beyond Green Data Centres: Leaner, Smarter AI for Southeast Asia’s Sustainable Digital Future
Booming growth in data centres is escalating electricity demand and risks undermining the region’s energy transition goals. Hardware improvements are insufficient; Southeast Asia must also promote energy-efficient AI software.
Anti-Shia Conspiracies in Malaysia: The Need to Study the End of Times
Growing anti-Shia sentiment in Malaysia underscores the prevalence of apocalyptic views among Muslims in the country.
Chinese Chambers of Commerce: Balancing Malaysia-China Ties and Domestic Divides
As Malaysia’s Chinese chambers of commerce foster ties with China and represent new Chinese migrants, they must address concerns that their roles deepen existing socio-economic divides along ethnic lines.
From Deadlock to Dealmaking: Thailand’s Chaotic Search for a New Prime Minister
The dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thai prime minister was predictable. The chaotic search for her replacement is not.
Myanmar’s Wartime Polls: Managing Expectations
It is likely that Myanmar will hold its national elections soon. It is also likely that the polls will lack the basic requirements for parliamentary legitimacy or a national mandate.
US-China AI Competition: Southeast Asia Will Need to Strike a Balance
As China and the US intensify competition in the AI domain, Southeast Asia countries will find themselves in the same old dilemma of “not choosing sides”.
Why are Dream Jobs a Difficult Reality for Indonesian Youth?
Competition for jobs in Southeast Asia’s largest country is fierce, frustrating, and fraught with feelings of disappointment for its youngest workers.
Rebranding of Sisters in Islam: The Need to Judge by Deed, Not by Name
The rebranding of Sisters in Islam might actually strengthen rather than weaken the group’s long-term advocacy of women’s rights in Malaysia.