Southeast Asians welcome a strengthening of ASEAN’s political and economic influence, which has relatively declined in the past year. ASEAN must adapt and assert itself to restore confidence.
Category Archives: Commentaries
‘Dark Indonesia’ and the Anxiety of Indonesian Middle Class
The series of student and civil society protests across Indonesia and some recent surveys reveal a middle class for which all is not well.
Myanmar’s Military Regime is Violating its International Economic Obligations
Myanmar’s violations of its international economic obligations contribute to inflation and increasingly impoverish the country’s population. They also threaten to diminish the impact of financial assistance for Myanmar’s recent earthquake.
Making the EU a Credible Economic Hedge for ASEAN
Against a more uncertain global economic backdrop, the European Union and ASEAN face greater urgency to strengthen economic engagement and strategic partnerships.
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.