A fast deal is not necessarily a good deal if Indonesia strikes an unequal trade bargain to avoid higher tariffs.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Malaysia Must Address Ailing Security of its Ageing Society
Malaysia’s retirement fund system is ailing and will not serve the retirement needs of the populace adequately. It is time to consider a basic pension scheme.
Musa Aman Redux: Disquiet and Apathy in East Sabah
The return of Musa Aman to Sabah’s politics underscores the fact that, as time moves on, little has changed in the state’s political culture of patronage and corruption.
Why Students from China Are Picking Malaysia over Traditional Destinations
Mainland Chinese student numbers in Malaysian universities have surged recently, driven by affordability, proximity, and cultural familiarity, as well as restrictions in traditional study destinations such as the US.
Vietnam Should Keep its Credit Caps and Carry on Structural Reforms
Vietnam’s rapid credit growth in the first half of 2025, and Prime Minister Chinh’s call to further open the floodgates, are concerning. The government must not gamble hard-earned stability for ephemeral monetary expansion.
Marriage Equality: Could Vietnam Be Next?
There is growing momentum in Vietnam to adopt marriage equality. However, traditional societal norms and tighter controls on foreign funding loom.
The Thailand-Cambodia Border Crisis is ASEAN’s Moment of Truth
Inaction on the Thailand-Cambodia conflict undermines ASEAN’s raison d’être by the day. There is still time to salvage the situation.
Thai-Cambodian Dispute: When Foreign Policy Begins at Home
Amid growing tensions in the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, the former is doing itself no favours as political parties manoeuvre to gain political advantages.
China’s Global Security Initiative: Not About Picking Sides
China has sought to promote its Global Security Initiative in Southeast Asia by implementing tangible projects in regional countries.
Trump’s Tariff Deal With the Philippines: All Praise, Little Gain
For all the praise that US President Trump lavished on his Philippine counterpart, Marcos Jr. had little to account for from his high-profile visit to the US.