There are clear limits to any leadership style. Indonesia’s president may be running up against a hard one soon.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Southeast Asia and AI Adoption: The Return of Cold War Strategies
Southeast Asian countries are seeking to adopt some measure of autonomy in the AI technology competition between China and the US. The question is whether such efforts can be successful.
A Green-Water Testbed: Vietnam’s New Multi-Role Frigate
Vietnam is building a new multi-role anti-submarine frigate. This underscores Hanoi’s maritime-oriented continental strategy, where a focus on land defence is coupled to a growing recognition of the importance of the sea.
The Philippines Needs an Air Power Strategy, Not Just New Fighters
As the Philippine Air Force seeks to modernise its fleet, it should start by mapping out the appropriate air strategy first
Beijing’s Restraint on Indonesia-US Trade Deal Shows What Is Truly at Stake
A new Indonesia-US agreement on reciprocal trade is likely to harm China’s interests. But China’s response has so far been restrained, even though it is not without remedies in its toolbox.
Fostering Talent Fleet of Foot: The Need for Harmony and Depth
The pursuit of high-value manufacturing and knowledge-based services has compelled ASEAN countries to develop systems to support the movement of skilled labour. There are challenges in implementing a uniform system.
Southeast Asia Holds the Key to Nature-Positive Palm Oil
A nature-positive approach to agriculture, and specifically palm oil plantations, can marry mandates with production.
Vietnam’s Hidden Development Lesson: Markets Came Before Reform
Vietnam’s current success has a deeper explanation most might miss.
Pakatan Harapan Under Water: Can Reforms Bring It Afloat?
The ruling Pakatan Harapan has been pummelled by the ethnocentric policies of its rivals. It should live up to its reformist credo.
The 45-Minute Standard: Making Southeast Asia’s Industrial Parks Efficient and Liveable
Industrial parks remain the workhorse of manufacturing-led development, but they are sometimes built as enclaves separated from surrounding communities. Southeast Asian governments should adopt a simple test: can workers, services and suppliers all be reached within 45 minutes?