The US is likely to pull out of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. But the remaining members should be able to advance the framework.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Black Myth: Wukong — When a Chinese Icon Skips National Borders
The success of a Chinese role-playing game featuring a famous cultural icon from China has made headway in Indonesia, highlighting how these symbols can resonate internationally.
Tug of Wealth: Malaysian States Seek a Fairer Deal in Oil and Gas
A potential legal tussle between Sarawak and Petronas has implications for Malaysia’s approach to development and for the country as a whole.
So Near Yet So Far: The Philippines’ Lower-Middle-Income Country Trap
Despite claims of strong growth by economic managers, the Philippines remains stuck in a lower-middle-income trap, lagging behind its ASEAN peers.
Middle East Conflicts will Impact Security in Asia
Washington’s involvement in wars in the Middle East will intensify anti-US sentiment in Southeast Asia, and divert US bandwidth and military resources from the Indo-Pacific.
China’s Increased Investment in Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges
Chinese investments in Vietnam have surged. But they bring not only opportunities but also challenges for the latter.
Does the Arakan Army have the Capacity to Govern Rakhine?
The Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar appears to be making enough headway in Rakhine to make it a plausible rival authority someday, not just in the context of warfighting but also administration.
Naquib Al-Attas’ Royal Professorship: Whither an Inclusive ‘Madani’ Malaysia?
The implications of a rare Royal Professorship award on Malaysia’s civil society and government could be significant, not least because the awardee has a strong following within some parts of the country’s intelligentsia.
Prabowo Subianto’s Problematic Start: A Missed Opportunity?
The new Indonesian government has had some hiccups in its first fortnight in power. If the president had made better use of the transition between administrations, these hiccups could have been avoided.
Targeting Malaysia’s ‘T15’: An Easier Way to Tax the Rich
Malaysia is trying to get the ultra-rich to pay more through the removal of fuel subsidies and other measures. A simpler way is to raise their tax rates.