Minimum wage will uplift the lowest-paid workers but the state of labour markets and unions hinders wage growth for the majority.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Indonesia: Towards a Durable Political Order?
Can the current president, who seems politically stronger than his predecessor, sustain the big-tent coalition that brought him power?
Challenges of Combating Transnational Drug Trafficking in Southeast Asia
A long-running saga of a Filipino national convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia underscores the need to address the transnational element of law enforcement against such activities.
Malaysian Youth: Mixed Views on Clean Governance Amid Stability
An ISEAS survey appears to indicate that Malaysian youth have taken concerns about corruption in their stride.
Vietnam-Ukraine Ties: More Engagement, More Balanced Approach?
Vietnam, traditionally seen to be more allied with Russia, has recently increased its diplomatic engagements with Ukraine. This could result in Vietnam taking a more neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Thailand’s PAO Elections: What Did Not Happen
The People’s Party’s lacklustre performance in recent provincial elections underscores the fact that the country’s traditional parties are seeking to undermine the progressive party.
The Anwar-Thaksin Deal: A Masterstroke or Miscalculation?
Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has roped in former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal advisor ahead of Kuala Lumpur assuming the ASEAN chairmanship. This might be ill-advised.
Will Proton’s Electric Vehicle Spur New Local Supply Chains — and Displace the Old?
Proton’s electric vehicle could spur new supply chains and local EV components production, but will be constrained by market conditions while the old supply chain will endure.
Myanmar’s Worsening Human Resource Crisis
Four years of civil strife and conflict, compounded by forced conscription, have led to Myanmar’s dire human resources crunch.
Impact of Trump 2.0 on Southeast Asia’s Energy Geopolitics
Trump’s rent-seeking foreign policy pertaining to energy and critical minerals will force Southeast Asian countries to do what they least desire: making a choice between China and the US.