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.
Category Archives: Commentaries
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.
Prabowo Should Take Heed of Discontent Among Indonesian Youth
Indonesian youth are unhappy about the state of their country, even more so when compared to their counterparts in other ASEAN countries. The government should take heed of such discontent
Southeast Asia Can Navigate Growing Fractures in Global Automotive Sector
Southeast Asia has become another front in the ensuing technology wars between China and the US.
Joko Widodo, Prabowo, and Nahdlatul Ulama
Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation missed out on the most significant ministerial portfolio – religious affairs – despite supporting presidential candidate Prabowo. What now?
Prabowo Subianto’s First Cabinet Adjustment: Pressured to Deliver But Allegiance Still Prized
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to replace just one minister for now, instead of taking a bolder step to weed out inefficiency and incompetence, is disappointing and potentially costly in the face of rising public anger against his administration and expectations of election promises.