President Prabowo’s universal free school lunch programme is well-intentioned, but it would be more effective if done in coordination with other complementary programmes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Rethinking Economic Planning in the Philippines
There are plans to transform the Philippines’ socioeconomic planning agency, NEDA, into a new Cabinet department. But this proposal fails to address its declining relevance and chronic inability to ensure the implementation of crucial development projects.
Navigating Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Keep Calm and Carry On
Southeast Asian countries are likely to be caught up in the crossfire between China and the US. But there could be a silver lining.
Growing Piety among Malaysian Youth Should be Taken with a Pinch of Salt
The ISEAS Youth Survey 2024 results show that religiosity in leaders is important to Malay/Muslim students but bread-and-butter issues may be more critical to them.
Border Crackdown on Organised Crime Puts Vulnerable Myanmar Population in Thailand at Risk
The authorities of affected countries should crack down on crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, they should also consider what the human cost of such policing might be for thousands of displaced and vulnerable Myanmar citizens.
Chinese Streaming Content in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Thailand
China is using popular drama series to expand its soft power in Southeast Asia, and in particular, Thailand.
Trump 2.0 and Thailand: Transactional Realism
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has raised concerns about the health of US-Thailand relations. But some of the fears are overdone.
Rebel Violence in Myanmar and NUG’s Crisis of Legitimacy
Some law enforcement groups under the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) have become a danger to civilians. Their actions threaten to undermine the NUG’s legitimacy.
Online and Offline Support for Marriage Equality in Thailand
What explains Thailand’s landmark Marriage Equality Law, which came into effect last month?
Vietnam’s Era of ‘National Rise’: Great Expectations
To Lam, Vietnam’s General Secretary, intends to usher his country into a new period of “national rise”. But the accelerated nature of his goal will be challenging.