Commentaries | FULCRUM

Timor Leste’s First Quarter Century: Opportunities and Challenges

Having enjoyed 25 years as an independent entity, Timor Leste has a lot to celebrate. But there are major economic challenges.

Rise of Chinese Language in Vietnam Hinders Plans to Bring Back Russian

There is a Russian-Vietnamese plan to bring the learning of Russian back to Vietnamese schools. But the reality is that English and Chinese are the most popular languages in the country.

Myanmar’s Military Funds Its War through Forex Policy

Myanmar’s military regime is increasingly utilising foreign exchange policy to extract funding, which threatens to hasten economic decline. It is important to find avenues for economic activity outside the system for the benefit of Myanmar’s people.

How Much of Vietnam’s Policy Reform is due to FTAs?

Vietnam has progressed in embracing market-based reforms, but its reform agenda remains unfinished. Recent free trade agreements have maintained reform momentum, but Vietnam’s earlier accession to ASEAN and the WTO continues to influence the economy.

Malaysia has Removed Diesel Subsidies – Now Must Manage the Fallout

Malaysia has commenced fuel subsidy rationalisation by shifting from general to targeted diesel subsidies, but there is still some economic fallout. The government needs to do more to help those bearing the cost.

Thailand’s Grand Compromise Tested, or Back to Square One?

Depending on one’s perspective, the grand political compromise in Thailand is either collapsing or still remains intact.

Southeast Asia and BRICS: Fear of Missing Out

The fact that five Southeast Asian countries are seeking to join BRICS should not be seen as an affront to the West and its so-called rules-based order.