As the Israel-Hamas war passes its six-month mark, regional sentiments can only get more complex and wield more potential to stir up division within and across ASEAN countries.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The National Awakening Party’s Ascendancy in East Java: Implications for Local and National Politics
The final election results from East Java reveal a silver lining for the second-placed vice-presidential candidate, Muhamin Iskandar. He and his party could still win some in the horse-trading for cabinet positions under the next president.
Indonesia’s Accession to the OECD Could Help Institutionalise Its Fickle Reforms
Indonesia has improved the quality of its institutions in recent decades, but has backslid lately. The country’s potential accession to the OECD presents an opportunity to foster institutional deepening and help sustain long-term economic growth.
Thailand’s Persevering Police Problem
Whatever reforms are underway for Thailand’s law enforcers would be inadequate if the foxes are already in the henhouse.
Uncovering ASEAN Private Sector Sentiments on Their Choice of Strategic Economic Partner
A deep dive into private sector sentiments can yield some insight into ASEAN’s preferred economic partner of choice.
Navigating China’s Influence: Insights from the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey
Southeast Asians recognise China’s burgeoning influence in the region, but there are nuances to the geopolitical dynamics. The region needs to manage its relationship with the rising global power; China needs to address the lack of confidence that it will “do the right thing”.
Will the Confucian Religion Develop Further in Indonesia?
The quiet support of the current administration for the tiny minority of Confucianists in Indonesia, who are mostly ethnic Chinese Indonesians, could speak volumes about not just religious but more worldly concerns.
Choosing China over the U.S.: Neither a Tidal Shift Nor a Sea Change
The U.S. was ASEAN’s preferred major power to align with since the 2020 State of Southeast Asia survey. But this year, more respondents are leaning toward China than the U.S. Southeast Asia may remain engaged with the U.S. while harbouring apprehensions towards China, but the tide may be shifting.
Malaysia’s Carbon Credit Conundrum: For Putrajaya to Unlock the Potential, State Governments Must Provide the Keys
Environmental conservation and economic opportunity can potentially converge through generating carbon credits based on Malaysia’s forests. However, the federal government must overcome the jurisdictional complexities that arise from the reality that forest management is predominantly governed by state authorities.
Malaysia’s Sock Scandal: The Sound of Silence
The situation is tense in Malaysia following a fiery fracas over foot coverings.