Virtual and physical resistance to the ruling elite’s attempts to trample on democracy last week in Indonesia became a powerful reminder of how social media can be a force multiplier in democracy.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Mahkota By-election in Johor: Far-reaching Consequences for Government
The upcoming by-election in central Johor will have significant consequences for the unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
South-South Solidarity in Southeast Asia
Intra-regional aid in Southeast Asia could become a viable alternative for states seeking to assert their independence and engage with sources outside the Global North.
Dynastic Politics Provokes Nationwide Demonstrations
There are growing perceptions that President Joko Widodo is seeking to build a political dynasty at the expense of democracy.
Appetite for Expansion: Mainland Chinese F&B Chains in Singapore
Chinese food and beverage companies have vigorously entered Singapore, and are poised to continue growing.
Lagging Wages Hurting Myanmar’s Garment Workers and Undermining the Industry
The low wages in Myanmar’s troubled garment sector are just one indicator of how badly the political upheaval and violence have affected people’s lives. Foreign garment brands and factories still in-country should consider workers’ views that they stay but increase wages.
Cultivated Meat in Southeast Asia: Climate Change Provides Food for Thought
The industry, though, must overcome closed minds, high prices and perishability before its product can become a meaningful option in the region.
La Niña: Boon or Bane for Southeast Asia’s Food Security?
The expected advent of the La Niña might portend a double-edged sword for affected regions.
The SEA-LION Can Roar: Enhancing Large Language Models’ Inclusivity
Large Language Models have taken the world by storm, but they have vulnerabilities when it comes to inherent bias and inability to capture contextual nuances.
Indonesia’s Lame-Duck Parliamentary Session: Productive but Damaging Democracy
The unprecedentedly long interim between Indonesia’s election and the new government’s inauguration has allowed the outgoing president and Parliament unusual leeway to distort democracy in self-serving ways.