This Long Read examines how the digital sector has transformed Indonesia’s economy during the pandemic. It analyses changes in consumer behaviour and assesses the prospects for sustainable growth for various digital services segments.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Polarised but Hopeful: How Malaysia’s Gen Zs May Vote, and Why
This Long Read features the findings of a recent poll on the voter sentiments of Malaysia’s Gen Zs. A majority of Gen Zs hold low trust in the political actors that are running the country but are nonetheless still politically engaged. 79 per cent of them say that they will most likely turn out to vote in the coming election.
GE15: Parti Amanah Negara’s Strong and Volatile Seats
Amanah, the progressive Islamist party, will be contesting in as many as 54 seats in Malaysia’s general elections. The prospect of many multi-cornered fights suggests that the party faces an uphill battle to retain the eleven parliamentary seats it now holds.
A Ground-Up Approach to Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Southeast Asia
For decades, sustainable farmers and their networks have been experimenting with farming techniques that increase climate resilience in agricultural production. This article highlights important policy insights that can be drawn from their experiences in Southeast Asia.
Islamisation in Malaysia Beyond UMNO and PAS
This article explains why the study of Islamisation in Malaysia should move beyond UMNO and PAS. The focus should instead be on how revivalist ideology has both penetrated the state apparatus and been reinforced by developments in society.
Business Throws its Support Behind Indonesia’s Opposition-Free Liberal Democracy
This Long Read explores the characteristics of Indonesia’s political culture that have resulted in a tendency to form broad coalitions that effectively suppress real political opposition.
The State of Southeast Asia’s Green Recovery Post Covid-19
Despite the high levels of interest in green investments in the region, some ASEAN countries are wavering in their commitments to clean energy transition.
Chinese ‘Debt Traps’ in Southeast Asia: What the Data Say
This Long Read argues that while the terms of China’s aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries are less favourable compared to those of the World Bank, the weight of the evidence does not lend credence to the existence of a Chinese “debt trap” strategy in the region.
The Undetermined Costs and Benefits of Cambodia’s Engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
This Long Read argues that despite common perceptions of Cambodia as a ‘client state’ of China due to its dependence on Chinese aid and investment, Cambodia does exercise agency and has been diversifying its donors and investors to meet its economic needs.
Between Taipei and Beijing: Education Options among the Yunnanese Chinese of Northern Thailand
Because of China’s soft power, some KMT Chinese in Northern Thailand have gradually shifted from being pro-Taipei to being pro-Beijing. Out of the 110 private tutoring Yunnanese schools in Northern Thailand, more than 40 have begun to accept Beijing’s support and modelled their school structure in accordance with PRC’s guidance.