Greenwashing is more than just a quirky marketing practice; it has the potential to seriously distort the effective expression of consumer and social concerns about environmental issues. This Long Read argues that consumers and investors can drive change through their purchasing and spending power. But this requires honest and accurate information to be made freely available so that properly informed decisions can be made.
Category Archives: Long Reads
New Chinese Migrants in Chiang Mai: Parallel Paths for Social Interaction and Cultural Adjustment
While descendants of older Chinese migrants in Thailand consider themselves Thai, new Chinese migrants tend to struggle with assimilating, due partly to negative stereotypes about foreign Chinese. This Long Read explores the parallel communities these new Chinese migrants have forged to address their needs for social integration.
The Race to Produce Covid-19 Vaccines in Southeast Asia
Several Southeast Asian countries are racing to produce home-grown Covid-19 vaccines, to reduce dependence on the vagaries of external sources. Local vaccine manufacturers face significant challenges as well as stiff competition. Nonetheless, the technology acquired and lessons learnt are helpful to prepare the region for future pandemics.
How to Solve the South China Sea Disputes
This Long Read argues that Southeast Asian states have an interest in recognising each other’s de facto occupation of specific features and then presenting a united position to China. The historical evidence of physical acts of administration suggests that, with some important exceptions, the current occupiers of each feature have the best claim to sovereignty over it.
China and Chinese Overseas: A Softer Soft Policy Needed?
This Long Read describes China’s soft power in relation to Chinese overseas who as a whole constitute a potentially important resource for it.
Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth
With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Southeast Asian Responses and Why the Conflict Matters to the Region
ASEAN’s official response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was relatively mild, reflecting the lowest common denominator of the varied positions taken by ASEAN member states. But the grouping needs to be mindful of the dangerous precedents set by Russia’s actions.
The Intractable Challenges Facing Energy Trade in Southeast Asia
A cross-border power grid offers Southeast Asian countries the potential of greater energy security, affordability and sustainability. But thus far, the lack of urgency in sharing energy to achieve long-term security across the region is palpable.
The Johor State Elections: A Spiderweb of Spats, Splits and Surprises
All eyes will look to Barisan Nasional as Johoreans head to the polls on March 12. Looking at the advantages BN faces going into the election and the fractured state of its opponents, BN has exceptionally strong chances of doing significantly better this time.
Political Instability and Enhanced Monarchy in Malaysia
Except in specific situations in which royal discretion is explicitly conferred, the Malaysian King is required to act on the advice of the Prime Minister. Lately, however, due to a widening trust deficit between citizens and government, there are calls for the monarchs to provide leadership and play an enhanced role in providing checks and balances against discredited political institutions.