One major impact of Covid-19 has been the early signs of consolidation in Indonesia’s fintech landscape. The prospects for fintech, in a country of 270 million people with significant internet penetration and about a third of the population still unbanked, are alluring.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Some Biographical Notes
Following his 1 February seizure of power in Naypyitaw, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing formed an 11-member junta called the State Administration Council (SAC). This article examines the biographical profiles of junta’s key military members, in an effort to better understand the regime.
BRI Projects in Cambodia and Laos Roll On Despite Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the implementation of BRI projects. However, China has swiftly taken measures to keep BRI projects going, notably in Cambodia and Laos, by ensuring financial flow and supply of materials.
Why is Vietnam’s Military Modernisation Slowing?
Security challenges presented by the South China Sea dispute led to Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its armed forces over the past two decades. However, after the fall of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2016, the procurement of major military assets has virtually ground to a halt.
Unpacking China’s Merchandise Trade with ASEAN during the Global Pandemic
While the global merchandise trade shrank by 5.3% as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade between China and ASEAN increased in the meantime by 6.7%, thanks not only to a steady increase in bilateral trade but also to the relative decline of trade between China with its other major trading partners.
ASEAN’s Covid-19 Recovery Measures: Missing Opportunities for a Green Future
As of 28 May 2021, ASEAN countries had authorised a total of US$ 730 billion, equivalent to 7.8% of ASEAN’s total GDP, in stimulus dollars. But few ASEAN countries have prioritised green components to their Covid-19 stimulus packages.
Biden’s ‘China Challenge’ and Domestic Politics: Implications for Southeast Asia
Under President Biden, Southeast Asia is dealing with a US administration that remains determined to compete with and confront China but is mired in political paralysis caused by deep ideological divisions. This will constrain the US’ ability to act as a reliable security and economic partner in the region.
Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Overcoming the Trust Deficit on the Mekong
The Lancang Mekong Cooperation has suffered a deficit of trust following the publication of a study in April 2020 raising concerns over the impact of Chinese mainstream dams on the Mekong’s water flow. To overcome the trust deficit on the Mekong, it is important to depoliticise hydrological science by ensuring compliance with standard research procedures and collaboration among relevant institutions.
Trade and Environmental Disputes May Persist Despite Promising Leaders’ Summit on Climate
At the recent Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change convened by the Biden Administration, several ASEAN leaders emphasised the principle of differentiating levels of economic development between states in their response to climate change. Finding a balance between this principle and ambitious climate targets remains a challenge.
Major Parties Lacking Candidates with a Winning Chance in Bangkok’s Gubernatorial Election
The election for the post of governor of Bangkok is due to take place in the last quarter of this year. However, Thailand’s major political parties lack suitable candidates with realistic chances of victory.