Mindful of the pressing challenge of climate change, Sarawak is leveraging its resource richness and cultural diversity to foster a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive future.
Category Archives: Long Reads
Ominous Political Storm Gathers over Thai-Cambodian Dispute in Gulf of Thailand
The Paetongtarn Administration is following Thaksin Shinawatra’s advice in preparing to resume negotiations with Phnom Penh on conflicting maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. Opponents of the Shinawatra family suspect a collusion between Thaksin and Hun Sen to speed up a deal on joint exploration.
The Impact and Complexity of Saudi Funding on the Dissemination of Wahhabism and Salafism in Indonesia
While the Indonesian government still needs to be vigilant about Saudi funding to promote Wahhabism and Salafism, the reforms under the Saudi Crown Prince Muhamad bin Salman towards a more moderate brand of Islam have also opened up opportunities to attract more Saudi investment into Indonesia and to boost Indonesia’s exports to Saudi Arabia.
Malaysia’s Bumiputera Transformation 2035 Needs Rigour, Fairness and Self-Awareness
The Anwar administration’s PuTERA35 transformation plan for the next decade underscores the prevailing socioeconomic gaps in the Bumiputera community’s participation, capability, and ownership. Whether the community makes the long-desired breakthroughs will hinge on rigorous policy formulation, coordination, and execution.
The Economic Implications of Donald Trump’s Presidency for Southeast Asia
Amid intensifying US-China tensions under Trump, technological advancements are heightening the relevance of economic security considerations, especially for products containing dual-use technologies. This holds important implications for Southeast Asian countries deeply embedded into regional and global supply chains.
Big Data, Bigger Debate: Malaysia’s PADU System and the Future of Digital Governance
Public reactions to Malaysia’s Central Database Hub (PADU), particularly on social media platforms like Reddit, reveal widespread concerns about data security, government transparency, and the system’s capabilities. The PADU initiative highlights the need for robust data protection measures, clear communication, and strong legal frameworks to build public trust.
The Ulama Leadership Model of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS): Perspectives of Key Leaders
Key leaders within PAS believe in the necessity of maintaining the model of ulama leadership to maintain the party’s alignment with Islamic principles. However, such an exclusivist leadership model limits PAS’s acceptance beyond its traditional Malay Muslim base.
Seaweed: Prospects for Decarbonisation and Food Security in Southeast Asia
Enthusiasm about seaweed has been growing due to its potential to contribute to food security, decarbonisation, and economic growth. Southeast Asia is a major global producer of seaweed; Indonesia and the Philippines are among the top-producing countries. The region’s millions of farmers could potentially benefit from an expansion of the industry.
The Political Economy of Vietnam’s North-South High-Speed Rail Project
Today, Vietnam is arguably better positioned, both financially and geopolitically, to move forward with the North-South High Speed Rail project. However, the feasibility of this ambitious megaproject hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, which is fraught with uncertainty.
Weaknesses in Mekong River Governance: The Case of the Funan Techo Canal
Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal, which aims to connect Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, has sparked regional concerns, particularly from Vietnam, due to potential environmental impacts and geopolitical implications.