COMMENTARIES

19 Aug 2026

How Do ASEAN Countries Fare in Managing Global Economic Shocks?

Geopolitical conflict, energy disruptions and shifting global supply chains are testing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience. ASEANFocus+ asked regional experts how individual countries are responding and whether ASEAN has the tools to collectively manage the next shock. Their insights highlight the different challenges facing the region, as well as the need for stronger regional coordination, deeper market integration and greater resilience across energy, trade, food and financial systems.

29 Jul 2026

The 2016 South China Sea Award and the Future of a Legally Binding Code of Conduct

Joanne Lin|Huynh Trung Dung

Joanne Lin and Huynh Trung Dung examine what the continuing legal divergence surrounding the recognition of 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award means for ASEAN and China’s pursuit of a legally binding Code of Conduct.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Code of Conduct South China Sea

27 Jul 2026

ASEAN’s Convening Power Meets Its Delivery Test: Lessons From the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Huynh Trung Dung|Joanne Lin|Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Huynh Trung Dung, Joanne Lin and Kristina Fong examine whether ASEAN can convert its convening power and shared commitments into tangible regional outcomes.

ASEAN ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting ASEANFocus

19 Aug 2026

The Humanitarian Costs of Starlink’s Policy

Su Mon Thazin Aung

Starlink is seeking to curtail access to one of its Internet services. This would affect many conflict-afflicted regions in Myanmar

Myanmar Scam Technology

18 Aug 2026

China’s Drive for Food Self-Sufficiency: What It Means for ASEAN Countries

Paul Teng|Genevieve Donnellon-May

China is determined to become more self-sufficient in its food supply. This will have implications for ASEAN economies.

Agriculture China Food Security

17 Aug 2026

Prabowo and Indonesia’s Ulema Council: Is MUI Losing Traction Again?

Ary Hermawan|Norshahril Saat

President Prabowo was absent from a key Ulema Council of Indonesia (MUI) event last month. This signals that the organisation might now rank lower on his list of priorities.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam

17 Aug 2026

Why Indonesia Needs a China Strategy Now

Kevin Zongzhe Li|Brian Wong

The authors argue that Indonesia needs a more coherent strategy for its relationship with China.

China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia Indonesia Foreign Policy

14 Aug 2026

Gig Workers in Malaysia: Is the New Law a Good Deal?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s Gig Workers Act, which took effect in April 2026, is a legislative milestone for the Madani administration. Malaysia’s 1.64 million gig workers stand to gain from the introduction of contractual frameworks, mandatory injury insurance, dispute settlement mechanisms, and a consultative council for setting minimum earnings. However, various policy gaps still need to be addressed.

Labour Market Malaysia Malaysian Economy

14 Aug 2026

Should Malaysia Become a Global Education Hub?

Koh Sin Yee

Malaysia is setting its sights on becoming a global education hub. In doing so, however, it might have overlooked its edge as a regional education hub.

Education Malaysia

13 Aug 2026

Calibrating the Singapore-US Security Anchor for a New Era: An American View

David Santoro

As the US moves into a more transactional mode, Singapore’s standing as a capable and self-reliant partner will put it in good stead.

Military Singapore Singapore-U.S. Relations

12 Aug 2026

Nahdlatul Ulama’s Establishment Versus Grassroots Leadership Race Will Affect Its Political Alignments

A'an Suryana

The leadership contest in Nahdlatul Ulama is consequential. The next executive chairman could stay the course and remain close to the President, or respond to grassroots calls for change.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics