COMMENTARIES

26 Jun 2026

Türkiye and ASEAN: Turning a Side Story into a Strategy

Mehmet Enes Beşer

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Mehmet Enes Beşer argues that Türkiye and ASEAN should move beyond purely trade-based engagements towards a strategic economic partnership, with deeper cooperation in supply chains, energy, the digital economy, industry and the halal sector.

8 Jun 2026

No Longer Poor: Can Laos be Clean, Green and Great?

Anoulak Kittikhoun

Anoulak Kittikhoun argues that as Laos prepares to graduate from the United Nations’ least developed country category, the bigger challenge is no longer escaping poverty but building a future defined by clean space and green growth.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Laos Sustainable Development

21 May 2026

Why Methane Emission Reduction Matters for ASEAN

Shivenes Shammugam|Jihyun Kang

Shivenes Shammugam and Jihyun Kang argue that although ASEAN countries have recognised the importance of methane mitigation, implementation remains uneven but Korea’s experience as an ASEAN dialogue partner could help bridge this gap.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Climate Change Sustainable Development

30 Jun 2026

Thailand’s Blue Regime: Giving No Quarter?

Duncan McCargo

The ruling Bhumjaithai Party has de facto control over most senators in the Upper House and cemented its dominance of both houses of Parliament.

Thai Politics Thailand

30 Jun 2026

The 2026 Johor Election: Advantage Barisan Nasional?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Barisan Nasional has had the audacity to call state polls in Johor a year early. While it enjoys some wind in its sails, BN’s electoral gambit engenders some degree of risk.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

29 Jun 2026

Did GE2022 Change Malaysia for Good?

Howard Lee|Nuurrianti Jalli|Shahril Hamdan|Danesh Chacko

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun unpacks Malaysia’s previous general election – and the next one – with four contributors of the just-published book Malaysia’s 2022 General Election: Crafting Power in a Crowded Arena: Howard Lee, Nuurrianti Jalli, Shahril Hamdan, and Danesh Chacko.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 Jun 2026

Is Thailand’s Latest Co-Payment Scheme Justifiable?

Archanun Kohpaiboon

Thailand’s new co-payment scheme seeks to help Thais buffeted by the impacts of the crisis in the Middle East. But the reach of the scheme might be too broad.

Economy Thai Economy Thailand

26 Jun 2026

Rethinking ASEAN Cooperation: Fewer Words, More Action

Hoang Thi Ha

Amid rapid geopolitical shifts, ASEAN should focus more on practical outcomes and developing capabilities rather than expending effort on negotiating lengthy statements.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit ASEAN Unity

25 Jun 2026

Thailand’s State Welfare Card Reform: New Phase, Old Challenges

Wannaphong Durongkaveroj

The Thai government is rolling out an ambitious social assistance programme, but it lacks a coherent strategy to identify citizens who are most in need

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand