COMMENTARIES

1 Feb 2023

Has ASEAN Lost It?

Bilahari Kausikan

Bilahari Kausikan exposes compounded global and internal crises that could make ASEAN irrelevant should it fail to act pragmatically.

1 Feb 2023

Visioning ASEAN Post-2025 Through Storm-Clouds of Change

Elizabeth Buensuceso

Elizabeth Buensuceso provides an overview on the process and aspirations of envisioning the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit ASEAN Unity ASEANFocus

1 Feb 2023

ASEAN@55: Navigating a Changing Global Order

ASEANFocus Issue 2/2022 is now available for download.

ASEAN ASEANFocus

6 Feb 2023

PAS and the Midterm Polls: Existential Challenge of Becoming a National Party

James Chai

In the coming state elections, Parti Islam SeMalaysia has ambitious plans to take ground in states it does not control. Taking the fight to the enemy, however, may necessitate a deeper examination of its own identity as an Islamist party.

Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

3 Feb 2023

Online Political Campaigning During Malaysia’s GE15: Blurred Lines

Amirul Adli Rosli

The advent of account-based influencers during Malaysia’s recent general election does not portend well for the country’s political landscape.

Malaysia Misinformation

2 Feb 2023

Digital Labour Platforms Must Provide Philippine Gig Workers a Fair Deal

Cheryll Ruth R. Soriano

The Philippines faces significant labour protection challenges amid a growing gig economy. It needs to outgrow consumer-focused regulations and address business risks being pushed down to at-risk workers.

Labour Rights Philippine

31 Jan 2023

Southeast Asia Needs a Strong Vision on Climate-Resilient Economy

Prapimphan Chiengkul

Transitioning to climate-resilient economies in Southeast Asia requires fundamental rethinking on how we measure economic development, tackle economic inequality, and reform global economic governance.

Climate Change Environment Southeast Asia

31 Jan 2023

Beijing’s Engagement With Myanmar In 2023: Walking A Tight Rope?

A.T.

Beijing is likely to adopt a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to Myanmar. It would continue to engage the junta, yet at the same time work with ethnic armed groups opposed to it to protect Beijing’s investments in the country.

China China-Myanmar Relations Myanmar

30 Jan 2023

Using Climate Models to Predict Resilience of Energy Systems in Southeast Asia

Mirza Sadaqat Huda

Southeast Asia is well acquainted with the impact of climate change, but less so with the resilience of energy systems. A collaborative and regional approach to climate modelling of energy systems can inform the development of effective adaptation policies and drive deeper energy integration.

Climate Change Environment Renewable Energy

27 Jan 2023

Locating Working Class Women in Indonesia’s Halal Economy

Diatyka Widya Permata Yasih|Inaya Rakhmani

Working-class women of the Muslim faith, who are among Indonesia’s most vulnerable and lack access to public healthcare and other services, have something to teach the powers that be about true Islamic governance.

Indonesia Labour Market