COMMENTARIES

5 Mar 2024

Who Is Really in Charge In Thailand?

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

In theory, Thai premier Srettha Thavisin leads the country. But there is more than meets the eye.

Thai Politics Thailand

5 Mar 2024

Examining Indonesia’s Potential New Source of Growth: A Case for Digital Services Exports

Suryaputra Wijaksana|Maria Monica Wihardja

Digitally delivered services exports could be the silver lining, if not a silver bullet, in an increasingly challenging world for Indonesia’s economy, which is clouded by its stubborn growth deficit.

4 Mar 2024

Made in China? The Challenge of State-Sponsored Cyber Intrusions in the Philippines

Francis C. Domingo

Apart from security challenges associated with regional geopolitical tensions, the Philippines must address its vulnerability against state-sponsored intrusions into its cyberspace.

China-Philippine Relations Philippine Philippine Politics

4 Mar 2024

Vietnam’s Labour Export: Economic Boon or Developmental Bane?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Labour export yields economic benefits and provides life-changing opportunities for many young Vietnamese. However, Vietnam must craft a long-term strategy that gradually diminishes reliance on labour export, focusing instead on cultivating a competitive domestic labour market.

Labour Market Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

1 Mar 2024

Assessing Indonesia’s Post-Election Economic Policy Direction

Manggi Habir

The next president of Indonesia will have his work cut out for him on the economic and competitiveness front, even if he continues with many of the existing policies his predecessor will leave behind.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

1 Mar 2024

Vietnam-U.S. Security Cooperation Prospects under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Phan Xuan Dung|Hoai Vu

This Long Read explains why despite the recent upgrade in diplomatic status, Vietnam-U.S. security cooperation has not reached a new level.

Diplomacy International Relations Southeast Asia U.S.-Vietnam Relations

1 Mar 2024

Liu Jianchao: New Foreign Minister, Same Foreign Policy?

Lye Liang Fook

Liu Jianchao could become China’s next foreign minister. While he could improve China’s outreach efforts, he is unlikely to bring about any significant change in China’s foreign policy.

China china politics China-U.S. Relations

29 Feb 2024

Cambodia and Japan: Firm Friends Amid Great Power Rivalry

Chhay Lim

Cambodia and Japan have elevated their bilateral ties. But this is not without challenges, given different positions in the ensuing Sino-U.S. rivalry.

Cambodia China Japan

28 Feb 2024

The “Small Yard, High Fence” Mirage: Why Sino-U.S. Tech Competition Will Not Be Contained

John Lee

The U.S.’ “small yard, high fence” strategy of restricting key technologies from China would be difficult to effect in practice.

China China-U.S. Relations U.S.

27 Feb 2024

Thailand’s Public Sector Data Breaches Erode Public Trust – And Might Undermine E-Government

Surachanee Sriyai

Thailand’s negligence in addressing cybersecurity concerns in the public sector, and lack of accountability and transparency more broadly, can erode public trust — and undermine the future adoption of e-services.

Cyber Security Digitalisation Thailand