COMMENTARIES

18 Jan 2024

The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s White Elephant Comes Charging Back

Ian Storey

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.

18 Jan 2024

Yok’s case and Thailand’s Treatment of Child Activists

Panarat Anamwathana

The charged case of a controversial juvenile accused of insulting the monarchy illustrates the shortcomings of the Thai justice system in protecting the youngest defendants and the complications of upholding lèse-majesté laws in the twenty-first century.

Thai Politics Thailand

17 Jan 2024

Making the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Work

Ong Kian Ming

To fully harness the benefits of bilateral cooperation on both sides, the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone needs to be followed up by the relevant agencies doing the real spade work after the initial hype is over.

Economic Planning Malaysia Singapore

17 Jan 2024

Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Campaigns: Hyper-local and Personal Touchpoints Matter Most

Lee Sue-Ann|Maria Monica Wihardja

A recent survey shows that younger Indonesian voters, like their older fellow citizens, still hold traditional media and in-person conversations in high regard when it comes to learning about the elections and deciding whom to vote for.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

16 Jan 2024

Cultivating the Future: Empowering Young Farmers in Southeast Asia

Elyssa Kaur Ludher

Farmers in Southeast Asia are aging. Governments and not-for-profits need to think of ways to attract younger farmers into agriculture.

Agriculture Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz

16 Jan 2024

Policymakers' View

Malaysia and ASEAN in 2024: Facing Challenges with Focus and Strength

Tengku Zafrul Aziz

Malaysia and ASEAN face pressing challenges and opportunities in technology adaptation and transition, geopolitical instability and ASEAN competition, and the need to green our economies. With judicious strategies and effective actions, we can head into 2024 with cautious optimism.

ASEAN Malaysia Policymakers’ View Sustainable Development

15 Jan 2024

Will the “China Factor” Become an Election Issue in Indonesia?

Leo Suryadinata|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia’s economic relationship with China is occasionally marred by deadly accidents at Chinese-built and owned industrial sites in the archipelago. Nevertheless, economic cooperation with China is not going to slow down, no matter who wins the election next month.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

12 Jan 2024

ASEAN Economies in the Tech Supply Chain Sweet Spot?

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Ongoing trade Sino-U.S. tensions and the need to redirect FDI away from China may present a golden opportunity for economies in Southeast Asia.

Foreign Direct Investment Southeast Asia Supply Chains

10 Jan 2024

Malaysia’s “Dubai Move”: Nothing to See Here, For Now

Norshahril Saat

There has been recent speculation about machinations to bring down Malaysia’s Unity Government. This detracts from the need to deliver on governance outcomes.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

9 Jan 2024

Seeing the National in Gaming and Esports in Southeast Asia

Dorcas Gan

Electronic sports have gained global attention, including in Southeast Asia. As with traditional sports, national teams can bring glory and boost a country’s soft power. On the flip side, team rivalries can potentially disrupt neighbourly relations.

Southeast Asia sports