COMMENTARIES

27 Sep 2023

ASEAN in the Global Semiconductor Race

Lili Yan Ing|Ivana Markus

Lili Yan Ing and Ivana Markus take stock of the current state of the global semiconductor race between China and the United States, and how the ASEAN region should navigate the growing rivalry.

Snapshot of video covering the laying of the first stone for the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin, on 5 December 2021.

26 Sep 2023

What the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Case Says about Religious Freedom in Indonesia

Alamsyah M. Djafar|A'an Suryana

After waiting for 16 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin congregation in Indonesia can finally worship peacefully after relocating to a new church building. This Long Read argues that the forced relocation of houses of worship for minority faiths and succumbing to the majoritarian principle only infringes upon the rights of minorities.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Religion Religious Intolerance

25 Sep 2023

China-Vietnam Party-to-Party Ties: A Tie that Binds

Lye Liang Fook

Vietnam appears to be drawing closer to the U.S. with the recent upgrade in ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This development, however, should not be overestimated as Vietnam-China relations, especially party-to-party ties, remain strong.

China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

Thailand's sixth civilian defence minister, Sutin Klungsang, reviews the guard of honour upon his arrival at the ministry on September 13.

22 Sep 2023

Thailand’s New Defence Minister: Keeping the Armed Forces Sweet

Tita Sanglee|Ian Storey

The appointment of Thailand’s new defence minister underscores the Pheu Thai Party’s desire to deter yet another coup and ensure the longevity of the 11-party coalition government.

Thai Military Thai Politics Thailand

22 Sep 2023

PAS Needs More Than a Mahathir

Norshahril Saat

It appears that Parti Islam SeMalaysia and Mahathir Mohammad have buried the hatchet. If PAS intends to bank on the former statesman’s political capital, it would find that there will be limited upside.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Sep 2023

Advancing the Digital Health Ecosystem in Southeast Asia

Katrina Navallo|Keith Detros

Katrina Navallo and Keith Detros highlight the importance of infrastructure, trust, and innovation to foster a thriving digital health ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Digitalisation Health

21 Sep 2023

Biden Administration and Southeast Asia: Realpolitik the Name of the Game

Hoang Thi Ha|Cha Hae Won

As competition with China becomes an organising principle of American foreign policy, realpolitik is the name of the game in U.S. engagement with Southeast Asia.

U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy U.S.-ASEAN Relations

20 Sep 2023

Cambodia’s Political Transition

Sophal Ear

In this episode, Dr William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, and Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at ISEAS, talk to Prof Sophal Ear, Associate Professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, about the political transition in Cambodia.

Cambodia Cambodia-China Relations Dialogues at Fulcrum

A child's growth measurements are taken as part of a monthly medical check-up programme for children at an integrated services post in Banda Aceh on August 10, 2023.

20 Sep 2023

Why the Next Decade Will Be So Critical for Indonesia: It’s Not Simply about Getting Rich

Maria Monica Wihardja

The government elected next year will have a long to-do list, not least of which is to continue pursuing meaningful development as Indonesia aspires to reach high income status by 2045.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics