COMMENTARIES

13 Dec 2023

Mandarin Learning in Brunei’s Chinese Schools: Practical Considerations

Chang-Yau Hoon|Hannah M.Y. Ho

The learning of Mandarin in Chinese schools in Brunei is driven less by the projection of Chinese soft power but more by practical considerations.

12 Dec 2023

Aspiring High: Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Potential through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement

Ming Tan|Maria Monica Wihardja

ASEAN can demonstrate to global stakeholders how digital integration is possible through cooperation. For DEFA to achieve its aspirations, it should be principle-based and impact-focused, learn and adopt existing digital provisions, and foster continuous innovation and inclusive growth.

ASEAN Digitalisation

11 Dec 2023

PAS’ Prime Minister Candidate: Great Expectations

James Chai

Parti Islam SeMalaysia is touting a technocratic parliamentarian as the opposition coalition’s prime ministerial candidate. Dr Samsuri Mokhtar has his work cut out for him.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

8 Dec 2023

October Offensive by Resistance Forces Exposes Gaps in Myanmar Military

Maung Maung Oo|Kyi Sin

A military offensive by anti-junta forces in October has exposed weaknesses in State Administration Council forces. While resistance forces seek to overthrow the junta, challenges remain given differing interests.

Myanmar Myanmar Military

Philippine Coast Guard personnel are seen on Thitu Island

6 Dec 2023

No China Backlash, So Far: The Philippines’ New Assertive Transparency Policy in the South China Sea

Collin Koh

The Philippines’ assertive transparency in the South China Sea has so far not generated negative economic repercussions for the country.

China Philippine South China Sea

For example, Kitabisa (“We can”), a leading online donation platform established by Indonesian youth in 2013, facilitates online fundraising and donations.

5 Dec 2023

Ringfencing the Islamic Cause? Muslim Youth and Philanthropy in Indonesia

Iim Halimatusa’diyah

Indonesians are top in the world for charitable giving. However, one recent survey suggests that young Muslim donors might be more inclined to give to their fellow Muslims than to any other type of cause.

Indonesia philanthropy

4 Dec 2023

Wars in Europe and Middle East Can affect East Asian Power Balance

Daljit Singh

The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East portend more geopolitical uncertainty for East Asia

Armed Conflict China Middle East Southeast Asia U.S. Ukraine

4 Dec 2023

Asia-Based Regional Banks’ Growing Footprint in Indonesia

Manggi Habir

Indonesia’s present banking landscape bears the imprint of the 1997-8 financial crisis. The sector is stronger but, as regional interest shows, has room for further consolidation and development.

Finance Indonesia Indonesian Economy

1 Dec 2023

A Green Industrial Policy for Indonesia

Vinod Thomas

As one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, Indonesia needs to implement a green industrial policy. Despite the challenges involved, green growth is said to support GDP growth of around 6 per cent a year.

Climate Change Indonesia

30 Nov 2023

Myanmar-Russia Relations Since the Coup: An Ever Tighter Embrace

Ian Storey

Myanmar-Russia relations have strengthened considerably since Moscow acknowledged the Tatmadaw’s seizure of power on 1 February 2021, and the junta endorsed the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. This Long Read focuses on the four main areas of Myanmar-Russia cooperation since the coup: diplomatic validation; defence; energy; and commerce and tourism.

Myanmar Myanmar-Russia Relations