COMMENTARIES

12 Jan 2023

Vietnam’s Relations with the United States: Time For an Upgrade

Phan Xuan Dung

Hanoi has long hesitated in upgrading its relationship with the United States to a strategic partnership. It should think again.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

11 Jan 2023

When a State-Led Union Can Make a Difference

Joe Buckley

One would think that a state-run union in Vietnam would not be able to do much for the welfare of workers. But the Vietnamese General Confederation of Labour has made modest gains amid the current downturn.

Labour Rights Vietnam

9 Jan 2023

Will South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Make a Difference?

Joanne Lin|Sean King

South Korea’s new Indo-Pacific strategy underscores the country’s ambitions to be a “global pivotal state”. Seoul seeks to effect a careful balance: inclining towards the US-led grouping advocating a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, while at the same time engaging China.

Indo-Pacific South Korea Southeast Asia

9 Jan 2023

Malaysia Cuts ECRL Costs, but Can the Mega Railway Project Pay?

Tham Siew Yean

The unity government has shaved the cost of the debt-funded project. But of greater concern is whether the ECRL will generate enough revenue for Malaysia to pay back the loan. The ECRL’s commercial viability also lacks public disclosure.

Infrastructure Malaysia transport

9 Jan 2023

Strengthening Links in ASEAN’s Global Value Chains Post-Pandemic

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

The Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disruptions global value chains. This has proven to be both a boon and bane for ASEAN.

ASEAN COVID-19 Economy Global Value Chains

6 Jan 2023

Thai PM’s New Move Raises More Questions Than Answers

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has finally announced his intention to be the prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party. Many questions remain, however, about how he intends to proceed in the run-up to the next general elections.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

5 Jan 2023

Malaysia’s security law reform must regain momentum

Sze Fung Ng

Reviewing security laws, and possibly other draconian laws, acknowledges that these are relics of the past that have no place in contemporary Malaysia. The new government’s deliberations must include the question of repealing the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA).

Criminal Justice System Malaysia

5 Jan 2023

Long-Delayed Thailand-China High-Speed Train: A Political Game on Two Tracks

Sivarin Lertpusit

The beleaguered construction and murky progress of the proposed Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed railway are emblematic of deeper problems underlying Thailand’s and China’s infrastructural ambitions.

Belt and Road Initiative China-Thai Relations Thai Politics Thailand

4 Jan 2023

Vietnam’s High GDP Growth Rate Masks Its Economic Difficulties

Le Hong Hiep

The Vietnamese economy enjoyed solid growth in 2022. But the headline GDP growth figure belies underlying weaknesses in the economy.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

4 Jan 2023

Indonesia’s New Penal Code: A Setback for Indonesian Democracy

Made Supriatma

The Widodo administration’s heavy-handed ramming through of the revised Criminal Code in late 2022 raises deep concerns about Indonesia’s commitment to democratic process and expression.

Criminal Justice System Indonesia Indonesian Law