COMMENTARIES

14 Jun 2023

Navigating Electricity Reform in Vietnam

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam needs to reform its power sector to meet the challenges of climate change or face much worse than its current heatwave.

Energy Vietnam

14 Jun 2023

Why China Supports the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone

Hoang Thi Ha

Since 1999, China has expressed its readiness to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol and is the only Nuclear Weapon State willing to do so without reservations. This Long Read explores China’s strategic considerations behind this stance.

13 Jun 2023

Indonesian Youth Need to Up Climate Game for the 2024 Elections

Muhammad Fajar|Aninda Dewayanti

Youth organisations in Indonesia have attracted some attention to climate change issues. But they need to widen their reach into the country’s political parties to drive their green agenda forward.

Climate Change Indonesia Indonesian Elections

13 Jun 2023

The Five Power Defence Arrangements: How to Sail Past Fifty

David M. Andrews

The Five Power Defence Arrangements is not called the grandfather of multilateral arrangements for no reason. Going forward, the FPDA can make a significant contribution to the realm of maritime security.

Australia Defence Military

12 Jun 2023

Why Should We Care about Older Filipino Migrants?

Michelle G. Ong

Many Filipino migrant labourers and migrants are ageing in their host countries, facing challenging circumstances with few resources to overcome them. What can the Marcos Jr. administration do to support these older Filipino heroes who serve the rest of the world’s needs?

Migrant Workers Philippine Philippine Economy

9 Jun 2023

Prabowo’s Shifting Strategy on Indonesian Muslim Voters

Syafiq Hasyim

It is too early to tell if third-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto’s seeming moderate shift in campaign strategy and tone will bear fruit in 2024. But no harm in trying.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections

9 Jun 2023

Taiwan Contingencies and Southeast Asia: Scenarios in the Gray Zone

Andrew Chubb

Regional countries, including those in Southeast Asia, have worried about the impacts of a potential Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan. But there are other scenarios to consider.

China-U.S. Relations South China Sea Taiwan

7 Jun 2023

Lost in Translation: Decoding Populism in Thailand’s 2023 Elections

Treethep Srisa-nga

How populism is defined and wielded in today’s Thai politics has implications for the strength and sustainability of the country’s political development.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

6 Jun 2023

Eating Away Our Food: Ocean Acidification Impacting Fisheries in Southeast Asia

Elyssa Kaur Ludher

Ocean acidification, the “evil twin” of global warming, presents a stern challenge to food security, particularly for Southeast Asians.

Climate Change Environment

6 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Ample Start-up Funds Need to Be More Accessible and Accountable

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia has established numerous funds to nurture start-ups, but must do much better in simplifying the current system, reporting relevant data, and assessing policy outcomes.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy