COMMENTARIES

10 Apr 2026

The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey

Amid the Geostrategic Uncertainties, Firms Need the Reassurance of Business Continuity

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Businesses today especially value stability and deeper economic integration to mitigate risk, and are more worried about growing US economic influence, as reflected in private sector responses to the State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey.

Economy State of Southeast Asia Survey Trade

10 Apr 2026

Sino-Japan Spat: Triple Dilemma Needs Trust-Building ASEAN Response

William Choong|Kei Koga

China has been trying to get Southeast Asian countries to take its side in Beijing’s spat with Japan. ASEAN needs to impress on China that it has a more nuanced view of Japan.

ASEAN Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

A man fills diesel in a lorry at a Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) station, an oil and gas exploration firm established and owned by the government of Sarawak, in Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo island on 20 June 2025 (Photo by Mohd RASFAN / AFP)

9 Apr 2026

More Than a Legal Battle: The Political Stakes of the Petronas-Sarawak Dispute

Amalina Anuar

Malaysia’s highest court will decide on the dispute between Petronas and the state of Sarawak. But a legal ruling will not obviate the need to manage the political consequences of the dispute.

Energy Malaysia Malaysian Politics

In this US Navy released handout, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, on 1 March 2026 at Sea. (Photo by US NAVY / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP)

9 Apr 2026

US War Against Iran Gives Beijing Intelligence Dividend

Sophie Wushuang Yi

The US-led war against Iran has given Chinese military planners an insight into the challenges that the US would face in a similar conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

China Defence US

8 Apr 2026

Banker in the Hot Seat – Who is Vietnam’s New Prime Minister?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s new premier seems to have what counts, but the odds could go either way.

Vietnam Vietnam Elections Vietnamese Politics

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the 13th ASEAN-United States summit at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES ASIAPAC / Getty Images via AFP)

8 Apr 2026

The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey

When US Leadership Loses Its Sheen

Joanne Lin

Across a broad range of indicators, the US’ broader standing in the region has weakened.

ASEAN ASEAN-US Relations State of Southeast Asia Survey

7 Apr 2026

What the Trump-Takaichi Summit Revealed About the US-Japan Alliance

Joanne Lin|William Choong

The US-Japan alliance remains secure, but insecurity is mounting in Asia about the firmness of the US’ commitment to the region.

Japan US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd L) meets with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2025. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / POOL / AFP)

7 Apr 2026

The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey

A Harder Balance to Keep in Southeast Asia

Joanne Lin

Southeast Asia has traditionally preferred not to take sides in the long-standing Sino-US rivalry. A fall in confidence in the US makes this a harder choice to make.

ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-US Relations State of Southeast Asia Survey

6 Apr 2026

The Philippines Puts Its Budget on Blockchain: Will This Beat Corruption?

David Lam

The Philippines has become the first government in the world to put its national budget on a blockchain. It offers a precedent for using the technology's transparency and immutability to enforce fiscal accountability.

Philippine Philippine Economy Philippine Politics