COMMENTARIES

29 May 2023

Reinventing Pheu Thai

Mark S. Cogan

Faced with a disappointing second-place finish in Thailand’s 14 May election, Pheu Thai leaders must innovate and adapt for the sake of Thai democracy.

26 May 2023

President Marcos Jr.’s Disaster Policy: Is a New Disaster Agency in the Works?

Cherry Ann Madriaga

Instead of relying on bureaucracy to address pressing disaster management weaknesses in the Philippines, President Marcos Jr.’s administration might consider strengthening the grassroots to avoid more disasters.

Disaster Management Philippine

25 May 2023

Malaysia’s First Unity Government Convention: The Art of Keeping Enemies Close

James Chai

Malaysia’s new Unity Government is in a state of consolidation and relative stability. The current unified coalition structure will stay in its current semi-permanent state, whereby it retains the trappings of a coalition without formalisation.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

23 May 2023

Can Vietnam Benefit from the Global Chip Rush?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly as firms caught in the ensuing U.S.-China trade war seek refuge in the country. But Hanoi needs to bolster support for domestic semiconductor firms to make the country a significant player in the global chip market.

Technology Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

22 May 2023

Cambodia Has Benefited From BRI projects, but Must be More Strategic Going Forward

Jayant Menon

Cambodia’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has strengthened relations with China and brought net benefits, but also highlighted the risks of over-reliance on one country and the need for a more comprehensive framework for evaluating new investments.

Belt and Road Initiative Cambodia Cambodia-China Relations

19 May 2023

Why Malaysia’s Unity Government Will (Probably) Survive

Kai Ostwald

Malaysia has seen four changes in government since 2018. Its 15th general election resulted in a grand-coalition government comprising former arch rivals. Will this new government be equally short-lived? This Long Read examines the reasons why Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government may be more stable than one would think.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

18 May 2023

The Move Forward Party: Surge in Momentum, But Obstacles Ahead

Napon Jatusripitak

The historic win of the Move Forward Party in Thailand’s general election cannot be reduced to merely its campaigning strategy and policies. It reflects the pent-up grievances and aspirations for a better future of millions of Thais.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

17 May 2023

South Korea: A Global Pivotal State, Not Quite

William Choong|Joanne Lin

South Korea has far-reaching geopolitical ambitions but focusing on the regions closest to it will bring more dividends in a competitive world.

Indo-Pacfic South Korea

16 May 2023

Defining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity Government

Khairy Jamaluddin

Fulcrum editor Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Dr Francis Hutchinson, both Senior Fellows at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, speak with Khairy Jamaluddin on a broad range of Malaysian political and policy issues. Six months after the 15th general election, UMNO, Prime Minister Anwar, and the unity government are each facing distinct challenges that will test their ability to reform, govern, contest state elections, and sustain the ruling coalition. Khairy is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS, and was three-time member of Malaysia’s parliament representing Rembau. He has served as Minister of Youth and Sports; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Health.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Malaysia Malaysian Politics