COMMENTARIES

27 May 2022

Bangkok Polls: Writing on the Wall for Thai PM

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The recent poll in Bangkok underscores the growing precarity of Thailand’s prime minister and his ruling coalition.

26 May 2022

Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire: Cooking Oil Burns Jokowi’s Popularity

Burhanuddin Muhtadi|Julia Lau

Rising inflation in Indonesia, especially for cooking oil prices, has dented President Joko Widodo’s popularity. If left unresolved, his party’s showing in the next elections could well be adversely affected by this issue.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics

A woman carries an infant upon arrival from Jakarta

26 May 2022

Uncertainties in Malaysia’s Economic Recovery

Cassey Lee

The war in Ukraine and the de-coupling of Russia from major economies are expected to dampen economic recovery and generate inflationary shocks. If inflation in Malaysia worsens, policymakers may have to implement a more restrictive monetary policy combined with fiscal stimulus funded by debt and petroleum royalties.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

25 May 2022

Vietnam and Russia’s Political Alignment: More than Meets the Eye

Hoang Thi Ha|Darren Cheong

A lot of ink has been spilled to explain Vietnam’s reticence to take a stronger position against Russia’s war in Ukraine. One facet of the Russo-Vietnam relationship that has not been discussed as much is the two countries’ political alignment on issues such as human rights and democracy in the global arena.

International Relations Russia Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

25 May 2022

The War in Ukraine: Cambodia’s Surprisingly Hard-line Stand

Ian Storey

Cambodia’s hearty relations with Russia means that it should have taken a less strident view of the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. Intriguingly, Phnom Penh’s position has tacked closer to Western critics of the Kremlin.

Cambodia Cambodia-Russia relations International Relations Russia

24 May 2022

Investment Trends and Industrial Prospects in Indonesia

Yanuar Fajari|Siwage Dharma Negara

While total investments into Indonesia have increased over the years, much of these were driven by a rapid increase in domestic direct investment while foreign direct investment remained relatively stagnant.

Foreign Direct Investment Indonesia Indonesian Economy

23 May 2022

Jokowi’s Dilemma: To Stay or To Go?

Yanuar Nugroho

Although President Jokowi has officially announced the date of the next Indonesian presidential election, there are important strategic and personal considerations that could tempt him to seek to remain in power.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

23 May 2022

Kishida’s Charm Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Moral Suasion Does the Trick

Lim Tai Wei|William Choong

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visits to Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand have burnished Japan’s regional credentials, particularly on contentious issues such as the war in Ukraine, the South China Sea disputes and the evolving order in the Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations South China Sea

20 May 2022

Abdul Somad Denied Entry into Singapore: Islamophobic? Far from It

Norshahril Saat

Indonesia religious teacher Abdul Somad was denied entry to Singapore. His followers have decried Islamophobia as being behind the decision. This cannot be farther from the truth.

Islam Religion Religious Intolerance Singapore

20 May 2022

ASEAN’S Relevance for the New South Korean Administration

Joanne Lin

New South Korean President Yoon has a tough balancing act to pull off for his foreign policy, given his neophyte status on the international stage. ASEAN will be watching carefully to see if great power rivalry will derail ASEAN-ROK cooperation.

ASEAN Diplomacy South Korea