28 Jan 2022 Is Kishida’s ‘New Capitalism’ Japan’s New Political-Economic Doctrine? Lim Tai Wei Fumio Kishida’s economic policies seek to integrate and refine aspects of Abenomics laid down by Shinzo Abe. These policies should help project Japan’s image as a benign power and reinvigorate its investments in Southeast Asia. Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations
28 Jan 2022 Extending Jokowi’s Presidential Term: Dead in the Water? Burhanuddin Muhtadi|Kennedy Muslim The date for the next Indonesian presidential polls has been formally announced, ostensibly ending speculation that President Jokowi would seek to extend his term in office. Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics
27 Jan 2022 Malaysia’s Ratification of the RCEP: Necessary but not Sufficient Tham Siew Yean Malaysia's ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a step in the right direction, but there are still barriers to foreign direct investment in services which can be rolled back. International Trade Malaysia Malaysian Economy RCEP
27 Jan 2022 Tourism in ASEAN: The Need to Turn Dreams Into Reality Joanne Lin ASEAN has grand plans to boost its tourism sector, which has been afflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite its strenuous efforts, however, tourism in the region is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. ASEAN COVID-19 Tourism
26 Jan 2022 Tackling the Challenges of Financial Inclusion and Illegal Lending in Indonesia Irni Rahmayani Johan The heavy financial toll of the pandemic on Indonesia’s poor has led to spikes in illegal moneylending activity. Urgent steps are needed to protect the vulnerable from the risks of financial exploitation. Finance Indonesia Indonesian Economy
26 Jan 2022 Myanmar’s New Political Economy Takes Shape Romain Caillaud Nearly a year after the military coup in Myanmar, a new political economy is emerging, even as the economy tanks and the human rights context worsens. Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics
26 Jan 2022 Myanmar’s State Administration Council: A Shell Entity? Htet Myet Min Tun Recent shake-ups in the Tatmadaw show that it may not be as monolithic an institution as it portrays itself to be. The State Administration Council has gradually turned into a shell entity with power becoming more concentrated in the hands of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Myanmar Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics
25 Jan 2022 Ratsadornprasong Fund: New Front for People’s Struggles Against the Establishment Anusorn Unno A grassroots initiative called the Ratsadornprasong Fund has been created to shoulder the financial burden of bail and legal support for arrested protestors. The millions of baht raised in support of the fund is emblematic of the anti-establishment movement’s mass support in Thailand. Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand
24 Jan 2022 Elections in Johor: Needlessly Nigh? Francis E. Hutchinson The Johor state assembly has been dissolved, paving the way for snap state elections to be held within the next 60 days. For those UMNO leaders seeking to boost their party’s momentum, this might not be the wisest of moves. Malaysia Malaysian Politics
21 Jan 2022 Myanmar’s Post-coup Aid Crisis: Whither Civilian Protection? Aung Tun The humanitarian sector in Myanmar has shrunk considerably because of operational challenges surrounding the post-coup political environment. Even as political uncertainties remain, the restoration of humanitarian aid for the people is urgently needed. Armed Conflict Humanitarian Assistance Myanmar Myanmar Politics
