31 Jan 2022 Parsing the UMNO-Bersatu Battle in Johor Norshahril Saat UMNO has certain advantages in Johor, but its victory in the coming state elections is not assured. Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics
31 Jan 2022 A Regional Digital Vaccine Certificate in ASEAN, Posthaste Melinda Martinus ASEAN needs to work on a common standard for the certification of vaccination statuses. This would facilitate safe and unrestrained movement as borders open up again. ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity
31 Jan 2022 China’s Faith Diplomacy Towards Muslim Bodies in Indonesia: Bearing Fruit Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat China's faith diplomacy towards Muslims organisations in Indonesia appears to have silenced critics of its policy towards the Uighurs in Xinjiang. China-Indonesia Relations Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islam
28 Jan 2022 Indonesia-Singapore Defence Cooperation Agreement: A Win Win Aristyo Rizka Darmawan The recent signing of three treaties — a Flight Information Region agreement, a Defence Cooperation Agreement and an extradition treaty — augurs well for relations between Indonesia and Singapore. It is also a boost to regional security. Defence Diplomacy Indonesia Indonesia-Singapore Relations Singapore
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
