COMMENTARIES

22 Mar 2022

China and Chinese Overseas: A Softer Soft Policy Needed?

Tan Chee-Beng

This Long Read describes China’s soft power in relation to Chinese overseas who as a whole constitute a potentially important resource for it.

22 Mar 2022

Bangkok’s New Chinatown: Waiting for Another Ka-Ching

Aranya Siriphon|Fanzura Banu|Pagon Gatchalee

Bangkok’s ‘new Chinatown’ flourished when a steady stream of Chinese tourists visited the area. As the country prepares to re-open its borders, the question is whether the area will revisit its glory days.

COVID-19 Thai Economy Thailand Tourism

21 Mar 2022

Another Win for Barisan Nasional: Now To Prove Their Worth

Serina Rahman

With its victory in the Johor State elections, Barisan Nasional has won two state elections at a trot in four months. The run-up to election day was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are high, as the coalition rues its chances in the coming general elections.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

21 Mar 2022

Separatists, Conflict and Refugees: Geopolitics Along Thailand and India’s Myanmar Border

Su-Ann Oh

The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has thrown up a new raft of problems for Thailand and India. The re-assembling of Indian separatist groups in Myanmar, the spillover from armed conflict and the arrival of refugees in Thailand and India are just the tip of the iceberg.

India-Myanmar Relations Myanmar Myanmar-Thailand Relations

21 Mar 2022

Slashing Methane Emissions: A Tricky Business

Ryan Wong|Qiu Jiahui

Reducing methane emissions is achievable, but there are several prickly issues.

Climate Change Environment Sustainable Development

18 Mar 2022

Community-led Social Cohesion in Post-Coup Myanmar: A Promising Glimmer

Aung Tun

The popular resistance has issued a clarion call for a federal democratic Myanmar, based on inclusive politics. The practice of social cohesion constitutes both a starting point for building inclusive politics, and a much-needed trust-building exercise in a heavily trust-deficient Myanmar society.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics

17 Mar 2022

Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports

Tham Siew Yean

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.

Asean Trade International Trade RCEP

17 Mar 2022

Rising Support for Postponing Indonesia’s Elections? What the Data Really Says

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

Once again, key Indonesian politicians are floating trial balloons on the merits of postponing the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, citing mounting public support for it. But the data suggests otherwise.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

16 Mar 2022

Pakatan Harapan in Johor: Fading Fan Favourites

Kevin Zhang|Francis E. Hutchinson

PH’s campaign messaging has consisted of playing its ‘fan favourites’ of good governance and anti-corruption. This is a re-run of the 2018 campaign, which successfully linked Malaysian’s economic woes to the imposition of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), the financial extravagance of former prime minister Najib Razak, and the ill-fated 1MDB.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics