26 Sep 2025 Digital Literacy Vital for Enhancing ASEAN’s Digital Integration Agenda Kristina Fong Siew Leng To achieve the grand goal of regional digital integration, ASEAN would need to up the level of digital literacy among its citizens. Digital Economy Framework Agreement Digitalisation
26 Sep 2025 Malaysia’s Royal Rendezvous in Russia: Reasons and Rationale Francis E. Hutchinson|Isabelle Chua The Malaysian King’s visit to Russia makes sense through the lenses of military procurement, foreign policy, and domestic sentiments. Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Russia
25 Sep 2025 Operationalising the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030: From Aspirations to Real Action Denis Hew Denis Hew analyses the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030, focusing on its ambitious goals and how they can be expanded, while highlighting concerns over its actionability and the broader implications on ASEAN. ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Economic Development
25 Sep 2025 “No Justice, No Merdeka!” Independence Rings Hollow for Sabahans Demanding Justice Vilashini Somiah The “Justice for Zara” protests in Sabah’s east coast reflect resentment against the state’s marginalisation and the concentration of power in the hands of federal and Sabahan elites. Civil Society Malaysia Sabah
25 Sep 2025 Malaysia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Problem: Can the Kaan Make the Cut? Ian Storey Given its ageing fleet of fighter jets, Malaysia needs to get a plane soon. But its choices are limited. China Malaysia Military South Korea U.S.
24 Sep 2025 The Newly Appointed Mufti of Malaysia’s Federal Territories Faces Formidable Challenges Mohd Faizal Musa The new mufti has enjoyed support but is under considerable scrutiny. His position on key matters bodes well for a moderate and inclusive administration of this office. Malaysia Malaysian Politics
24 Sep 2025 Vietnam’s Quest for Online Positivity Could Breed Negativity Dien Nguyen An Luong Hanoi’s efforts to enlist social media influencers to spread positive narratives risk hurting their credibility, encountering platform pushback, and ultimately backfiring at home and abroad. Social Media Vietnam Vietnamese Politics
23 Sep 2025 For Myanmar’s Garment Sector, Tariffs are a Setback, not a Knockout Blow Jared Bissinger Shielded by ultra-low wages and duty-free access to the EU market, Myanmar’s garment industry may be able to weather President Trump’s steep “reciprocal” tariffs. Economy Myanmar Myanmar Economy
23 Sep 2025 How Police Brutality Fuels Indonesians’ Distrust Firda Amalia Putri|Iim Halimatusa’diyah Violence is a persistent problem in the Indonesian police force. Recent brutalities against peaceful demonstrators underscore the imperative of reform to enhance accountability and restore public trust. Indonesia Indonesian Politics
22 Sep 2025 When TikTok Live Went Dead in Indonesia: Digital Sovereignty and Systemic Risk Nuurrianti Jalli TikTok Live’s anticipatory suspension during nationwide protests in Indonesia last month shows the influence of Jakarta’s interventionist digital governance. Such suspensions hurt small businesses and can fuel misinformation. Digital Economy Indonesia Indonesian Economy
