COMMENTARIES

7 Jun 2021

Muslim Leaders and Preachers Fighting Vaccine Hesitancy: A Shot in the Arm

Sharifah Afra Alatas

As Malaysia battles a new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim leaders and preachers have been instrumental in fighting vaccine hesitancy among their followers.

4 Jun 2021

Chinese Aircraft Approaching! An Opportunity for Malaysian Airpower

Wu Shang-Su

Malaysia’s airpower capabilities may not be enough to respond to stepped-up Chinese activities above Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone.

China China-Malaysia Relations Malaysia South China Sea

workers clean the surface of Thang Long bridge

4 Jun 2021

Vietnam’s Tentative Approach to Regional Infrastructure Initiatives

Do Mai Lan|Hoang Oanh

It is estimated that Vietnam will need approximately US$480 billion in infrastructure investment from 2017 to 2030. But despite funding difficulties and the presence of several foreign-backed infrastructure initiatives in the region, Vietnam’s leadership has adopted a cautious stance.

Belt and Road Initiative Economic Development Infrastructure Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

4 Jun 2021

Brunei’s Visit to Myanmar: No Time to Run Down the Clock

Evan A. Laksmana

A team from Brunei is reportedly visiting Myanmar this weekend. The aims of the visit are yet unclear. Still, Brunei, as ASEAN Chair, should first announce the identity of the grouping’s Special Envoy to the country and empower him or her with the necessary resources to carry out the task at hand.

ASEAN Brunei Myanmar

3 Jun 2021

Following the Money: Changes to Philippine Remittance Inflows

Malcolm Cook

The U.S. solidifies its paramount status, and Singapore rises to #2.

COVID-19 Overseas Foreign Workers Philippine Philippine Economy Remittances Singapore US

2 Jun 2021

U.S.-Vietnam Post-War Reconciliation: A Work in Process

Ivan V. Small

Forty-five years after the cessation of the Vietnam War, relations behind Vietnam and the U.S. have improved markedly. But some issues, such as the legacy of Agent Orange and relations with former refugees, require delicate handling.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations US Vietnam

Mekong River at Sangkhom district in the northeastern Thai province of Nong Khai

1 Jun 2021

The Mekong River Ecosystem in Crisis: ASEAN Cannot be a Bystander

Hoang Thi Ha|Farah Nadine Seth

Despite being the premier regional organisation in Southeast Asia, ASEAN remains a bystander in the imminent collapse of the Mekong River ecosystem. The successful mainstreaming of transboundary haze pollution in ASEAN’s legal and institutional frameworks are instructive for invigorating ASEAN’s engagement in the Mekong issues.

ASEAN ASEAN-China Relations Climate Change Energy Environment Mekong River

31 May 2021

Jakarta and Papua: Where There are No Risk-Free Choices

Max Lane

Recent events in Papua underscore the fact that there is no solution that is entirely free of risk for Jakarta. Instead, the choice is between separate sets of risks.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics terrorism