COMMENTARIES

3 Jun 2019

Women MPs in the 2019 Thai Parliament

Punchada Sirivunnabood

Thailand scores well when it comes to female leadership in the corporate realm, but this is not replicated in the political realm. While female representation is still low in Thai politics, it has been improving with every election - a promising sign of progress.

Thai Politics Thailand

27 May 2019

Vietnam Extends Anti-corruption Drive Ahead of CPV Congress

Le Hong Hiep

Characterised by its slow but sure approach, Vietnam's anti-corruption campaign has led to the prosecution of an unprecedented number of high-ranking officials. The campaign is set to intensify in the coming years leading up to the Party's 13th national congress in 2021.

16 May 2019

Singapore is Currently the Biggest Foreign Investor in Myanmar

Su-Ann Oh

In the past five years, Singapore has overtaken China as the largest investor in Myanmar. While Myanmar stands to benefit from this, it will need to maintain legal, regulatory and political stability in order to maintain Singapore's enthusiasm for investing in the country.

FDI Myanmar Myanmar-Singapore

2 May 2019

Why does Vietnam Shy Away from Huawei’s 5G Technologies?

Le Hong Hiep

The absence of Huawei from Vietnam's 5G mobile network rollout is rooted in three key reasons: cybersecurity concerns over Chinese equipment, a desire to develop its own high tech industries, and the need to strengthen the country's security and defence ties with the United States.

China U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

22 Mar 2019

Coalition Scenarios in Thailand after the Polls

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

None of three strongest parties will be able to win a majority of the seats in the coming elections. In the end, a coalition of parties will be needed for these parties to gather the votes necessary to appoint their preferred Prime Minister candidate.

Thai Politics Thailand

20 Mar 2019

Thailand’s 2019 Elections: Regime Change or Prolonging Junta Rule?

Prajak Kongkirati

Coming 5 years after the military coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's 2019 elections will likely mark the start of a new round of struggles to set the terms of a political order that is still in flux .

Thai Politics Thailand

7 Mar 2019

Nahdlatul Ulama and the Framing of an Ideological Battle in the 2019 Indonesian Elections

Ahmad Najib Burhani

Indonesia's 2019 presidential elections have turned into a proxy battle between two different ideological leanings. Anti-caliphate and moderate Islamist groups backing Joko Widodo have arrayed themselves against pro-caliphate groups backing Prabowo.

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Islamist Groups

8 Feb 2019

The Significance of the Second Trump – Kim Summit for Vietnam

Le Hong Hiep

As a country rebuilt from the ruins of war, hosting the second Trump-Kim summit will give Vietnam an opportunity to enhance its international standing and play a bigger role in international affairs.

Trump-Kim Summit Vietnam

7 Feb 2019

Ahead of 2020 Elections, Moves to Amend the Myanmar Constitution

Ye Htut

Making good on one of their 2015 campaign promises, Myanmar's ruling NLD party has formed a Joint Committee for Constitutional Amendment just ahead of the 2020 elections. However, even with its super-majority, the party will still need the support of minority parties and military representatives to pass any amendments.

Myanmar Myanmar Politics NLD

28 Jan 2019

Why is Malaysia Slow to Ratify the CPTPP?

Tham Siew Yean

Despite becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Malaysia has yet to ratify the agreement, citing concerns over the required governance reform that will impact their preferential Bumiputera policies.

Malaysia TPP