COMMENTARIES

International Human Rights Day in Manila

17 Dec 2020

A Duterte-Democrat President Redux?

Malcolm Cook

A Biden Administration will see strong headwinds as it pertains to Washington’s relations with Manila.

15 Dec 2020

RCEP and Intra-ASEAN Trade

Shankaran Nambiar

ASEAN Centrality would not be very meaningful if intra-ASEAN trade remains shallow.

Asean Trade Global Value Chains RCEP

15 Dec 2020

Policymakers' View

ASEAN-Australia Partnership Amid the Pandemic: Deepening Ties in Challenging Times

Will Nankervis

During the Covid-19 crisis, Australia has doubled down on its support for ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific. The ASEAN-Australia partnership has emerged stronger than ever.

ASEAN Australia COVID-19 Policymakers’ View

A child reaches for a giant bubble in Central Park

15 Dec 2020

Opening-up Travel in Southeast Asia: Blowing Bubbles Into Balloons

Jayant Menon

Quarantine-free travel in Southeast Asia is unlikely anytime soon, but regional countries can double efforts to move travel bubbles into bigger travel balloons.

ASEAN COVID-19 Open Borders

Adm. Phil Davidson and Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha

14 Dec 2020

Policymakers' View

US Indo-Pacific Command: Standing with Allies and Partners Amid the Pandemic

Philip S. Davidson

In this special contribution to Fulcrum, Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, stresses that the US’ largest geographic combatant command will continue to work with allies and partners across the region, particularly those in Southeast Asia. He argues that there is a growing “strategic convergence” between the US and the region.

Indo-Pacfic Policymakers’ View Southeast Asia US

A motorcyclist rides through a muddy street in Marikina City, suburban Manila, on November 13, 2020, a day after Typhoon Vamco hit the capital area bringing heavy rains and flooding. (Photo: Ted Aljibe, AFP)

11 Dec 2020

ASEAN Sustainable Development Goals: Notable, But More Can Be Done

Melinda Martinus

ASEAN member states have made notable achievements in attaining their Sustainable Development Goals, but more needs to be done in areas such as environmental sustainability.

ASEAN Environment Sustainable Development

High school students in Kuala Lumpur on June 24, 2020.

9 Dec 2020

The NEP at 50: Misunderstood and Misrepresented

Lee Hwok-Aun

Modern Malaysia’s definitive communal policy agenda should be reoriented not retired.

Affirmative Action Malaysia

An employee works in the warehouse of Cainiao Smart Logistics Network

9 Dec 2020

Alibaba’s Expansion into Malaysia: A Double-Edged Sword?

Tham Siew Yean

Alibaba’s latest foray into Malaysia will bring a raft of e-commerce opportunities to the country. But there are concerns about its pervasive presence in the country and the possible impact on competition.

E-Commerce Malaysia Malaysian Economy