COMMENTARIES

2 Jun 2020

The Advent of Cashless Transactions in Myanmar: Cash is (Still) King

Su-Ann Oh

The advent of Covid-19 is accelerating the trend towards a cashless society and driving the growth of e-commerce around the world. How will this pan out in Myanmar given the low uptake of e-commerce and mobile financial technology in the country? E-commerce in Myanmar is in its early infancy. It was valued at only US$6...

Myanmar Myanmar Economy

1 Jun 2020

The Phuea Thai Party: The Ignominy of Irrelevance

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The Phuea Thai Party, the country’s largest opposition party, is becoming increasingly irrelevant. To compound matters, the Thai prime minister is enjoying a surge of support, thanks to the country’s relatively successful battle against the coronavirus.

Thai Politics Thailand

29 May 2020

Inter- and Intra-Coalition Competition in Johor – a Kueh Lapis?

Francis E. Hutchinson|Kevin Zhang

There are many different dynamics at play when one examines the tenuous nature of the Perikatan Nasional-led state government in Johor. Think political battles within and without.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 May 2020

Malaysia: Best Case Scenarios and Bracing for the Worst

Lee Hwok-Aun

The net effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant shutdown and relief measures are hard to fathom. While the government can draw on some base-case scenarios, it might have to prepare for the worst when it comes to unemployment.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

29 May 2020

Will the Covid-19 Crisis Affect Thai-China Defence Cooperation?

Ian Storey

The Thai military has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to Chinese largesse, however, it will be able to secure the military kit it wants.

China Thai Military Thailand

27 May 2020

Indonesia’s Islamist Groups: The Logic of Strategic Silence

Made Supriatma

Indonesia’s Islamist groups have not hit back at President Jokowi for his handling of the current Covid-19 pandemic. There are several reasons for their strategic silence.

COVID-19 Indonesia Indonesian Politics

20 May 2020

Thai Airways: Up in the Air

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

The national carrier is flying into turbulence, and its woes are being compounded by a near-standstill in global air travel. The hope is that an extensive restructuring would put the carrier on a stronger footing – and lead to broader reforms of state-owned enterprises in Thailand.

COVID-19 Thai Economy Thailand

19 May 2020

E-commerce and Supply Chains: Links of the Same Chain

Gloria Pasadilla

E-commerce is seen as a panacea for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but it should be seen as one part of a larger and more complex system, involving other elements such as manufacturing and logistics. An ASEAN initiative to address bottlenecks in such systems should be lauded and supported.

ASEAN Asean Trade

19 May 2020

Foreign Investors Exiting China: Vietnam Milks the Gains

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam stands to benefit from MNCs’ efforts to diversify their production base beyond China. How much it will actually benefit, however, depends on how fast it can roll out measures to further improve its infrastructure and business environment.

China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

18 May 2020

Covid-19 and the Development Banks: More of the Same

Malcolm Cook

In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the more established multilateral development banks – the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank – are still miles ahead of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The same applies to non-Covid19 related loans and grants.

COVID-19 Economic Development Economic Planning