COMMENTARIES

11 Jun 2025

Climate Modelling in Southeast Asia is Critical for Food Security

Elyssa Kaur Ludher

Facing the challenge of climate change, countries in Southeast Asia need to make use of climate models to reduce crop losses and protect food security.

Climate Change Southeast Asia

10 Jun 2025

Power Behind the Istana Gates: Musa Aman’s Quiet Influence in Sabah’s Election

Arnold Puyok

Musa Aman, the former chief minister of Sabah, has made a dramatic return as the state’s governor. He is expected to provide the political stability that Sabah needs.

9 Jun 2025

Next Challenge for Parti Keadilan Rakyat: Keeping its Anchor Role in Government

Adib Zalkapli

Parti Keadilan Rakyat has completed its leadership elections, which turned out to be intense and not without controversy. But it has a far bigger challenge ahead.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Parti Keadilan Rakyat

6 Jun 2025

Pheu Thai Party’s Identity Crisis: A Brand in Peril?

Treethep Srisa-nga

To ensure its survival, the party allied with the conservative establishment and compromised on benchmark policies. But if voters fail to recognise its dedication to reform or economic benefits, it risks perishing before the 2027 elections.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand

5 Jun 2025

Will Vietnam’s Private Sector Gamble Pay Off?

Nicholas Chapman

Vietnam aims to create private economic groups that hold regional and global significance. It must also combat corruption, support the growth of SMEs and startups, and promote foreign investment spillovers.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

5 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Public Infrastructure Drive: More Haste, Less Speed?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has an ambitious plan for the building of infrastructure. But it needs to be mindful of significant risks such as corruption and subpar construction quality.

Infrastructure Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

4 Jun 2025

Partnership, Not Protection: Trump’s Defence Policy in Asia

Hoang Thi Ha|William Choong

At his maiden Shangri-La Dialogue outing, the US Secretary of Defense laid out a stark and demanding vision for the region’s security. ASEAN and much of Southeast Asia did not feature in it.

Defence Pete Hegseth Shangri-La Dialogue US

4 Jun 2025

Thailand’s 2025 Municipal Elections: Triumph of Tradition or Transition?

Paul Chambers

The recent municipal elections in Thailand underscore the staying power of baan yai or “big houses” at the local level.

Thai Elections Thailand

3 Jun 2025

Plantation Workers Can Barely Live on Malaysia’s Minimum Wage

Alfian Al-Ayubby

Malaysia’s recently raised minimum wage is insufficient for plantation workers, who deserve a living wage to sustain their livelihoods and contributions to this key economic sector.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

3 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Trump Card: Navigating Growth, Politics, and US Relations

Hoang Thi Ha|Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam’s fast-tracking of a Trump-branded project is a high-stake diplomatic gambit to curry favour with the US president to ameliorate the extent of US tariffs. But the Trump project should also be viewed in the context of Hanoi’s relentless drive to do away with red tape and pro-business strategy.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam