COMMENTARIES

5 Mar 2025

The Anwar-Thaksin Deal: A Masterstroke or Miscalculation?

Napon Jatusripitak

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has roped in former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal advisor ahead of Kuala Lumpur assuming the ASEAN chairmanship. This might be ill-advised.

4 Mar 2025

Will Proton’s Electric Vehicle Spur New Local Supply Chains — and Displace the Old?

Tham Siew Yean

Proton’s electric vehicle could spur new supply chains and local EV components production, but will be constrained by market conditions while the old supply chain will endure.

EV Cars Malaysia Malaysian Economy Technology

4 Mar 2025

Myanmar’s Worsening Human Resource Crisis

Htet Hlaing Win

Four years of civil strife and conflict, compounded by forced conscription, have led to Myanmar’s dire human resources crunch.

Labour Market Myanmar Myanmar Economy

3 Mar 2025

Impact of Trump 2.0 on Southeast Asia’s Energy Geopolitics

Mirza Sadaqat Huda

Trump’s rent-seeking foreign policy pertaining to energy and critical minerals will force Southeast Asian countries to do what they least desire: making a choice between China and the US.

Energy Southeast Asia US

3 Mar 2025

Prabowo Should Take Heed of Discontent Among Indonesian Youth

Iim Halimatusa’diyah|Norshahril Saat

Indonesian youth are unhappy about the state of their country, even more so when compared to their counterparts in other ASEAN countries. The government should take heed of such discontent

Indonesia Indonesian Politics Youth

28 Feb 2025

The Resurgent Role of the Monarchy in Malaysia

Shad Saleem Faruqi

The influence of Malaysia’s monarchy has waxed and waned over time, influenced by the relative power and legitimacy of the country’s elected leaders. Since 2020, the power of the monarchy has increased due to the contested authority and unsure parliamentary majority of the last three prime ministers.

Malaysia Malaysian Monarchy Malaysian Politics

28 Feb 2025

Envisioning a Low-Carbon Future: Sarawak’s Journey Towards Sustainable Development

Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg

Mindful of the pressing challenge of climate change, Sarawak is leveraging its resource richness and cultural diversity to foster a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive future.

Climate Change Environment Sarawak Sustainable Development

27 Feb 2025

Introducing Timor-Leste

Alex Tilman

Fulcrum editor Julia Lau speaks to Ambassador Alex Tilman about Timor-Leste's imminent accession to ASEAN and its implications. They delve into aspects of Timor-Leste's identity as a Lusophone, small island, and majority Catholic nation-state.

ASEAN Dialogues at Fulcrum Timor-Leste

27 Feb 2025

Southeast Asia Can Navigate Growing Fractures in Global Automotive Sector

John Lee

Southeast Asia has become another front in the ensuing technology wars between China and the US.

EV Cars Southeast Asia Technology

27 Feb 2025

Joko Widodo, Prabowo, and Nahdlatul Ulama

Syafiq Hasyim

Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation missed out on the most significant ministerial portfolio – religious affairs – despite supporting presidential candidate Prabowo. What now?

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics Religion