COMMENTARIES

A farmer harvesting pineapples in Pingtung county.

23 May 2024

Taiwan’s Economic Pivot Towards Southeast Asia: Bolstering Regional Support for Status Quo

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Taiwan is seeking to diversify its economy’s dependence on China towards a greater focus on Southeast Asia. This would yield benefits in more ways than one.

Photo composite of the four potential candidates

21 May 2024

Race for Vietnam’s Top Job: New Candidates, Old Challenges

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has made two high-profile political replacements. But the question remains as to which candidate would be the country’s next general secretary.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

21 May 2024

Vietnam Must Not Let Political Rumours Online Undermine Its Anti-Corruption Campaign

Nguyen Thanh Giang

Although it is not easy to pinpoint the leaker of each rumour, the disseminators of such leaks are famous, well-connected social media influencers.

Anti-Corruption Corruption Southeast Asia Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

20 May 2024

Assessing Prabowo-Gibran’s Victory: An Exit-Poll Aftermath Analysis of the 2024 Presidential Election

Burhanuddin Muhtadi|Kennedy Muslim

The victory of the Prabowo-Gibran team in Indonesia's 2024 presidential elections was due to Jokowi's high approval rating and support from young voters. The Bansos social assistance scheme also maintained support for Jokowi which in turn boosted support for Prabowo-Gibran indirectly.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics

20 May 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia

Ian Storey

Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

ASEAN ASEAN-Russia Relations International Relations Russia State of Southeast Asia Survey

17 May 2024

China’s Supposed “Change” in Policy Towards Chinese Overseas: Nothing to See Here

Leo Suryadinata

Recent remarks by a senior Chinese leader about Beijing’s position towards foreign nationals of Chinese descent (huaren) appears to show some change in official policy. But Beijing has largely taken a consistent position.

China china politics

16 May 2024

Thailand’s Minimum Wage Conundrum: Populist Promise or Productive Policy?

Peter Warr

At the May 2023 election, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party promised to double Thailand’s minimum wage. His administration should focus on raising labour productivity rather than pursuing short-term populist policies.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

16 May 2024

The Risks and Perceived Rewards of Rising Revivalist Populism in Malaysia

Syaza Shukri

The unhelpful antics of a particular populist politician in Malaysia reflect the dangers of playing up differences when a country needs unity.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

15 May 2024

Film Tourism in Southeast Asia: Between Boon, Bane and Balance

Dorcas Gan

Dorcas Gan investigates the opportunities and challenges arising from promoting film tourism in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Indonesia Thailand Tourism Vietnam

15 May 2024

Politics of Memory in Vietnam: A War Fought Twice

Nguyen Khac Giang

Hanoi’s silence over a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by a Vietnamese-American author speaks volumes about the country’s treatment of its wartime history.

Censorship Vietnam Vietnamese Politics