COMMENTARIES

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.

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

14 May 2024

The Ambiguous Response of Indonesian Muslims to Iran’s Attack on Israel

Syafiq Hasyim

Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel in retaliation against the 1 April air strike on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus has drawn mixed reactions among Indonesia’s Muslim leaders. The theological divide, however, will limit Indonesian solidarity with Iran.

Indonesia Islam Middle East

14 May 2024

Platforming and Free Speech: Academia Caught Off Guard in Malaysia

Benjamin Y.H. Loh

Inflammatory conduct by a visiting foreign professor ignited a firestorm in Malaysia’s academia. The debacle underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to free speech, and a critical consideration of who gets to use the university as a platform.

Human Rights Malaysia

13 May 2024

South Korea-Southeast Asia Ties from Moon to Yoon: What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same?

Eugene R.L. Tan

President Yoon’s Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative has built on some of the groundwork laid by his predecessor’s New Southern Policy, most notably in its economic engagements with Southeast Asian countries. However, Seoul must undertake further efforts to boost its diplomatic and security profile in the region.

ASEAN South Korea

13 May 2024

Hidden Costs of Academic Dishonesty: The Case of Indonesia

Yanuar Nugroho|Burhanuddin Muhtadi

Indonesian academia was recently shocked by two egregious examples of professors plagiarising others’ work. Some deep soul-searching and reform must occur to set things right.

Education Indonesia