COMMENTARIES

28 Mar 2024

Malaysia’s Sock Scandal: The Sound of Silence

Khairy Jamaluddin

The situation is tense in Malaysia following a fiery fracas over foot coverings.

27 Mar 2024

Vietnam’s High-Potential Energy Transition Needs Clear Policy And Clean Government

Vinod Thomas

Vietnam’s green growth commitments crucially depend on expanding renewable energy and replacing coal. The country must seize the rich opportunities on hand and manage the transition with a clear plan and effective, corruption-free administration.

Climate Change Vietnam

27 Mar 2024

ASEAN and Australia in Shaping a Shared Future

Tiffany McDonald

ASEANFocus is privileged to feature H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s new Ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador McDonald sheds light on the ASEAN-Australia relationship after 50 years and how Australia can actively work with ASEAN to shape a shared future for the region.

ASEAN ASEAN-Australia Relations ASEANFocus

Myanmar citizens gathering outside the Royal Thai Embassy

26 Mar 2024

Conscription in Myanmar Pushing Young Men to Choose Sides

Kyi Sin|Thida

The State Administration Council is seeking to revive Myanmar’s policy of conscription. Instead of bolstering national solidarity, it will undermine it.

Armed Conflict Myanmar

25 Mar 2024

Southeast Asia’s Soldiers of Fortune in the Russia-Ukraine War

Ian Storey

A small number of Southeast Asians are fighting in the war in Ukraine. They appear to be motivated by a mix of factors.

ASEAN-Russia Relations Russia Southeast Asia Ukraine

25 Mar 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)’s Green Proposition: A Hard Chug

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia is seeking to promote greener modes in freight transportation via the ECRL. This is laudable, but not without a set of challenges.

Climate Change Malaysia Malaysian Economy

22 Mar 2024

Vietnam and the Russia-Ukraine War: Hanoi’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’ Pays Off but Challenges Remain

Ian Storey

The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic nexus affects Vietnam more than any other Southeast Asian country. Hanoi is concerned that Beijing may use its leverage with Moscow to undermine Vietnam’s interests in the South China Sea.

International Relations Southeast Asia Vietnam Vietnam-Russia relations

21 Mar 2024

The United States of America in Southeast Asia: A Conversation with DAS Melissa Brown

Melissa A. Brown

Fulcrum editor and Co-Coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme Julia Lau discusses the United States' role and policies in Southeast Asia with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melissa Brown, the day after her public address at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute on 13 March 2024.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Southeast Asia U.S.

21 Mar 2024

The Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership in an Era of Geopolitical Realignment

Lowell Bautista

The recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Australia demonstrates the resolve of the Philippines to solidify its strategic partnerships with like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.

ASEAN Australia Philippine South China Sea