COMMENTARIES

25 Apr 2024

Thailand Needs Economic Reform, Not Economic Stimulus

Peter Warr

The Thai government wants to inject more economic stimulus to raise the growth rate. It should tackle productivity-raising long-term economic reform.

24 Apr 2024

Indonesia’s Youth and Political Inequality: How Neo-Traditionalism Hinders Women in Politics

Iim Halimatusa’diyah

Indonesia has a steep climb towards the recognition that women can play an equal part in the country’s politics, especially as its youth are not immune to outdated ideas about gender roles.

Gender Equality Indonesia Indonesian Politics

23 Apr 2024

Vietnam’s Geopolitical Anxiety Over Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal

Chansambath Bong

Vietnam’s concerns about a China-backed canal project in Cambodia are making some waves. Cambodia’s new leader has a chance to calm the waters.

Cambodia International Relations Mekong River Vietnam

22 Apr 2024

A Tightening Noose Heightens Risks to Investors in Myanmar’s Economy

Romain Caillaud

The continued fallout of Operation 1027 and the military regime’s rollout of conscription raise the stakes for Myanmar’s ailing economy.

Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Military Myanmar Politics

19 Apr 2024

Possibilities in Malaysia’s Difficult Path to a Low-Carbon Economy

Vinod Thomas

Malaysia’s climate action commitments are vital, but difficult to achieve. A three-pronged approach opens possibilities to be a low-carbon economy.

Energy Malaysia Renewable Energy Southeast Asia

19 Apr 2024

Japan and Southeast Asia Set to Co-Create an Interwoven Future

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Japan’s decades of cultivating relations with Southeast Asia have not only strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties but also deepened interpersonal and societal interactions, ultimately shifting postwar animosity towards Japan into a prevailing positive sentiment today.

International Relations Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations Southeast Asia

19 Apr 2024

Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election in North Sumatra: The End of a Long-Established Religious Binarism?

Deasy Simandjuntak

In February’s presidential race, the use of religion as a motivator to get votes seemingly declined in North Sumatra. This shift echoed the national propensity to focus on pragmatism in politics, rather than piety.

Indonesia Indonesian Elections Indonesian Politics Religion

18 Apr 2024

Southeast Asia and the Chip Wars: Navigating a Decoupling World

John Lee

The race for some Southeast Asian countries to anchor themselves in the global semiconductor industry is open and evolving, even as it is complicated by factors like great power rivalry.

China China-U.S. Relations Southeast Asia Technology U.S.

18 Apr 2024

Malaysia Must Seize the Pivotal Developments in Myanmar

Saifuddin Abdullah

Malaysia’s former foreign minister outlines a possible roadmap for Malaysia as 2025 ASEAN Chair, Myanmar, and ASEAN to forge a realistic way out of the Myanmar crisis. There is a lot of work to be done. This article builds on the author's press statement of 9 April 2024.

ASEAN Malaysia Myanmar