ARTICLES

8 Jul 2026

Should Southeast Asia Fear the Second China Shock?

Roland Rajah

The second China shock fundamentally differs from the first. Southeast Asia should strategically optimise the growth of capital imports and investment from China.

1 Jul 2026

Singapore’s Trade Agreements Show How Small States Shape Global Legal Norms

Tristan Eng

From digital trade to essential supply chains, Singapore’s recent plurilateral trade agreements are reshaping how states sustain trade cooperation and build resilience within a rules-based order.

Economy Singapore Trade

29 Jun 2026

Is Thailand’s Latest Co-Payment Scheme Justifiable?

Archanun Kohpaiboon

Thailand’s new co-payment scheme seeks to help Thais buffeted by the impacts of the crisis in the Middle East. But the reach of the scheme might be too broad.

Economy Thai Economy Thailand

19 Jun 2026

Malaysia Should Channel US Trade Representative Section 301 Pressure Into Forced Labour Compliance

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia should take decisive action in response to the US’ tariff threat for failing to prohibit imports made with forced labour. Eliminating such imports is in everyone’s best interest.

Economy Malaysia Tariffs US

16 Jun 2026

What Do the US Forced Labour Tariffs Mean for Southeast Asia?

Stephen Olson

Faced with possible US forced labour tariffs, Southeast Asian countries should remember that the Trump administration’s underlying objectives are to reconstitute the reciprocal tariff regime, discourage economic linkages with China and reduce trade surpluses with the US.

Economy Southeast Asia US

11 May 2026

The Silver Lining in the Demographic Deficit

Donghyun Park|Kwanho Shin

Policymakers have sought to mitigate the negative effects of aging by addressing labour shortages. A better way would be to look at total factor productivity

Ageing Population Economic Planning Economy

A drone sprays fertiliser over a rice field of a farmer in Nakhon Sawan province, north of Bangkok, on 23 February 2026. (Photo by Chaiwat Subprasom/NurPhoto) (Photo by CHAIWAT SUBPRASOM / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

4 May 2026

How ASEAN Can Reduce Its Heavy Dependence on Imported Agricultural Inputs

Paul Teng

ASEAN should enhance efficiency of fertiliser application, increase local fertiliser production, and fortify policies on pesticides and seeds.

Agriculture ASEAN Economy

17 Apr 2026

The Iran War Shows Why Indonesia Must Accelerate Its Energy Transition

Peh Ko Hsu|Siwage Dharma Negara

Indonesia seeks to shield society from inflation while managing the fiscal deficit. The immediate policy responses must not detract from the country’s paramount transition toward renewable energy.

Economy Energy Indonesia Renewable Energy

A woman walks past a giant billboard reading 'The Strait of Hormuz remains closed' at Revolution Square in Tehran on 12 April 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

15 Apr 2026

Passage Through Hormuz in a Time of War and Peace

Nilufer Oral

Many legal experts have used the aegis of international law to challenge Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The reality, however, is that the application of international law to the situation is more nuanced.

ASEAN Economy Energy Law US

10 Apr 2026

The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey

Amid the Geostrategic Uncertainties, Firms Need the Reassurance of Business Continuity

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Businesses today especially value stability and deeper economic integration to mitigate risk, and are more worried about growing US economic influence, as reflected in private sector responses to the State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey.

Economy State of Southeast Asia Survey Trade