ARTICLES

27 Jun 2024

Structural Problems of Thailand’s Export Sector: Myths and Realities

Archanun Kohpaiboon

Thailand’s export trends suggest the economy faces structural problems, but the macro data do not capture the full picture. The country’s export challenges and opportunities, and policy responses, are more complex.

13 Jun 2024

Sanctions Will Not Bankrupt Myanmar’s Military But New Approaches to Trade and Finance Might

Jared Bissinger

Opponents of Myanmar’s military regime can think more creatively about how to cut off the flow of foreign funds to the junta. If done more comprehensively, it can not only undermine the military but also arrest the economy in crisis.

Economy Myanmar Myanmar Economy Myanmar Politics

3 Jun 2024

The Impacts of the US Tariff Hikes on Southeast Asian Economies

Maria Monica Wihardja

US tariff hikes on Chinese goods have raised US imports from Southeast Asia. The medium- and long-term impacts are more uncertain and potentially disruptive; the region must be on guard.

China-U.S. Relations Economy U.S.

6 Jul 2023

An ‘Islamic Lifestyle’: When Piety Meets Consumerism?

Sharifah Afra Alatas|Nadirah Norruddin

The growing Muslim middle class’s appetite for consumer goods with halal and religious-inspired branding raises challenging questions about whether conspicuous consumption sits well with expressions of religiosity.

Economy Islam

28 Feb 2023

Vietnam’s Accelerated Power Transition: Glad Tidings for Investors and Foreign Partners

Le Hong Hiep

The expected elevation of Vo Van Thuong to the presidency of Vietnam is part of a power transition plan that was stymied during the 13th National Congress more than two years ago.

Economy Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

20 Feb 2023

Southeast Asian Economies: Out of the Storm, Clouds on the Horizon

Jayant Menon

The Southeast Asian economy is looking up, after absorbing the blow of several downside risks in 2022. Continued growth in 2023 will depend on China’s recovery, the management of the fallout from the U.S.-China trade war and the war in Ukraine.

ASEAN Economy

17 Feb 2023

Fragmented Digital Regulations are Constraining ASEAN’s Digital Economy

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

The ASEAN digital economy is running sub-optimally due to fragmented regulatory frameworks. Increased coherence will enable the region’s firms to break out of their local markets and raise revenues from the expansion of consumer markets.

ASEAN Digitalisation Economy

9 Jan 2023

Strengthening Links in ASEAN’s Global Value Chains Post-Pandemic

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

The Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have disruptions global value chains. This has proven to be both a boon and bane for ASEAN.

ASEAN COVID-19 Economy Global Value Chains

31 Oct 2022

Evolution of the Halal Industry and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia

Mohammad Hashim Kamali

The notable growth of halal products and the overall market is a trend that bears watching for producers of halal consumables, as they adapt to modern demands from Muslims and non-Muslims alike to uphold high standards.

Economy Halal Certification Islam

27 Oct 2022

Globalised Halal Markets and Middle-class Southeast Asia: The “Muslim Piety Economy”

Johan Fischer

Islamic revivalism in Southeast Asia has stimulated interest in halal products and Muslim material culture. In Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, governments have actively helped shape a Muslim piety economy around halal production, trade, regulation and consumption.

Economy Halal Certification