ARTICLES

30 Mar 2022

The Race to Produce Covid-19 Vaccines in Southeast Asia

Tham Siew Yean

Several Southeast Asian countries are racing to produce home-grown Covid-19 vaccines, to reduce dependence on the vagaries of external sources. Local vaccine manufacturers face significant challenges as well as stiff competition. Nonetheless, the technology acquired and lessons learnt are helpful to prepare the region for future pandemics.

13 Oct 2021

Slammed by The Delta “Force”: Turns In The Covid-19 Wars In Southeast Asia

Choi Shing Kwok

Nearly two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, Southeast Asian countries have realised that they must continually adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the game.

COVID-19 Health Southeast Asia

24 Sep 2021

Sarawak’s Fight Against the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Tale?

Kevin Zhang|Lee Poh Onn

On paper, Sarawak should have turned the corner in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The fact that it has not could provide lessons as to how to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia

23 Aug 2021

Containing the Covid Scourge in South Vietnam

Ha Hoang Hop|Lye Liang Fook

A number of reasons can account for Vietnam’s latest wave of Covid-19 outbreak. These include the more contagious Delta variant, the initial slow response of the authorities in Ho Chi Minh City, the lack of strict application of Covid-19 safety measures, and the slow pace of vaccination due to a shortage of vaccines.

COVID-19 Health Vietnam

16 Aug 2021

Vaccine Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: Russia Squanders its Sputnik Moment

Ian Storey

For a country that was first off the blocks, Russia has a long way to go if it wants to catch up with China and the United States in the game of vaccine diplomacy

COVID-19 Health Russia Southeast Asia Vaccine Diplomacy

12 Aug 2021

Covid-19 Outbreaks: The Challenge Facing the Fight Against Poverty

Phi Minh Hong

The Covid-19 pandemic has had manifold impacts on the poor in ASEAN member states. Upping vaccination rates will go a long way.

ASEAN COVID-19 Economic Planning Health

11 Aug 2021

Covid-19 and Vietnam’s Short-lived ‘Breakout Moment’

Tuan Ho

At the beginning of 2021, Vietnam was looking forward to a “breakout moment”, with its hitherto successful containment of the coronavirus expected to facilitate strong economic recovery. However, the country now appears to be missing this opportunity due to the ongoing fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.

COVID-19 Health Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

2 Aug 2021

Between Religious Rituals and Safety Protocols in the Time of a Pandemic

Afra Alatas|Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek

Religious leaders have an important role to play, in word and deed, to safeguard the physical and spiritual well-being of their flock during this pandemic.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia Malaysian Politics Religion

26 Jul 2021

The Religious Challenges Behind Enforcing Emergency Covid-19 Restrictions

Syafiq Hasyim

Although the mainstream Muslim organisations had supported closing mosques during Indonesia’s current round of emergency Covid-19 restrictions, the government subsequently compromised. This is another indication of the growing influence of conservative Muslim voices on Muslim issues.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia Religion

23 Jul 2021

Indonesia Suspends Paid Vaccination Programme: Signs of Growing Political Pressure

Max Lane

In Indonesia, a paid vaccination programme bombed out in a span of days. Putting economics above health priorities had added to the negative political climate for the government.

COVID-19 Health Indonesia