ARTICLES

13 Aug 2025

The Xin Yimin’s Impact on Malaysia’s Social Anxieties

Peter T. C. Chang

The presence of new Chinese migrants, known as xin yimin, in Malaysia reflects China’s resurgence as a global economic powerhouse, bringing with it opportunities for Malaysia in terms of trade, investment, and cultural exchange. But there are significant challenges to their ability to integrate with the broader Malaysian society.

20 Jun 2025

Trump Administration’s International Student Curbs Risk Undermining US Soft Power

Cha Hae Won

The Trump administration’s curbs on foreign student admissions not only risk undermining US soft power but could also pave the way for more educational exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.

Education Immigration Southeast Asia US

24 Dec 2024

Chinese Migrants and the Philippines: The Need to Plug Legal Loopholes

Teresita Ang See

The Philippines’ immigration laws have failed to keep pace with a growing influx of new Chinese immigrants. The laws need to be reviewed to curb corruption in the system.

Immigration Philippines

18 Nov 2024

Has China Changed its Policy Towards Chinese Overseas?

Leo Suryadinata

In 2024, senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao made a clear distinction between Huaqiao and Huaren, emphasising that they possess different political loyalties. Huaren’s political loyalty, he noted, is tied only to the country of citizenship. In substance, however, Beijing’s policy of blurring the distinction between Huaqiao and Huaren remains unchanged.

China Ethnic Immigration Southeast Asia

22 Nov 2022

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa for Global Talent and Wealthy Residents: Aiming Too High?

Sivarin Lertpusit

Thailand’s latest move to attract global investment and talent might be a step too little, too late, given its slow start off the blocks and its unimpressive record on innovative visa schemes.

Immigration Labour Market Thailand

6 Apr 2022

New Chinese Migrants in Chiang Mai: Parallel Paths for Social Interaction and Cultural Adjustment

Aranya Siriphon|Fanzura Banu|Pagon Gatchalee

While descendants of older Chinese migrants in Thailand consider themselves Thai, new Chinese migrants tend to struggle with assimilating, due partly to negative stereotypes about foreign Chinese. This Long Read explores the parallel communities these new Chinese migrants have forged to address their needs for social integration.

China-Thai Relations Immigration Thailand

5 Feb 2021

Assimilating Southeast Asian Migrants into South Korea: Expanding the Meaning of Being “Korean”

Ivan V. Small

Services to assimilate the Vietnamese diaspora into South Korea’s culture have helped to make connections with migrants from other countries, as well as diversify Korean society.

Immigration Overseas Foreign Workers South Korea Vietnam