ARTICLES

9 Jan 2023

Malaysia Cuts ECRL Costs, but Can the Mega Railway Project Pay?

Tham Siew Yean

The unity government has shaved the cost of the debt-funded project. But of greater concern is whether the ECRL will generate enough revenue for Malaysia to pay back the loan. The ECRL’s commercial viability also lacks public disclosure.

8 Nov 2022

Easy Highway, Troubled City: How China Wins and Loses Cambodians’ Hearts

Chanrith Ngin

Two China-driven projects show striking contrasts. The newly opened Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has been well-received by Cambodians. But grand plans for Sihanoukville to be an investment hub and “multi-purpose” city have instead seen Chinese businesses crowding out locals, a boom-bust cycle in construction and illicit trades.

Belt and Road Initiative Cambodia China Infrastructure

16 Sep 2022

Chinese ‘Debt Traps’ in Southeast Asia: What the Data Say

Darren Cheong

This Long Read argues that while the terms of China’s aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries are less favourable compared to those of the World Bank, the weight of the evidence does not lend credence to the existence of a Chinese “debt trap” strategy in the region.

Belt and Road Initiative China China-Southeast Asia relations Economic Development Infrastructure

12 Aug 2022

The G7’s Global Infrastructure and Investment Drive: Not So Attractive For Southeast Asia

Chanrith Ngin

The Group of 7’s new infrastructure and investment drive seeks to provide what Southeast Asia needs, such as financing for hard infrastructure. But the need for multiple stakeholders and financing issues might not garner much buy-in from the region.

ASEAN Belt and Road Initiative G7 Infrastructure

29 Jul 2022

How Southeast Asia Will Benefit from the G7’s Infrastructure and Investment Drive

Choi Shing Kwok

Critics have pilloried the Group of Seven’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment for its lack of scale and tardiness. But Southeast Asian countries should welcome an alternative source of capital for much-needed infrastructure projects in the region.

Foreign Direct Investment G7 Infrastructure U.S. Foreign Policy

18 Jul 2022

The Nusantara Project: Prospects and Challenges

Yanuar Nugroho|Dimas Wisnu Adrianto

The relocation of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan is perhaps the most ambitious government project in history. But detailed planning on how the project should be implemented should be undertaken urgently to ensure its sustainability and success.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics Infrastructure

27 Jun 2022

Thailand’s Digital Divide: Leave No One Behind

Alexandra Dalferro

Thailand has a developed Internet and digital infrastructure which has helped many Thais tide through the privations of Covid-19. But more can be done to extend such services to more Thais, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Digitalisation Infrastructure Thai Economy Thailand

31 May 2022

Analysing Public Opinion on Moving Indonesia’s Capital: Demographic and Attitudinal Trends

Burhanuddin Muhtadi

Public support for President Jokowi’s ambitious plan to move the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan has waned. Urgent efforts are needed to address this slide to ensure successful implementation of the move.

Indonesia Indonesian Economy Indonesian Politics Infrastructure

18 Apr 2022

Silencing the Din in Indonesian Cities

Rusli Cahyadi|Ahmad Najib Burhani

For the longest time, Indonesians endured a sonic pandemonium in their cities. It is about time that some regulation is effected to lower levels of noise.

Indonesia Infrastructure Religion

14 Mar 2022

Win Over Renewable Naysayers in Indonesia

Ryan Wong|David Silalahi

Indonesia has the potential to be a vital renewable energy exporter in the region. But it has to first get its ducks in a row on the technical, financial and regulatory fronts.

Climate Change Energy Indonesia Infrastructure Renewable Energy