Cambodian garment factories improve conditions but rights violations continue
Conditions in Cambodian garment factories are improving, according to a new UN survey, but rights violations are still rampant.
Economy
Illegal workers are just the beginning: Duterte’s pivot to China is not having the desired effect
Despite making extensive concessions to Beijing, the Philippines has not received much in return. What looked like an appealing marriage, has become an abusive relationship.
Asian cities stand to lure climate investments worth US$20 trillion
Around 1.2 billion more people will migrate to urban areas in Asia over the next three to four decades. If the Paris climate agreement is to be a success, it is cities that must drive green solutions.
The Indonesian economy is shaping up to be the key election issue for 2019: Who benefits and who suffers?
The Indonesian election is still seven months away. But the issue that will define the next seven months is already beginning to take shape.
Why is Indonesia considering joining the TPP?
The Indonesian Vice-President has expressed his interest in Indonesia re-joining the TPP. Why the change of heart? Will it benefit Indonesian trade?
Myanmar’s tourism proposals offer small gestures but miss the elephant in the room
Myanmar’s Vice President unveiled the government’s latest plans to attract tourists. They do little to address the real factors driving tourists away.
Bad scorecards for ASEAN nations in the World Competitiveness Rankings
The IMD’s 2018 World Competitiveness Rankings are out. They may provide a reality check for some ASEAN nations.
What is behind Thailand’s strong first quarter economic growth
The Thai economy has reached five-year highs. However, the government has not yet laid the foundations to take it even higher.
Indonesia’s oil industry in crisis
Indonesia’s oil industry has been at the centre of several recent disasters. As the industry seeks to recover losses, risk mitigation is no longer a priority.
Najib is playing with fire on the national debt issue
Najib is using national debt as a political tool to attack the opposition. Mahathir has a poor record of managing debt. But Najib is playing with fire.