Russian arms sales in Southeast Asia: What does it mean for the region?
Russia’s status as a major arms supplier in Southeast Asia will have a significant impact on the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Laos
What does the rise of online learning during COVID-19 mean for Southeast Asia?
As schooling shifts online amid the COVID-19 crisis, there is a dire need for a more holistic approach to internet policymaking. Unless governments provide key internet services, education gaps will widen in Southeast Asia.
New Mekong dam ignores threats to UNESCO World Heritage city, livelihoods and ecosystems
In Laos, the push for hydropower near the ancient capital of Luang Prabang shows that plans to dam the Mekong River basin are already going awry. But rather than learning from its missteps, the government—with the help of Thai and Vietnamese developers—is going ahead with a dam that could endanger a UNESCO World Heritage city.
A broken dam and broken promises: Laos doubles down on hydropower despite risks
Two years after a dam in southern Laos collapsed, displacing thousands, the country’s hydropower gold rush continues. As the companies and governments involved refuse to take responsibility for what happened, Laos still pins its hopes on hydropower without addressing the risks.
Southeast Asia’s Women of the Future: spotlight on the region’s leaders and changemakers
Ten young women across diverse sectors were recognized with awards for their work and leadership, showcasing the region’s female changemakers.
Singapore firm to build US$1.7 billion coal power plant in Laos
Laos has approved a Singapore energy firm’s plan to build a 1,000 MW coal-fired power plant in the southern province of Sekong. The plant is slated to export power to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and would be the country’s second coal power plant.
Southeast Asia takes growing role in COVID-19 vaccines and treatments
Facebook0TwitterReddit0Linkedinemail As more than a hundred teams all over the world research and test potential COVID-19 vaccines and medicines, Southeast Asian projects are among those…
Collaboration and flexibility key to reviving ASEAN’s tourism industry
COVID-19 put tourism in Southeast Asia on hold. ASEAN economies need their tourism sectors to get moving again once restrictions are lifted—but it will take time and a flexible approach.
Work resumes on China-Laos railway: Full steam ahead for Beijing’s Belt and Road?
Construction has resumed on the new US$6 billion China-Laos railway, a key piece of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, despite the deep impacts of COVID-19 across the region. But as the pandemic brings new questions about sustainable growth and resilience, it’s changing the calculus for the governments and local communities that host China’s new development projects.
UN calls for firms behind Lao dam collapse to pay as 7,000 survivors await compensation
Almost two years after a dam in Laos collapsed, displacing thousands, the people affected struggle to secure compensation while living in deteriorating relocation centers. A group of UN experts is now calling for the governments and companies involved to finally follow through on the recovery effort.