Democracy at a crossroads: Duterte’s lists of detractors
The presidential palace has released several matrices of alleged national security threats. Many are just individuals critical of President Duterte’s policies.
Singapore’s love of bottled water: a costly habit
Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe for drinking. Yet, the city state’s thirst for bottled water continues to grow every year.
A blessing and a curse: 7-11s present both opportunities and challenges in Thailand
In Thailand, 7-11 convenience stores are becoming ubiquitous. While many appreciate the fast and accessible services, impacts on small business and local suppliers are mixed.
Profits over human life: Myanmar’s deadly jade mines
Year after year, landslides in Myanmar’s jade mines kill hundreds of workers. Authorities place profits ahead of human lives.
Why proptech needs fintech to expand in Southeast Asia
Despite the strong growth of real estate markets in the region, proptech startups are still finding their feet in Southeast Asia. Fintech might hold the key to revolutionising ASEAN’s real estate markets.
Reuters journalists in Myanmar freed but press freedom and rule of law still in jeopardy
Two Reuters reporters jailed in Myanmar for over 500 days were pardoned. But their story and the ongoing repression of journalists in Myanmar show that Aung San Suu Kyi’s government is unable to secure the freedom of the press in Myanmar’s judicial system.
A shift in Myanmar’s nationalist rhetoric offers a glimpse of what’s to come in 2020
Myanmar’s nationalists are employing increasingly political rhetoric. It is no accident.
The dark side of technology: ASEAN’s vulnerable children
The benefits of new technologies are rippling across Southeast Asia. However, the region is also becoming a marketplace for child abuse imagery as foreign buyers connect with marginalised and impoverished communities
Thailand’s new political landscape begins to take shape
Prayut Chan-Ocha looks likely to win enough support to continue as Prime Minister. However, pro-democracy parties have made big inroads and could check his power.
Is the Malaysian civil service getting in the way of reform?
Malaysia’s civil service has long come under fire for being bloated, inefficient and self-serving. Now it stands accused of preventing attempts at reform.