ASEAN inches towards a single aviation market
The single aviation market will benefit ASEAN citizens, but it is not happening fast enough.
ASEAN governments fear a return of ISIS fighters
Former ISIS fighters from Southeast Asia are opting to stay in the Middle East, but regional governments must remain vigilant.
Bangkok’s balancing act: Is Thailand really in lockstep with China?
Five years of junta rule trammelled Thailand’s relations with the US and pushed it to new military and strategic ties with China. Prayuth hasn’t left Washington for Beijing—Bangkok is just being pragmatic.
Vietnam’s fintech industry growth is a model for Southeast Asia
The Vietnamese government is playing a central role in the country’s emergence as a fintech hub. Their stance as a facilitator can serve as a model for the region.
Is there an EU-ASEAN trade deal on the horizon?
Last month the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement came into effect. Will it be a steppingstone to a region-to-region deal?
China is making headway in its campaign to redefine the conversation around human rights
Emboldened by its increasing influence in the UN, Beijing is ramping up its attempts to reframe the international human rights conversation.
Indonesia turns to AI to shrink the bloated civil service
Indonesia’s infamous red tape has been a persistent barrier to foreign investment into the country. Jokowi is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential solution.
Ethics in agriculture: Human rights violations persist in Indonesian palm oil operations
As palm oil companies move in, local communities in West Sumatra are losing access to their native lands. Despite the difficulties, they are pushing back.
Unfulfilled potential: Trade war has been a boon for Vietnam, but opportunities have been missed
Limited by its infrastructure and talent shortage, Vietnam is unable to fully cash in on the benefits offered by the Sino-US trade war.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s motives for defending Myanmar at the ICJ lie in domestic politics
Aung San Suu Kyi will defend Myanmar’s genocide case at the Hague. The explanations for her seemingly foolhardy decision can be found in Myanmar’s domestic political climate.