Policy makers in ASEAN have not addressed the complex relationship between indigenous, local, national and foreign languages in the region, resulting in inconsistent and weak language policies that threaten linguistic and cultural diversity.
The pandemic is expanding strategic competition between China and Vietnam from the South China Sea into the economy. Vietnam could see a boost to its economy as the COVID-19 crisis wears off and companies look to shift their operations out of China.
A round-up of how the media covered Vietnam and other countries’ decisions to ease social distancing restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
As the price of oil fell to its lowest point in almost two decades, producers in Southeast Asia were hit hard and some of ASEAN’s biggest economies are reeling.
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.
As COVID-19 wrecks Cambodia’s economy, workers and families face added risks from record-high levels of microfinance debt. Without income, many will be unable to repay their microloans and may lose their land or be forced further into debt.
COVID-19 poses an existential threat to many Fintech startups in 2020, particularly in ASEAN. But certain subsectors are better positioned to survive and even thrive in a future that will demand increased reliance on digital solutions.
This month marks 65 years since Indonesia hosted the Bandung Conference, a ground-breaking summit between newly independent nations that shaped international law. As the Global South takes on a greater role in global affairs, Indonesia would do well to return to the principles of this historic conference.
Indonesia is bringing coal mining to West Papua despite an independence movement that has contested Jakarta’s claims to the region’s resources for almost 60 years and faced violent repression. The region also has a track record of destructive mining and gas projects that have brought few benefits to most local residents.
China is facing international backlash for stepping up its illegal claims in the South China Sea amid the coronavirus pandemic. Recent incidents and hostile rhetoric show that Beijing is using the situation to increase its aggression against Southeast Asian nations in the area.