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.
Banks and fintech companies: The twin pillars of financial inclusion
Fintech emerged as a direct challenge to the dominance of traditional banks. But banks and fintech companies are increasingly defining a unique relationship of mutual patronage.
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network: Singapore’s legacy as ASEAN chair
Singapore’s year as chair of ASEAN has come to a close. While tensions in the South China Sea dominate headlines, the island state’s most ambitious initiative as ASEAN chair has gone largely unnoticed.
ASEAN: The reluctant ‘middle-man’ in the inter-Korean peace process
Seoul believes that increased ASEAN involvement with North Korea will help rapprochement. Some ASEAN members, however, are cautious about becoming further embroiled in the Korean…
UMNO: Can it be revived or is the patient dead on the operating table?
UMNO is in the grip of a crisis. Its new President Mohamad Hasan brings something new to the table, but it may be too late to save the party.
Will the 2019 mid-term elections lead to a ‘Duterte dictatorship’?
President Rodrigo Duterte continues his assault on critics and political opponents. With the 2019 mid-term elections on the horizon, is he poised to assume even more power?
The ASEAN governments exploiting cybersecurity threats to expand authoritarian powers
ASEAN governments are seeing severe digital security breaches and violations of users’ privacy. Rather than improving cybersecurity, the region’s governments are using these threats to crack down on internet freedoms.
A new maritime dispute: Issues of nationalism and sovereignty fray Malaysia-Singapore ties
As Malaysia withdraws its challenge against Singapore on the Pedra Branca ruling, another high-profile maritime spat has been ignited.
Thailand’s move to become Asia’s “medical marijuana hub”
Thailand will break new ground by legalising marijuana for medical use and research. It must act decisively to capitalise on the opportunities this will present.
ASEAN is not China: Why the ASEAN P2P lending market will avoid the Chinese pitfalls
Recent market shifts in China have raised serious concerns regarding the long-term stability of P2P lending. But ASEAN is not China. It will not suffer the same fate.