The Diplomat | Author
James Guild
James Guild is an expert in trade, finance, and economic development in Southeast Asia.
James Guild is an Assistant Professor at the Indonesian International Islamic University where he teaches in the Masters of Public Policy on Climate Change program. His research focuses on trade, finance, energy and economic development in Southeast Asia. Follow him on twitter @jamesjguild, or contact him at www.jamesjguild.com or through his faculty profile.
January 15, 2025
The Return of Malaysia’s Government Investment Funds
By James Guild
Whatever momentum there once was for getting the state out of the economy has seemingly stalled.
January 07, 2025
What Indonesia’s 2025 Budget Tells Us About Prabowo’s Fiscal Outlook
By James Guild
To a large extent, fears about uncontrolled government spending have been overblown.
December 31, 2024
Why Economic Nationalism Was the Biggest Story of 2024 in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The steps taken by the region's governments over the last year should be seen as a response to a wider trend toward protectionism.
December 21, 2024
With Indonesia’s XL Axiata-Smartfren Merger, Telecom Consolidation Marches on
By James Guild
Amid both financial and geopolitical pressures, there has been a trend toward increased consolidation in Southeast Asia’s telecom industry.
December 12, 2024
The Taxman Cometh in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments in the region are attempting to get deficits and public debt levels back under control.
December 05, 2024
What’s the Deal with COP29?
By James Guild
The annual Conference of the Parties offers nations and funders to make splashy climate announcements. Translating these into concrete action is another matter.
November 29, 2024
Why Thailand Plans to Stretch the National Budget in 2025
By James Guild
Bangkok has embarked on a course of deficit spending, in the hope of reaping economic dividends over the remainder of the decade.
November 20, 2024
Indonesia’s PLN and the Clean Energy Conundrum
By James Guild
The state-owned utility has allowed private companies to expand the country's generating capacity, but it may take a different approach with solar.
November 14, 2024
What’s in Malaysia’s 2025 Budget?
By James Guild
The country continues to make attempts to reduce its heavy reliance on petroleum-related revenues.
November 08, 2024
The Financial Struggles at Indonesian Textile Giant Sritex, Explained
By James Guild
The garment manufacturer is struggling with a heavy debt burden, a slump in demand, and a flood of inexpensive imports.
November 01, 2024
Southeast Asia’s Semiconductor Play
By James Guild
Integrated circuits are acquiring ever greater currency as a geopolitical flashpoint, and this is creating a window of opportunity for countries that are eager to move up the value chain.
October 29, 2024
The Philippines’ 2025 Budget, Explained
By James Guild
The expanded budget confirms the Marcos administration's commitment to financing scaled up public spending by borrowing and running deficits.
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