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.
February 19, 2025
Why Sovereign Wealth Funds Are All the Rage in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
In an uncertain global climate, the state is playing a more assertive role in financial and capital markets.
February 14, 2025
The Financial Scandal at Indonesian Tech Unicorn eFishery, Explained
By James Guild
The agritech firm's troubles reflect some of the broader challenges facing Indonesia's nascent tech sector.
January 31, 2025
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Explained
By James Guild
The project is intended to bring together Malaysia's land and labor with Singaporean finance and investment.
January 21, 2025
Why Indonesia is Blocking Apple From Selling the iPhone 16
By James Guild
Middle powers with rapidly growing economies feel they have more bargaining power than they once did – and some are not afraid to use it.
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.
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