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James Guild

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.
Posts by James Guild
March 19, 2025

Are Investors Pulling Out of Southeast Asia?

By James Guild
Across the region, international markets are responding to the growing level of uncertainty and risk in the global economy.

March 11, 2025

The Scandal at Indonesia’s State-Owned Energy Firm Pertamina, Explained

By James Guild
Five oil executives have been arrested for importing fuel at inflated prices. What explains the timing?
March 05, 2025

Singapore’s Budget 2025, Explained

By James Guild
Above-target tax revenues have pushed the city-state back into fiscal surplus for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 25, 2025

Why Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Is Going Private

By James Guild
When is privatization not really privatization?

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.

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