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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
Vietnamese Court Sentences Property Tycoon to Death in Giant Fraud Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Truong My Lan was found guilty of embezzling an astonishing $12.54 billion from Saigon Commercial Bank in the decade to 2022.
The Land-Locked Thinking of Laotians
By David Hutt
While the Lao government likes to talk about becoming "land-linked," the latest ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institution survey reflects an inward-looking mentality.
Ethnic Karen Rebels Complete Capture of Strategic Myanmar Border Crossing
By Sebastian Strangio
The fall of Myawaddy, a major hub of overland trade between Myanmar and Thailand, could have significant ramifications for the course of the country's conflict.
Philippine President Denies Secret Agreement On South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says that he is "horrified" by the prospect that his predecessor brokered a "gentleman's agreement" with Beijing over the maritime disputes.
Malaysia Orders Meta, TikTok to Formulate Plan for ‘Harmful’ Content
By Sebastian Strangio
With right-wing rhetoric proliferating online, the Anwar government has been forced to walk a fine line between free speech and censorship.
Cambodia’s Cyber-Slavery Trafficking Denials Reflect Official Complicity, Experts Say
By David Whitehouse
Despite growing evidence that Cambodia has become a source of industrial-scale cyber-scams, the authorities continue to downplay the extent of the problem.
Thailand Ready to Accept 100,000 Refugees, Foreign Minister Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The impending fall of the border town of Myawaddy to ethnic Karen rebels has raised fears of junta air attacks that could drive thousands of civilians into Thailand.
Malaysian Firm Removes Shoes From Sale Over Religious Complaints
By Sebastian Strangio
Just weeks after the "Allah socks" scandal, a Malaysian shoe company has found itself at the center of another conservative culture war controversy.
Thailand Confirms Myanmar Military Evacuation Flight Request After Latest Resistance Gains
By Sebastian Strangio
The fall of the town of Myawaddy to resistance forces could shift the battlefield and diplomatic dynamics of the country's conflict.
As Electronics Suppliers Shift Away From China, They Can’t Lose Sight of Climate Goals
By Xueying Wu
Shifting production away from China can also mean moving away from clean energy sources. Companies must keep that in mind.
Challenges Ahead for Indonesia’s Interfaith Couples
By Hartini
An Indonesian Supreme Court decision in 2023 made it harder for interfaith couples to have their marriages recognized.
Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim Faces the Demons He Helped Unleash
By Imran Said
After coming to office with a pledge to focus on the economy, Anwar has been dogged by Malay-Muslim culture war controversies.