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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.

Asbestos: Singapore’s Toxic Past Is Catching up With It

Asbestos: Singapore’s Toxic Past Is Catching up With It

By Sean Lim
The number of cancer cases in Singapore is on the rise even though the hazardous material was banned more than 30 years ago.

Detained Filipino Preacher Registers to Run in 2025 Senate Election

Detained Filipino Preacher Registers to Run in 2025 Senate Election

By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy faces a raft of charges, including sex trafficking and child abuse, in both the Philippines and the United States.
Anwar Ibrahim in Russia: Opportunism or Hatred of the West?

Anwar Ibrahim in Russia: Opportunism or Hatred of the West?

By David Hutt
The Malaysian leader's apparent embrace of Russia reflects a growing cynicism about the current U.S.-backed global order.

How a UNHCR Employee Died After Being Tortured by Myanmar’s Military

How a UNHCR Employee Died After Being Tortured by Myanmar’s Military

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The military and the mobs it supports are targeting local and global NGOs and their workers in Buthidaung town in Rakhine State.

Vietnam, France Announce Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam, France Announce Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

By Sebastian Strangio
France has become the eighth nation, and the fifth in the past two years, to rise to the top of Hanoi's diplomatic hierarchy.

What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
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What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?

Ahead of Summit, ASEAN Again Prepares to Grapple with Myanmar Conundrum

Ahead of Summit, ASEAN Again Prepares to Grapple with Myanmar Conundrum

By Sebastian Strangio
The past year has seen significant changes in the dynamics of the country's conflict. Will ASEAN's approach shift accordingly?

Competing Sectarianisms in Malaysia

Competing Sectarianisms in Malaysia

By Aizat Shamsuddin
A new bill seeks to tighten Islamic orthodoxies, imperiling the country's reputation for religious tolerance and inclusion.
Will Prabowo’s Election End Indonesia’s Era Reformasi?

Will Prabowo’s Election End Indonesia’s Era Reformasi?

By Paul Marshall
The current situation has some disturbing parallels to pre-1998 Indonesia, especially given Prabowo’s connections to Suharto.

Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops

Philippines Says It Is ‘Monitoring’ Media Reports of Covert Foreign Ops

By Sebastian Strangio
A new Al Jazeera documentary advances claims that Alice Guo, a former Philippine mayor, worked as a spy for the Chinese government.

Midterm Elections and the Prospect of Impeachment in the Philippines

Midterm Elections and the Prospect of Impeachment in the Philippines

By Mong Palatino
As registrations for next year's midterm elections begins, momentum is growing for an impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Indonesia, Malaysia Welcome Proposed Delay to EU Deforestation Regulation

Indonesia, Malaysia Welcome Proposed Delay to EU Deforestation Regulation

By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations have lobbied against Brussels' law, which would have increased scrutiny of their palm oil exports to European countries.
Former Singaporean Transport Minister Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison

Former Singaporean Transport Minister Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison

By Sebastian Strangio
S Iswaran pleaded guilty to accepting more than S$400,000 in valuable gifts from businessmen who had dealings with the government.

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