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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.
Convicted Bali Bomber Says He ‘Disagreed’ With 2002 Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
In a YouTube video "interview" with the governor of prison in Central Java, the militant repeated long-standing claims of remorse.
Survey Indicates Ambivalence About Growing Chinese Influence in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The Institute for Strategy and Policy highlighted familiar subjects of concern, but also reservoirs of positive sentiment toward China.
Should Cambodia Ban Casinos?
By David Hutt
The recent gambling boom has tarnished Cambodia's reputation and turned the country into a magnet for human trafficking and other criminal activity.
Indonesian Troops Accused of Killing, Mutilating 4 Papuans
By Associated Press
Six elite troops have been arrested and accused of involvement in the killing of four indigenous Papuans.
Singapore Loosens Mandatory Mask Rules, COVID-19 Travel Requirements
By Sebastian Strangio
After nearly three years, the city-state has taken a significant step toward living with the disease.
Malaysia Budget Announcement Raises Prospect of Early Polls
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling United Malays National Organisation is hoping to capitalize on recent strong showings at the state level.
Should ASEAN Take a Stronger Position on the Ukraine War?
By Frederick Kliem and Ian Seow Cheng Wei
ASEAN and its individual member states have mostly avoided taking a strong stance on the conflict. Is that a sign of weakness, or a smart diplomatic move?
A 50-Year Legacy: Remembering Tim Page
By Luke Hunt
Tim Page, a photographer and journalistic war horse who made his name covering the wars in Indochina, died this week at the age of 78.
Myanmar Junta Trumpets Continuing Flow of Natural Gas Revenues
By Sebastian Strangio
Its Commerce Ministry claims that the state earned $819 million from gas exports from April to July, mostly to Thailand and China.
Myanmar Junta Arrests Former UK Ambassador on Immigration Charges
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of Vicky Bowman and her husband Htein Lin came a day before London imposed a new round of sanctions on military-linked enterprises.
Is Southeast Asian Football Finally On The Cusp Of Success?
By David Hutt
After years of under-performance, green shoots are visible both in the region's domestic leagues and at the national level.
A Look at Philippine President Marcos’ ‘Unity Budget’ for 2023
By Mong Palatino
The administration claims that the $94 billion budget will help propel the country out of its COVID-19-induced slump.