Blog
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.
Indonesia’s Citarum: The World’s Most Polluted River
By Dikanaya Tarahita and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Malaysia’s Elections and the Anti-Fake News Act
By Gulizar Haciyakupoglu
How will the controversial new law affect the GE14 campaigns, and beyond?
Can Timor-Leste’s Next Government Pursue Much-Needed Budget Cuts?
By Guteriano Neves
It's politically risky, but budget cuts are needed to tackle low productivity, inefficient public spending, and the trade deficit.
Japan Tank Landing Ship Set for Philippines Voyage
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The visit is just the latest in a series of maritime developments in the bilateral defense relationship.
The Truth About the New Laos Minimum Wage Hike
By David Hutt
The development needs to be put into proper perspective to ascertain its true impact.
Indonesia's Traffic Woes
By Dikanaya Tarahita and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Congested roads and few traffic laws are proving to be a deadly combination.
A First: Indonesia-Singapore Naval Exercise Features Maritime Counterterrorism Component
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The incorporation of a maritime counterterrorism serial is testament to the growing emphasis on the area both bilaterally and regionally.
Malaysia’s Election and Southeast Asia: Issues and Implications
By David Han Guo Xiong
As a leading member of ASEAN, Malaysia’s foreign policy in Southeast Asia will have implications for GE14 and vice versa.
Laos: New Hydropower Dams, Old Mekong Worries
By Tae-jun Kang
As Laos continues its hydropower ambitions, concerns around the future of the Mekong River are only growing.
Is Time Running Out for Thailand’s Elusive Election?
By Erin Cook
Impatience is growing after multiple delays.
The Trouble With Myanmar and Rohingya Repatriation
By Luke Hunt
Repatriation is running far from smoothly and justice continues to prove elusive.
The Facebook Scandal Reveals the Philippines’ Cyber Vulnerability
By Chester Cabalza
The Philippines is one of the world’s most social media-active countries. That makes it one of the most vulnerable.