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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.
MFP Leader Addresses Thai Rallies Ahead of Crucial PM Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The party's leader Pita Limjaroenrat is hoping to put pressure on military-appointed senators to uphold the people's will.
ASEAN Needs a Repatriation Plan for a Taiwan Contingency
By Abdul Rahman Yaacob and Muhammad Faizal
ASEAN would not be insulated from any damaging consequences arising from a Taiwan Strait conflict, particularly when it comes to their citizens working in Taiwan.
Without Money For A Funeral, an Indonesian Father Buried His Stillborn Baby in a Freezer Box
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The viral news story provided a stark illustration of the gap between the rhetoric of Indonesian politicians and the realities faced by many ordinary people.
Thailand’s Prime Ministerial Vote Set for July 13
By Sebastian Strangio
Nearly two months on from the general election in May, it is still unclear whether the victorious Move Forward Party will be able to form the country's next government.
Netherlands Announces Return of Cultural Objects to Indonesia
By Sebastian Strangio
The repatriation will include the “Lombok treasure,” a collection of 335 gold and silver items plundered by Dutch troops from the Indonesian island in 1894.
Malaysia Madani and the Muslim World: Anwar Ibrahim’s Soft Power Strategy
By Syed Huzaifah Bin Othman Alkaff and Muhammad Haziq Bin Jani
The current administration is well placed to use religious soft power to drive foreign investments and interest in the Malaysian economy.
Why Vietnam’s Naval Bases Do Not Change the Dynamic of Vietnam-China Relations
By Khang Vu
While allowing foreign navies to call at its ports supports Vietnam's omnidirectional foreign policy, its relationship with China remains the most important variable.
Philippines’ New Tourism Ad Draws Flak
By Mong Palatino
The advertisement, a showcase of the country's new "Love the Philippines" slogan, contained stock photos from other countries.
Malaysia Sets Important State Polls for August 12
By Sebastian Strangio
The six state polls, especially those in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, shape as a crucial political test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition.
We Know Microfinance Harms Cambodia’s Poor. What Can Be Done About It?
By David Hutt
Much ink has been spilled identifying the many problems with the sector, but much less so about possible ways forward.
Cambodia Bars Members of Meta’s Oversight Board From Entering the Country
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement followed Meta's decision to suspend Prime Minister Hun Sen's Facebook account for breaches of its policies on violence and incitement.
How Indonesia’s Green Energy Push Will Impact the Country’s Coal-mining Communities
By Media Wahyudi Askar
Jakarta needs to ensure that the dozens of villages reliant on the coal mining economy are not left behind by its renewable energy transition.