Blog
Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.
How China and Japan are Competing Over Indonesia’s Car Industry
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Chinese carmakers are making quick inroads into Japan's long-standing dominance of the Indonesian auto market.
Why Did Singtel Reject Takeover Bid for Thai Telecom Giant?
By James Guild
The past three decades have seen the Singaporean firm expand successfully into regional telecoms markets.
A New Way to Explain – and Predict – China’s Economic Policymaking
By Sara Hsu
Using a machine-learning process and a variety of economic, media, and regulatory factors, I have found ways to understand how certain types of Chinese policies are made.
Singapore’s Climate Impact X: A Viable Solution for Decarbonization
By Danielle Fallin
Given its location, embrace of green technologies, and reputation for transparency, Singapore could offer a stable foundation for a global carbon market.
Is Pindad Ready to Anchor Indonesia’s Defense Industrial Ambitions?
By James Guild
The firm's successes encapsulate the broader goals of Indonesia's state-owned sector.
Moving Forward in an Inclusive Digital World: The Case of Mobile Money
By Xie Taojun, Ammu George, and Cheah Wen Chong
Despite the rapid uptick in the adoption of digital payment systems in Southeast Asia, women continue to lag behind in the use of the new technologies.
China’s Tech Sector Regulations Are Costly But Not Shocking
By Sara Hsu
The flurry of tech industry regulations follows China’s typical pattern of regulatory crackdown on a sector that has been allowed to grow over time.
Why Did the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Make a Loan to Rwanda?
By Hannah Ryder
Does the AIIB’s first loan to Rwanda signify a new route to infrastructure finance for Africa?
Bangkok Spends Big on Public Transit
By James Guild
The Thai capital is undertaking a range of efforts to keep pace with the rapid growth in private vehicle ownership.
Economic Logic Alone Will Not Curb ASEAN’s Carbon Emissions
By James Guild
The hard political choices involved in phasing out coal and reducing emissions are the most important, and also the most often elided, element.
The Challenge of Modernizing a Navy: Malaysia’s Boustead Heavy Industries
By James Guild
A decade ago, the Malaysian shipbuilder was in fine health. Now it finds itself in financial straits.
China’s ‘Circular 15’ Addresses Local Governments’ Hidden Debts
By Sara Hsu
Local government financing vehicle bonds are coming under increasing scrutiny as a source of financial risk.