Thomas Brent

Thomas Brent

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Articles by Thomas Brent

Aug 16, 2019 • 15 min read
West Papua

Choosing to act

In 1969, Indonesia took control of resource-rich West Papua through a referendum many Papuans call the ‘Act of No Choice’. A half century on, activists are opening a new front in their struggle for self-determination
By Thomas Brent - Aug 16, 2019

Jul 26, 2019 • 13 min read
Aged care

The lost generation

Jobs are scarce in rural Cambodia, forcing hundreds of thousands of young parents to emigrate – and leave their young children in the hands of hard-pressed grandparents who get little help from the government
By Thomas Brent - Jul 26, 2019

Jul 05, 2019 • 10 min read
New media

Creative destruction

We sit down with some of the leading lights of Southeast Asia's media startup scene to talk about the way forward for the region's press
By Thomas Brent - Jul 05, 2019

Jun 18, 2019 • 9 min read
Poverty in the Philippines

Duterte’s other war

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug crackdown has often been slammed as a war on the nation's poor. But a new anti-poverty law is turning that narrative on its head
By Thomas Brent - Jun 18, 2019

Jun 10, 2019 • 15 min read
Mental health in Singapore

The fallen

For some Singaporeans with mental health issues, mandatory military service can be an isolating and traumatic experience – and one which can leave them at serious risk of self-harm
By Thomas Brent - Jun 10, 2019

Jun 06, 2019 • 14 min read
Sexual abuse

Under the world’s mirror

Facing discrimination for gender, disability and poverty, Cambodia’s women and girls with disabilities are among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse and violence
By Thomas Brent and Kong Meta - Jun 06, 2019

May 25, 2019 • 5 min read
Building on success

What's next for Cambodia's property market

New high-rise office blocks, modern condominiums and sprawling shopping malls are becoming increasingly common in Cambodia’s cities, representing the continued rapid growth of the property market in the country
By Thomas Brent - May 25, 2019

May 24, 2019 • 6 min read
Clean energy

A guide to renewable power in Cambodia

Cambodia has huge renewable energy potential in the form of hydropower, solar and wind. Hydropower is already an important part of the energy mix and attention is shifting towards other renewable energies, but many challenges lie ahead
By Thomas Brent - May 24, 2019

Apr 04, 2019 • 7 min read
Religion

How sharia came to Brunei

Brunei has become the first country in Southeast Asia to fully implement sharia criminal law on a national level, imposing brutal punishments for adultery and same-sex relations
By Thomas Brent - Apr 04, 2019

Mar 16, 2019 • 7 min read
Politics

Why the Philippines’ ICC exit could ‘undermine years of quiet diplomacy’

Duterte’s decision to withdraw the Philippines from the International Criminal Court has prompted outcry from certain members of the opposition and human rights groups. But what exactly is he walking away from? Southeast Asia Globe breaks down the purpose of the ICC, and what a withdrawal really means for the Philippines
By Thomas Brent - Mar 16, 2019

Mar 12, 2019 • 10 min read
Politics

Three voices from the Philippines’ new Muslim homeland

The creation of a new Muslim autonomous region in the conflict-torn southern Philippines has been hailed as a political breakthrough that could finally lead to peace in the Catholic-majority nation. Southeast Asia Globe speaks to three young people from the region to understand their stories and to learn what the new autonomous region will mean for their futures
By Thomas Brent - Mar 12, 2019

Feb 26, 2019 • 7 min read
Arts

Inside Brunei’s first film school

The team behind the new school and its first handful of students are eager to get Bruneian film onto the international stage
By Thomas Brent - Feb 26, 2019

Feb 19, 2019 • 4 min read
‘It’s his to lose’

Singapore’s budget binge sparks early election speculation

Singapore’s annual budget announcement, which includes extra healthcare spending for the elderly and other handouts, has fed speculation that the government is gearing up for an election this year – and one name in particular being touted as the city-state’s next prime minister
By Thomas Brent - Feb 19, 2019

Feb 14, 2019 • 4 min read
Politics

Aung San Suu Kyi’s arrogance

Protests in Kayah state over the construction of a statue of the late general Aung San – father of today’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi – represent growing divisions in Myanmar, which could have consequences for Suu Kyi’s party in the 2020 elections
By Thomas Brent - Feb 14, 2019

Feb 07, 2019 • 7 min read
Philippines

Who’s who in the fight for Muslim autonomy

The Philippines’ south has long been mired in conflict, but with so many different factions and splinter groups, it’s hard to know your BIFFs from your MILFs. Here’s our who’s who of the most important players in the conflict
By Thomas Brent - Feb 07, 2019

Jan 29, 2019 • 4 min read
Visual art

Photographer makes waves with Strawpocalypse project

Concept photographer Benjamin Von Wong’s latest creation sees the Canadian artist shine a light on the damaging nature of straws, in his new project the Strawpocalypse, which represents "the parting of the plastic sea"
By Thomas Brent - Jan 29, 2019

Jan 24, 2019 • 4 min read
Children's rights

How young can you be locked up in Southeast Asia?

The Philippines’ House this week approved a bill that would lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to just 12 years, as the government bids to crack down on gangs using children for illegal activities. Here, we look at the laws in the rest of Southeast Asia to see how the Philippines compares
By Thomas Brent - Jan 24, 2019

Jan 22, 2019 • 4 min read
The Philippines

Why an autonomous Muslim region could be the best hope for peace

The Muslim-majority areas in southern Philippines are voting in a historic plebiscite, as the people decide whether to pursue greater autonomy for the conflict-hit region. Southeast Asia Globe speaks to an expert about the vote’s significance and what it means for peace in the Philippines
By Thomas Brent - Jan 22, 2019

Jan 15, 2019 • 9 min read
Myanmar

Why Tatmadaw attempts to ‘crush’ the Arakan Army will backfire

The Arakan Army was formed just under ten years ago but has quickly grown into a fierce military force in Myanmar. Its latest attacks, which fell on the country’s Independence Day, prompted an unprecedented response from Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, whose office ordered the state army to “crush” the insurgency group. But what will a crackdown achieve and why has the government called for it?
By Thomas Brent - Jan 15, 2019

Nov 02, 2018 • 3 min read
The Gin House

The Saigon speakeasy igniting a quiet gin revolution in Vietnam

The Gin House opened in 2016 as a hidden Prohibition-inspired speakeasy in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Co-founder and general manager Vuu Thanh Tan talks about sharing the art of bartending and his love of the juniper-based spirit with his countrymen
By Thomas Brent - Nov 02, 2018

Oct 31, 2018 • 4 min read
Jinko Solar

'Solar is going to become the new primary energy in the world'

China-based Jinko Solar is the largest solar panel manufacturer in the world. The company is supplying solar panels for the huge Dau Tieng solar plant in Vietnam, and also recently came to an agreement with SchneiTec to build a 60MW solar plant in Cambodia. Southeast Asia Globe speaks to Jinko Solar business development manager Warren Lee about the rising popularity of solar and the region’s renewable energy potential
By Thomas Brent - Oct 31, 2018

Oct 12, 2018 • 3 min read
Asian film festival

Welcome to Singapore's first horror movie festival

Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo, took time out to talk with Southeast Asia Globe about the genre and the lineup of scares for the event he founded, Scream Asia Film Festival 2018, which includes master classes with Indonesian director Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves) and South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan).
By Thomas Brent - Oct 12, 2018

Oct 12, 2018 • 7 min read
The Blue Circle

Wind power in Cambodia is possible, says regional power producer

As the world increasingly opens up to renewable energy, Southeast Asia Globe speaks to Olivier Duguet, CEO and co-founder of The Blue Circle, a renewable independent power producer based in Southeast Asia, to find out more about the region’s future energy path. The company has already begun work on a wind farm in Ninh Thuan province in South Vietnam – one of the largest in the region – and has its sights set on creating a similar farm in Cambodia
By Thomas Brent - Oct 12, 2018

Oct 05, 2018 • 5 min read
Power Ledger

The tech behind Bangkok's new solar-powered community

Bangkok's futuristic new development, known as T77, will be home to what is likely the world's largest real-time blockchain-based, peer-to-peer electricity trading project. It came together after tech company Power Ledger and Thai-Government backed renewable energy developer BCPG teamed up with property development company Sansiri earlier this year. Southeast Asia Globe speaks to Marrah Fry, an analyst for Power Ledger, to find out more about the project, the technology and the future of electricity
By Thomas Brent - Oct 05, 2018

Sep 26, 2018 • 7 min read
EnergyLab

Why now is an exciting time for Cambodia's clean energy market

EnergyLab Asia is an organisation that aims to facilitate the growth of the clean energy market in Cambodia, with a particular focus on startups and innovation. Southeast Asia Globe sits down with director of emerging markets Bridget McIntosh to discuss new technologies in renewable energy and the future of the sector in Cambodia
By Thomas Brent - Sep 26, 2018

Sep 17, 2018 • 10 min read
Antonio Trillanes

Why Duterte’s crusade against senator is not simply a David vs Goliath story

Following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to revoke the amnesty and seek the arrest of government critic Senator Antonio Trillanes, Southeast Asia Globe speaks to political analyst Aries Arugay on the politics behind the story
By Thomas Brent - Sep 17, 2018

Aug 15, 2018 • 4 min read
Jakarta Palembang

Five must-see competitors at the 2018 Asian Games

The 18th edition of the Asian Games kicks off in Jakarta at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium this weekend, welcoming 45 countries to compete in 40 different sports. Southeast Asia Globe picks out five competitors to watch at this year’s games
By Thomas Brent - Aug 15, 2018

Aug 14, 2018 • 3 min read
Social Enterprise

Food for thought

Using the culinary expertise of refugees, a catering project in Malaysia is hoping to not only improve lives, but also to break down barriers and change discriminatory attitudes
By Thomas Brent - Aug 14, 2018

Aug 09, 2018 • 4 min read
Chin tribes

Myanmar’s tattooed women: An artist’s interpretation

The indigenous Chin people have a unique tradition of tattooing the women’s faces. In 2012, Belgian artist Christian Develter travelled to meet these women, which served as an inspiration for his series Chin Urban & Tribal. He discusses his experience of living with the tribes, and his thoughts on the now-illegal tattooing practice
By Thomas Brent - Aug 09, 2018

Aug 03, 2018 • 9 min read
dam collapse

Laos gambles on becoming ‘battery of Southeast Asia’

The collapse of a hydroelectric dam in Laos last week has reinvigorated a debate on the potential consequences of the country’s fervent building of dams, leaving many to question if the rewards outweigh the risks
By Thomas Brent - Aug 03, 2018

Jun 27, 2018 • 5 min read

The Myanmar Muslims facing statelessness under new Thai law

Thailand recently introduced a law requiring all migrants to hold a Certificate of Identity (CI), with the deadline for obtaining the document now set for 30 June of this year. But according to a new report, many Myanmar Muslims residing in Thailand are finding it nigh impossible to secure a CI – as they encounter both legal obstacles and discrimination from officials
By Thomas Brent - Jun 27, 2018

Jun 21, 2018 • 4 min read
International Day of Yoga

The impact of yoga in the process of trauma recovery

Krama Yoga Cambodia is an NGO offering yoga classes to disadvantaged youth and female victims of trafficking in order to build their confidence and to help them recover from the effects of trauma
By Thomas Brent - Jun 21, 2018

May 30, 2018 • 2 min read
Politics

Timor-Leste votes for change as opposition sweeps elections

Timor-Leste has voted in a new government, with the opposition coalition Alliance of Change for Progress (AMP) sweeping to a decisive victory and ending months of political deadlock
By Thomas Brent - May 30, 2018

May 18, 2018 • 3 min read
Sivakumar S. Ganapathy

New Phnom Penh Post owner faces press for first time since contentious takeover

The new owner of the Phnom Penh Post Sivakumar S. Ganapathy has held his first media conference since taking over Cambodia’s longest-running English language newspaper in a heated encounter that saw him field questions on the publication’s tax bill and the future of the company
By Thomas Brent - May 18, 2018

May 04, 2018 • 6 min read
Malaysia election

Why the outcome might not matter

Malaysia is set to face one of its most competitive elections to date this month, essentially pitting the old guard against the old guard. The question arises, then, of what, if anything, will change in a country mired in corruption and scandals should the opposition coalition be elected
By Thomas Brent - May 04, 2018

Apr 26, 2018 • 4 min read
Fashion Revolution Week

Highlighting the true cost of the clothes we wear

With Fashion Revolution Week 2018 underway, an art project is looking to change the way we think about the clothes we wear, and the waste and environmental damage they cause in developing countries like Cambodia
By Thomas Brent - Apr 26, 2018

Apr 20, 2018 • 5 min read
Photography

Myanmar pardons 8,000 prisoners and Songkran sparks feminist outcry

This week Myanmar's new president Win Myint signed a pardon to release more than 8,000 prisoners, feminists in Thailand hit back against authorities' advice to not dress 'sexy' for Songkran, and 12 new sea creatures were discovered off the coast of Indonesia
By Thomas Brent - Apr 20, 2018

Apr 13, 2018 • 4 min read
Boracay Island

Closure of "cesspool" island a chance to correct how tourism functions

One of the Philippines' busiest tourist hotspots Boracay Island was labelled a "cesspool" by the country's president Rodrigo Duterte in February 2018. One month later he announced that the island will close for six months, beginning on 26 April. Vince Cinches, the oceans and political campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, gives his opinion on the matter
By Thomas Brent - Apr 13, 2018

Feb 16, 2018 • 3 min read
Photography

Bangkok protests, Vietnam celebrates and Duterte causes stir

This week has seen protests in Thailand, the Malaysian government come under fire from the opposition and an international investigation launched into the Philippines' President
By Thomas Brent - Feb 16, 2018

Feb 02, 2018 • 3 min read
LGBT

Indonesia drafts proposal to ban same sex relations

The proposal seeks to make same sex relations illegal but activists say it could lead to violations of basic rights and grave consequences for the LGBT community
By Thomas Brent - Feb 02, 2018

Jan 24, 2018 • 4 min read
Rohingya crisis

Bangladesh delays repatriation of refugees

Humans rights groups have welcomed the delay, saying issues central to the Rakhine conflict, namely the issue of Rohingya citizenship, have not been addressed
By Thomas Brent - Jan 24, 2018

Jan 19, 2018 • 3 min read
Dy Vichea

Hun Sen appoints son-in-law deputy police chief

A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior compared Dy Vichea's appointment to President Trump promoting his family members to high-ranking positions
By Thomas Brent - Jan 19, 2018

Jan 18, 2018 • 4 min read
Mayon volcano

Eruption forces thousands to flee in the Philippines

The Philippines has evacuated 34,000 residents within the immediate danger zone of the volcano and have put residents living outside the radius on high alert
By Thomas Brent - Jan 18, 2018