Power

Political reporting and analysis on the big questions facing the region.

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 10, 2016 • 9 min read

Laos The lost plantations

By Arnaud Dubus • Feb 10, 2016
When Chinese businessmen offered to rent land from impoverished Laotian farmers the deal was too good to turn down. Now, the true cost of banana plantations is finally being counted in northern Laos

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Jan 22, 2016 • 9 min read

Military bootcamp Thailand’s humiliating hazing rituals

By David Hutt • Jan 22, 2016
At universities and colleges across Thailand a dangerous tradition of hazing through initiation rites is leaving students exposed to injuries and damaging democratic values

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Dec 30, 2015 • 9 min read

Timor Leste The battle for the past

By David Hutt • Dec 30, 2015
In 1975, Indonesian forces invaded Timor-Leste, heralding an occupation that lasted 24 years and claimed the lives of up to a third of the population. Forty years later, another clash is underway: an internal “history war” over the official narrative of the country’s turbulent past

Power • Dec 30, 2015 • 11 min read
Suharto and Indonesia

A bloody legacy

Fifty years ago, one of the most violent episodes in recent history took place across the Indonesian archipelago. Under General Suharto, an estimated 500,000 people were murdered in just two years, and the effects of the dictator’s rule are still reverberating through society
By Nithin Coca • Dec 30, 2015

Power • Dec 11, 2015 • 11 min read
Luxe lifestyle

Luxury brands court Southeast Asia’s consumers

The world’s most prestigious brands are working hard to attract the region’s swelling middle class. To achieve success, they must seek to understand the Southeast Asian consumer, create compelling digital content and offer unrivalled boutique experiences
By Dene Mullen • Dec 11, 2015

Power • Dec 03, 2015 • 8 min read
Politics

Myanmar’s newly elected NLD takes stock of political landscape

The hard work starts now for Myanmar’s opposition National League for Democracy. After election success the party faces myriad challenges, not least the delicate task of dealing with the powerful military
By Sebastian Strangio • Dec 03, 2015

Power • Dec 02, 2015 • 3 min read
Politician

Manuel Roxas II, the establishment choice for Philippine president

Manuel Roxas II is the presidential preference of both the Philippines’ current leader and the country’s ruling party, but recent slipups may have dented his chances of landing the top job
By David Hutt • Dec 02, 2015

Power • Nov 11, 2015 • 4 min read
Bioprinting

Singapore’s big bet

Creating human skin and functioning livers are just two of bioprinting’s possibilities, and Singapore is hoping to become a global player in the business of mending mortals
By David Hutt • Nov 11, 2015

Power • Nov 06, 2015 • 11 min read
Cambodia

The forgotten men

Huge numbers of males are raped in Cambodia. So why do these horrific crimes remain largely ignored by rights organisations and the media?
By David Hutt • Nov 06, 2015

Power • Oct 16, 2015 • 10 min read
Ferdinand Marcos

The tomb of Marcos

From our print archive: The ‘sacred’ story of the Philippines’ former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, as told through a bizarre museum in his home province, where he is still adored
By Justin Calderon • Oct 16, 2015

FROM THE PRINT ARCHIVE
Power • Oct 01, 2015 • 10 min read
Politician

Gang of four: Cambodia's new political parties

Four new political parties have entered the fray in Cambodia since the start of the year. And it’s not just the long-ruling Cambodian People’s Party in their sights, but the opposition too
By David Hutt • Oct 01, 2015