Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 19, 2020 • 3 min read

Podcast The Anakut podcast: The state of democracy in Cambodia and ASEAN

By Andrew Haffner • Nov 19, 2020
This week, Transparency International Cambodia’s executive director, Pech Pisey, joins Meng and Andrew in the studio to discuss that hottest of topics in the Kingdom today – the state of democracy and corruption in Cambodia

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 13, 2020 • 5 min read

Opinion Malaysia’s “Stand United” budget heading into testy debate

By Kevin Zhang and Dr Lee Hwok-Aun • Nov 13, 2020
Malaysia’s 2021 budget, labelled the “Stand United, We Shall Prevail” budget, strikes a conciliatory tone, but it will face some vigorous debate when it reaches parliament

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 12, 2020 • 4 min read

ASEAN Huge China-backed trade pact to be signed at Southeast Asian summit

By Alice Philipson and Martin Abbugao/AFP • Nov 12, 2020
The world's largest trade pact is set to be signed today the 37th ASEAN summit in Hanoi. The Chinese-led pact, seen a major coup boosting Beijing's influence in the region, will loop in 10 Southeast Asian economies

Southeast Asia • Nov 06, 2020 • 12 min read
Deforestation

As the tides rise with Vietnam’s flooding, how did we get here?

It happens every year. It’s normal, to an extent, for the communities impacted. But this year’s record-breaking floods in Vietnam are different, with the devastating effects of decades of environmental mismanagement beginning to show
By Ashley Lampard • Nov 06, 2020

Southeast Asia • Nov 05, 2020 • 3 min read
Covid-19

Indonesia tumbles into first recession for two decades

Indonesia's virus-hit economy plunged into its first recession since the Asian financial crisis more than two decades ago, as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on Southeast Asia's hardest hit nation
By Agence France-Presse • Nov 05, 2020

Southeast Asia • Nov 04, 2020 • 9 min read
Energy

Is Cambodia’s turn to coal power further risking its fragile economy?

Cambodia’s recent turn to coal-fired energy has raised eyebrows among investors, with global brands in particular reluctant to operate using dirty power. But for those in the renewables sector, there are still plenty of reasons for the Kingdom to look on the bright side
By Andrew Haffner • Nov 04, 2020

Southeast Asia • Oct 28, 2020 • 6 min read
Linguistics

The great debate: A peek into Timor-Leste’s history through language

Timor-Leste's long history of colonisation and occupation has left its linguistic mark on the country. Today, with two official languages and two working languages in operation, a debate over what tongue to use and when is underway in the tiny island nation
By Aashna Jamal • Oct 28, 2020

Southeast Asia • Oct 27, 2020 • 8 min read
Covid-19

Life on hold for region’s refugees as resettlement shrinks during pandemic

An already lengthy process, refugee resettlement has taken a major hit during the pandemic. With the US and Australia announcing further quota cuts in recent weeks, the chance of a new life for many refugees stuck in Southeast Asia looks slimmer than ever
By Tara Abhasakun • Oct 27, 2020

Southeast Asia • Oct 26, 2020 • 3 min read
Thai democracy

Thai parliament opens to discuss pro-democracy protests

Members of parliament in Thailand opened an extraordinary session on October 26 to discuss the ongoing anti-government protests in Bangkok as demonstrators demand the resignation of the prime minister and reform of the monarchy
By Agence France-Presse • Oct 26, 2020

Southeast Asia • Oct 20, 2020 • 4 min read
Thai democracy

‘A moving current’: Thai protesters adopt Hong Kong tactics

As Thais continue to defy the government and gather in the streets of the capital Bangkok, they are finding inspiration and support from their counterparts in Hong Kong, a solidarity movement that has been dubbed the Milk Tea Alliance in recent months
By Vijitra Duangdee and Dene-Hern Chen/AFP • Oct 20, 2020

Southeast Asia • Oct 07, 2020 • 9 min read
Waste management

The black rolling hills of Hanoi’s bursting Nam Son trash site

As Hanoi’s biggest landfill Nam Son nears capacity, causing widespread pollution, disease and land disputes in nearby communities, tensions between locals and officials are ramping up as demands for compensation are ignored
By Ashley Lampard • Oct 07, 2020