With new budget, can Najib save his reputation?

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is facing pressure over the state of the economy and international criticism over corruption allegations, appears to be using social welfare programmes in the government’s 2017 budget as a means to improve his tarnished reputation. However, the measures might be too little, too late
By Logan Connor • Oct 21, 2016

Cambodia

Race to the bottom

In the beginning was the word, torn from the throat of a man who would soon see a minor traffic accident descend into murder: yuon. In February 2014, ten men beat the life from a Cambodian man of Vietnamese descent as he came to the aid of his younger brother…
By Paul Millar • Oct 21, 2016

Punishment

To foster ‘tough’ persona, Jokowi sanctions chemical castration of sex offenders

Confronted with a spate of high-profile child rape cases, Indonesian President Joko Widodo continues to cultivate his ‘tough on law and order’ image by endorsing the use of chemical castration as a punishment for convicted sex offenders
By Euan Black • Oct 20, 2016

Why Malaysians are ditching their offices to work from home

Why are so many people in Malaysia seeking the benefits of working from home? Tom Osborne, regional director of Hays in Malaysia, explains
By Tom Osborne • Oct 20, 2016

Vietnam

Helping the blind to ‘see’

Nguyen Ba Hai has developed haptic technology that helps the blind and visually impaired navigate the world around them
By Lorcan Lovett • Oct 19, 2016

With regent taking place of King, Thailand’s future looks uncertain

Following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, leadership of Thailand’s monarchy has automatically passed to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. As regent, the controversial figure will have a decisive stake in the country’s politics
By Logan Connor • Oct 18, 2016

Thai Cinema

Reel struggle: Thai cinema’s lost classics

The resurrection of two long-lost classic films is a stark reminder that Southeast Asia’s rich cinematic heritage is in danger of fading away
By Max Crosbie-Jones • Oct 18, 2016

Netflix

As Netflix moves in, local video streaming platforms fight back

Southeast Asia has been hailed as the next big market for video streaming startups, with local telcos joining forces with big name studios to deliver both Hollywood and local content to the masses. Can the US streaming sensation Netflix, which officially launched in the region in January, now compete with these more affordable local rivals?
By Kirsten Han • Oct 17, 2016