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STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 21, 2016 • 4 min read

With new budget, can Najib save his reputation?

By Logan Connor • Oct 21, 2016
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

STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 21, 2016 • 9 min read

Cambodia Race to the bottom

By Paul Millar • Oct 21, 2016
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…

Oct 19, 2016 • 8 min read
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

Oct 18, 2016 • 5 min read

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

Oct 18, 2016 • 8 min read
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

Oct 17, 2016 • 6 min read
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

Oct 14, 2016 • 5 min read

Who is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn? Sizing up Thailand’s heir apparent

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the only son and heir apparent of Thailand’s recently deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is expected to assume the throne. However, his attention-grabbing behaviour and controversial political alliances have many worried
By Logan Connor • Oct 14, 2016

Oct 14, 2016 • 6 min read

The power of status symbols in Cambodia

From the shiny Lexus crawling through Phnom Penh’s crowded streets to the iPhones stacked in towers on coffee shop tables, Cambodia’s expanding middle class has marked its rise with material symbols of wealth and status. Focus Asean spoke to Todd Hunkin, research manager of Cambodian marketing and social research group Market Strategy and Development Company, about this unspoken language of power
By Paul Millar • Oct 14, 2016

Oct 13, 2016 • 3 min read

End of an era: a look at the life of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

After more than 70 years as monarch of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign has come to an end. Bhumibol, the longest-reigning monarch in the world, held a demigod-like status in Thailand, with well-wishers gathering outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital in recent days to pray for his recovery. Many observers believe his death is likely to throw the country into turmoil. Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Crown Prince of Thailand and heir to the throne, is a controversial figure and, for some, an unsuitable ruler.  
By Southeast Asia Globe • Oct 13, 2016