ISEAS Perspective provides analysis of specific current events and their significance for the Southeast Asian region. This will be published occasionally, and is aimed at keeping decision-makers in both the public and private sectors informed; as well as scholars, laymen and the interested public. This series undergoes a peer-review process.
2021/90 “Assessing Challenges Facing the ECRL’s Economic Accelerator Projects (EAPs)” by Tham Siew Yean and Kevin Zhang
2021 NO. 90
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) launched in 2017 to enhance connectivity between the west and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia was renegotiated and rebooted in 2019. It is currently proceeding on track, towards completion by 2027. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) launched Economic Accelerator Projects (EAPs) in 2019 to drive up […]
2021/89 “Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: Overcoming the Trust Deficit on the Mekong” by Richard Grünwald
2021 No. 89
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) underwent a stress test in April 2020 when the Eyes on Earth (EoE) raised concerns over the connection between Chinese mainstream dams and the alteration of the Mekong’s water flow. Despite the politicisation of its findings in the context of the US-China strategic rivalry, the EoE Study presents a […]
2021/88 “Rural Finance in Lao PDR: Whither Village-Level Savings Groups?” by Chansathith Chaleunsinh and Koichi Fujita
2021 NO. 88
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Establishing sustainable semi-formal rural and micro finance institutions has been a critical policy goal in Laos since 2003, especially given the fact that the malfunctioning Agricultural Promotion Bank has an extremely low outreach. Village-level savings groups (SGs)—organised since the late 1990s as a joint venture between Lao Women’s Union (LWU) and Thai NGO/governmental […]
2021/87 “COVID-19: A Catalyst for the Digital Transformation of Cambodian Education” by Kimkong Heng
2021 No. 87
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Despite positive developments in recent years, Cambodia’s education system continues to be constrained by numerous challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, high dropout rates, skills mismatches, low research capacity, low teaching salaries, and limited utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT). While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruptions, it also provides an […]
2021/86 “China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Southeast Asia – A Mixed Record” by Khairulanwar Zaini
2021 No. 86
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Southeast Asia is a key target for Chinese vaccine diplomacy, accounting for 29 per cent of China’s total vaccine donations and 25.6 per cent of its vaccine sales worldwide. China’s vaccine outreach is helped by its first-mover advantage and regular supplies to the region, but this advantage is diminishing as Western countries start […]
2021/85 “Trade and Environmental Disputes May Persist Despite Promising Leaders’ Summit on Climate” by Melinda Martinus and Qiu Jiahui
2021 No. 85
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The recent Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change convened by the Biden Administration signalled the US’ return and major powers’ unwavering commitment to tackling climate change. Four of ten ASEAN leaders — Indonesia, Singapore, The Philippines, and Vietnam — were invited to the summit and announced their newest goals and initiatives, which include renewable […]
2021/84 “Major Parties Lacking Candidates with a Winning Chance in Bangkok’s Gubernatorial Election” by Termsak Chalermpalanupap
2021 No. 84
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The election for the post of governor of Bangkok is due to take place in the last quarter of this year. However, Thailand’s major political parties lack suitable candidates with realistic chances of victory. Recent surveys show that nearly one in three Bangkok voters remains undecided. Among Bangkokians who intend to vote, a […]
2021/83 “Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Emerging Automobility Landscape” by Ivan V. Small
2021 No. 83
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY International trade agreements, especially the ASEAN Free Trade Area, are making cars more accessible to Vietnamese consumers and reshaping the country’s transportation landscape. The pace and sequencing of mobility transitions are a concern given limitations in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure, planning coordination and environmental and safety management. Future mobility solutions and sustainability models that […]
2021/82 “Tracking the Swelling COVID-19 Vaccine Chatter on TikTok in Indonesia” by Yatun Sastramidjaja and Amirul Adli Rosli
2021 No. 82
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On Indonesian social media, ambivalent sentiments towards the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program are amplified and solidified into polarized stances, creating fierce competition between opponents and proponents of vaccination to shape public perceptions. These polarized stances are particularly pronounced on TikTok as its videos swiftly go viral by providing quick visual impact and instant […]
2021/81 “Rethinking Extremism Beyond Physical Violence: Anti-Shia Hostility in Malaysia” by Norshahril Saat, Nur Syafiqah Mohd Taufek, and Afra Alatas
2021 No. 81
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Academic studies on extremism have tended to view the issue through a security lens. Recent attacks on churches in Indonesia and Malaysia would have reinforced the popularity of this approach. However, violent extremism does not exist in a vacuum. Acts of terror are driven by ideas and discourse that motivate and justify terrorist […]