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.
2022/30 “New Chinese Migrants in Chiang Mai: Parallel Paths for Social Interaction and Cultural Adjustment” by Aranya Siriphon, Fanzura Banu and Pagon Gatchalee
2022 No. 30
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY New Chinese Migrants (often called xin yimin, 新移民) refer to recent waves of Chinese who move overseas in search of education and business opportunities. Others pursue personal dreams and better quality of life without the intention of settling permanently. While descendants of older Chinese migrants in Thailand consider themselves Thai, hold Thai citizenship, […]
2022/29 “The Race to Produce Covid-19 Vaccines in Southeast Asia” by Tham Siew Yean
2022 No. 29
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The race to produce Covid-19 vaccines in SEA is triggered by a general reluctance to be dependent on the vagaries of global supply, imports and donations as well as uncertainty over the duration of the pandemic. Joining the exclusive vaccine production club will require Southeast Asian countries to enter the vaccine value […]
2022/28 “Myanmar’s Quest for a Federal and Democratic Future: Considerations, Constraints and Compromises” by Su Mon Thazin Aung
2022 No. 28
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Political stakeholders tend to view the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) as key towards achieving a parallel governance system in the medium term, and as part of a solid foundation for a long-term federal democratic solution to Myanmar’s problems. The strong commitment shown by the NUCC stakeholders has allowed for compromises and incremental […]
2022/27 “Thai PM Must Act Sooner To Defend His Fragile Premiership” by Termsak Chalermpalanupap
2022 No. 27
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has until the third week of May to decide how to defend his fragile premiership. Once the parliament re-opens on 22 May, the opposition plans to submit a no-confidence motion to try once again to oust General Prayut. The ruling coalition shoring up General Prayut’s premiership is […]
2022/26 “Malaysia’s Floods of December 2021: Can Future Disasters be Avoided?” by Serina Rahman
2022 No. 26
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The floods of December 2021 in Malaysia left almost 50 dead, required the evacuation of about 400,000 people, and resulted in an overall estimate of RM6.1 billion in financial losses. Unprecedented volumes of rainfall left areas on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia under almost four meters of water and turned roads into […]
2022/25 “How to Solve the South China Sea Disputes” by Bill Hayton
2022 No. 25
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Researchers now know enough about the history of the South China Sea to resolve the competing territorial claims to the various rocks and reefs. Disaggregating claims, i.e. breaking down expansive claims to entire island groups into specific claims to named features, opens a route to compromise and the resolution of the disputes. With […]
2022/24 “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Southeast Asian Responses and Why the Conflict Matters to the Region” by Ian Storey and William Choong
2022 No. 24
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Southeast Asia’s initial responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine varied considerably, with Singapore taking the strongest stance and Myanmar supporting the Kremlin’s actions. The other ASEAN member states expressed varying levels of concern, with some declaring their neutrality. ASEAN’s statement was the lowest common denominator of these positions. As the conflict intensified, regional […]
2022/23 “The Johor State Election: A Spiderweb of Spats, Splits and Surprises” by Francis E. Hutchinson and Kevin Zhang
2022 No. 23
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY While the opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), no longer seems fresh or even united; certain member parties, notably the Democratic Action Party, look strong in urban seats – most of which they have held since 2013. Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional coalition may net a handful of seats, leveraging off his […]
2022/22 “China and Chinese Overseas: A Softer Soft Policy Needed?” by Tan Chee-Beng
2022 No. 22
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This paper describes China’s soft power in relation to Chinese overseas who as a whole constitute a potentially important resource for it. Major institutions involving Chinese overseas include the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, the China Public Relations Association and the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification, as […]
2022/21 “Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Sector: Constant Expectations despite Diminishing Returns” by Pritish Bhattacharya and Francis E. Hutchinson
2022 No. 21
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Malaysia has long been dependent on the oil and gas (O&G) sector for a range of purposes. Not least, the state relies on income from the sector to provide a substantial proportion of public revenue. However, while expectations of the O&G sector have been constant, possibilities of endlessly tapping this resource to underpin […]