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.
2023/75 “What Can We Expect of Indonesia’s PDP Law?” by Yanuar Nugroho and Sofie Syarief
2023 No. 75
The Personal Data Protection (PDP) Law was ratified by the Indonesian House of Representatives at the end of 2022. Although seen as a move in reaction to some data leakage incidents, this marks an important step in the country’s journey towards digital transformation.
2023/74 “Are the National Unity Government’s Responsible Investment Policies Fit for Purpose?” by Sam Baron and Ye Khaung Oo
2023 No. 74
After the February 2021 coup, Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) issued new responsible investment policies that call for companies to end tax payments to the military and divest from all military-backed companies.
2023/73 “Vote-buying and Islamic Politics in Thailand’s Deep South” by Daungyewa (Hong) Utarasint
2023 No. 73
The more the political parties compete for seats, the higher is the magnitude of money spent in exchange for votes.
2023/72 “Responses to Humanitarian Needs in Western Myanmar after Cyclone Mocha” by Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
2023 No. 72
The humanitarian impact of Cyclone Mocha, a Category 5 storm that hit Myanmar on 14 May 2023, has added to Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian needs and challenges, including those that arose after the 2021 coup.
2023/71 “Review of Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s Visit to Southeast Asia in August 2023” by Lye Liang Fook
2023 No. 71
Wang Yi travelled to Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia in his first foreign visit after his re-appointment as foreign minister, underscoring Beijing’s strong commitment to Southeast Asia by sustaining the tempo of high-level engagements.
2023/70 “What the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin Case Says about Religious Freedom in Indonesia” by Alamsyah M. Djafar and A’an Suryana
2023 No. 70
After waiting for 16 years, the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Yasmin congregation in Indonesia can finally practise their faith peacefully in a new church building.
2023/69 “Vietnamese Perceptions in a Changing Sino-US Relationship” by Sharon Seah and Indira Zahra Aridati
2023 No. 69
Using data from the State of Southeast Asia Surveys from 2020 to 2023, the authors investigate Vietnamese opinion leaders’ perceptions of China and the US, in view of the changing geopolitical relationship.
2023/68 “Southeast Asia’s Stakes in Pricing Carbon” by Vinod Thomas
2023 No. 68
Southeast Asia is on the frontline both as a victim of climate disasters, and as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions causing runaway climate change.
2023/67 “Polarisations in Indonesia: Distinguishing the Real from the Rhetorical” by Max Lane
2023 No. 67
Real polarisations do affect Indonesian political life, however, and are not the ones portrayed in the Presidential election campaigns.
2023/66 “Malaysia’s 2023 State Elections (Part 2): Campaign Strategies and Future Implications” by Ong Kian Ming
2023 No. 66
Three wins for PH-BN (Penang, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan) and three wins for PN (Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu) are expected.