The Trends in Southeast Asia series serves as in-depth analysis of contemporary geopolitical and socio-economic forces in the region.
In Issue 4 / 2023, ASC researchers Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy and Pham Thi Phuong Thao gauge the position of ASEAN in global value chains (GVCs) and assess the risks and opportunities of GVC reconfiguration, amidst the backdrop of different global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and US-China trade disputes, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
This issue of Panorama: Insights into Asian and European Affairs addresses multilateral cooperation of global interest, looking at the COVID-19 pandemic and country studies in Asia and Europe with implications for regional and international security as well as assessing challenging multilateral collaborations in both regions on a case-by-case basis. ASEAN Studies Centre Researchers Joanne Lin and Melinda Martinus contribute a chapter on ASEAN in Health Crisis Mode, to examine what the regional body can do to enhance health coordination across sectors and pillars.
“ASEAN Centrality: An Autoethnographic Account by a Philippine Diplomat guides us to a deeper understanding of the concept of ASEAN Centrality, through the eyes of one of the Philippines’ most reputable diplomats. Outlining both a personal recollection of her extensive experience and adherence to academic discipline, Ambassador Buensuceso puts forth her analysis of ASEAN Centrality as a core element of diplomacy within ASEAN. She then goes further to articulate ASEAN’s aspiration for the future of a region that is constantly evolving. This book is a must-read to understand Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific regional dynamics, as it offers an insight into ASEAN Centrality like no other.” -Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
Kristina Fong Siew Leng takes stock of the progress towards the establishment of an ASEAN QR code payments network, and outlines the challenges faced in the pursuit of a seamless, cost-effective multilateral system.
Joanne Lin, Sharon Seah, Melinda Martinus, and Kristina Fong examine the key deliverables of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and assess Indonesia’s Chairmanship.
Chris Humphrey examines the challenges and benefits of the European Green Deal for ASEAN’s sustainable future.
Highlights
- Changing Political Landscapes in SEA
- Towards a Regional QR Code
- Rise of Unicorns in SEA
- A New Chapter in ASEAN-Japan Relations
- Live Music Industry in SEA
In this hybrid seminar, Mr Carlos Kuriyama and Mr Foo Cher How shared APEC’s latest update of the APEC Regional Trends Analysis and a discussion of Singapore’s priorities under APEC USA 2023.
Highlights
- The Geopolitics of Energy Transition
- Learning Sustainability Financing from the G20
- Leveraging Digital Economy for Sustainability
- Military Modernisation
- Astrotourism in Southeast Asia
The State of Southeast Asia 2023 Survey conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute reveal that Southeast Asia’s top preoccupations are with recessionary pressures, potential military tensions, and a ‘slow and ineffective’ ASEAN. China continues to be regarded as the most influential economic and political power in the region and the US has sharpened its edge over China in the event of a forced choice while Japan remains its most trusted major power.