This article was first published as ISEAS Commentary 2020/97 Comprehending Ethnic Inequality in Malaysia: Going Beyond the Stereotypes and republished by Today on 23 July 2020.
This article was first published as ISEAS Commentary 2020/90 “Smaller Countries in the Asia-Pacific: Mired in the Middling Middle” and republished by ThinkChina on 21 July 2020.
Myanmar has taken some decisive steps towards cashless payments, particularly in a time of the Covid-19 pandemic. But there are still some obstacles to be overcome before the country becomes a cashless society.
This article was published by The Straits Times on 22 July 2020.
The Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines has affected not only the economy, but the country’s education sector. A failure to make redress for this as the country emerges from the pandemic will have social and economic costs.
Tun Mahathir Mohamad has stirred up controversy again by saying that the incomes of urban Chinese have outstripped those of Malays in rural areas. Rather than using false generalisations to score easy popularity points, the political and policy discourse should move from a focus on income to issues of capability and participation.
As a recession looms, President Joko Widodo has unleashed his fury on his ministers for their mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle is rife. Instead of focusing on personalities, however, the emphasis should be on areas which desperately need reform.
This article was published by Asia Times on 20 July 2020.
This article was published by Lianhe Zaobao on 20 July 2020.
Vietnam: Managing Chinese Pressures around Vanguard Bank
As Vietnam’s recent decision to cancel deals for oil and gas activities in waters around Vanguard Bank caused significant financial and reputational damage, Hanoi should rethink its strategy to avoid similar incidents in the future.