Among the first of its kind to be established in Southeast Asia (and in Singapore), the Myanmar Studies Programme’s ambit is on policy-oriented research pertaining to the reforms taking place in Myanmar, and the emerging issues and trends in the country’s transition to democracy. Through research, seminars, conferences, consultations and publications – undertaken individually or in partnership with other like-minded entities – the Myanmar Studies Programme (MmSP) seeks to give a critical analysis (and policy-relevant recommendations) on issues and events in Myanmar.

In support of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s mission, the Myanmar Studies Programme studies the socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Myanmar. The Myanmar Studies Programme seeks to be an intellectual resource for scholars and policy-makers interested in Myanmar. To this end, the MmSP devotes its research primarily to analysing recent developments and events in Myanmar, so that views, perspectives and recommendations generated from this research can be readily used by all those interested in and following #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar. The programme also seeks to build and maintain collaborative links with academics, analysts, researchers and centres studying Myanmar.

The Myanmar Studies Programme team’s current research projects include:

Developments Following the 1 February 2021 Coup

1. The programme has an ongoing webinar series analysing the impact of the coup:

• The February 1 Coup Aftermath in Myanmar: Impact, Issues, Implications
• Myanmar’s Crisis: What Are the Stakes?
• Myanmar After the Coup: Insights from the Inside
• A Near-Term Economic Outlook for Post-Coup Myanmar
• Post-Coup Myanmar’s Economy: Crisis and Challenge
• The Myanmar Economy Six Months after the Coup: What’s Next?
• Myanmar After the Coup, In the World

2. Scholars and researchers have contributed their analyses of different aspects of the coup:

• Back to the Future? Possible Scenarios for Myanmar, by Ardeth Thawnghmung
• Ethnic Armed Organisations in Post-Coup Myanmar: New Conversations Needed, by Andrew Ong
• “The Military in Burma/Myanmar: On the Longevity of Tatmadaw Rule and Influence” by David I. Steinberg
• How Generation Z Galvanized a Revolutionary Movement against Myanmar’s 2021 Military Coup” by Ingrid Jordt, Tharaphi Than and Sue Ye Lin
• Centre-Periphery Relations in Myanmar: Leverage and Solidarity after the 1 February Coup” by Shona Loong

3. Commentaries by MmSP researchers on the coup have appeared on the ISEAS Fulcrum blog since 2 February 2021:

• Myanmar’s State of Emergency: Damn the Torpedoes
• Free falling: Myanmar’s Post-Coup Economy
• Singapore Businesses in Myanmar: Navigating the Choppy Waters of Political Turmoil
• Myanmar’s Garment Industry After the Coup: Threadbare and in Tatters

The State Administration Council Regime

A research paper series by Htet Myet Min Tun, Moe Thuzar and Michael Montesano assesses:

• Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Data on the Military Members of Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta
• Buttressing the Anti-NLD Project: Data on the Civilian Members of Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta
• An Attempt to Lead Myanmar Back to the Future? Data on the Members of State Administration Council’s Ministerial Line-Up (Forthcoming)

Aid to and Investment in Myanmar after the 1 February Coup

• A research paper series is forthcoming.

Myanmar’s Foreign Relations

• Webinars and research papers will be forthcoming.

Ms Moe Thuzar (moe_thuzar@iseas.edu.sg) co-coordinates the programme with Dr Michael J. Montesano (michael_montesano@iseas.edu.sg)

Current Researchers and Affiliates

• Dr Michael J. Montesano, michael_montesano@iseas.edu.sg
• Ms Moe Thuzar, moe_thuzar@iseas.edu.sg
• Dr Tin Maung Maung Than, Tin_Maung_Maung_Than@iseas.edu.sg
• Dr Oh Su-Ann, oh_su_ann@iseas.edu.sg
• Nick Freeman
• Mr Romain Caillaud, romain_caillaud@iseas.edu.sg
• Dr Ong Wai Hoong Andrew, andrew_ong@iseas.edu.sg
• Dr Su Mon Thazin Aung, su_mon_thazin_aung@iseas.edu.sg
• Mr Aung Tun, aung_tun@iseas.edu.sg

Past Affiliates

ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute also hosts researchers and scholars who work on Myanmar. Among those previously affiliated with the Institute are the following:

• Professor Robert H. Taylor
• Associate Professor Sean Turnell
• Associate Professor Fan Hongwei
• Mr Lex Reiffel
• Dr Renaud Egreteau
• Mr Thaung Tun
• Mr Myint Soe
• Mr Stuart Larkin
• Dr Jurgen Haacke
• Dr Maung Aung Myoe
• Dr Amporn Jirattikorn
• Dr Micah Francis Morton
• Dr Lin Htet Aung
• U Ye Htut
• Dr Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Webinars and Conferences

For upcoming MmSP events, please check the events section of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute website.

Past conferences and key events organised by the programme include the following:

Myanmar Forum 2016