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.
2022/38 “What’s Next for ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations?” by Joanne Lin
2022 No. 38
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The United Kingdom (UK) was accorded the status of Dialogue Partnership by ASEAN on 2 August 2021. With the UK as ASEAN’s 11th Dialogue Partner, both the partners face the important task of establishing modalities of engagement and charting areas of cooperation across the three Community pillars. Beyond practical cooperation, the UK may […]
2022/37 “Migration in Post-coup Myanmar: A Critical Determinant in Shaping the Country’s Future?” by Aung Tun
2022 No. 37
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since the February 2021 coup, migration—both internal and external—has taken on new importance in Myanmar, to the degree that this may be called a “Myanmar migration moment”. The reason for increases in migration is clear: security concerns. Migrants driven out of the country in the aftermath of the coup have reinforced the existing […]
2022/36 “Cambodia-Vietnam Relations: Key Issues and the Way Forward” by Kimkong Heng
2022 No. 36
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In recent decades, Cambodia and Vietnam have enjoyed strong and deepening bilateral ties, but their relations are not without contention. The unfinished demarcation of their land border has caused persistent disputes between the two countries. This has not only shaped Cambodia’s domestic politics but also contributed to the lingering suspicion among certain Cambodians […]
2022/35 “Can OTOP Support Northeastern Thailand’s Post-Pandemic Recovery?” by Alexandra Dalferro
2020 No. 35
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The OTOP programme sponsored by Thailand’s Community Development Department (CDD) has become synonymous with “community economy” in Thailand’s rural areas. OTOP stands for “One Tambon, One Product;” producers grouped by tambon or sub-district receive support from the CDD to develop a product particular to their locality. OTOP was initiated by former Prime Minister […]
2022/34 “Labelling Fake News: The Politics of Regulating Disinformation in Thailand” by Janjira Sombatpoonsiri
2022 No. 34
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In Thailand, determining what news is true or fake appears to be a political matter. The Thai authorities associate “fake news” with public harm and as a national threat, giving rise to stringent regulatory responses. Official hostility toward “fake news” is influenced by virulent political conflicts that have been played out in off- […]
2022/33 “Stronger Social Media Influence in the 2022 Philippine Elections” by Aries A. Arugay
2022 No. 33
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Social media will play a prominent role in the campaign strategy of candidates in the upcoming 2022 elections due to the increasing reliance of Filipinos on social media and the face-to-face restrictions associated with the pandemic. While there is no one model of successful social media campaigning in the Philippines, previous presidential campaigns […]
2022/32 “Enabling Domestic Data Flows for E-Commerce in ASEAN Countries” by Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy
2022 No. 32
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework to build trust in data sharing between stakeholders and to enhance domestic data flows in ASEAN countries are urgent concerns. This is a precondition for enhancing cross-border data flows and promoting e-commerce in the region. An analysis of 14 regulatory elements using data from the World Bank’s Global […]
2022/31 “Greenwashing: A Market Distortion Needing Serious Attention in Southeast Asia” by Michael T. Schaper and Ryan Wong Yee Yang
2022 No. 31
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY “Greenwashing” refers to the practice of falsely claiming that a product, service or business activity is environmentally-friendly, or reduces greenhouse gas emissions, when it does not. It distorts consumer patterns of purchasing; penalises legitimate eco-friendly businesses who are bringing real and meaningful innovations to the marketplace; and creates a risk that new, more […]
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 […]