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.
2021/106 “Saleable and Sustainable: Sabah Takes the Lead in Palm Oil Certification in Malaysia” by Lee Poh Onn
2021 No. 106
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Malaysia’s export of oil palm to developed countries has increasingly been plagued with accusations of environmentally unsustainable practices and the threat of boycotts. Oil palm certification regimes have been introduced to address these concerns. Sabah has taken the lead on this front by adopting the mandatory Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification standard […]
2021/105 “Digital Convergence and Militant Crosspollination in Indonesia” by Quinton Temby
2021 No. 105
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A social media analysis of salafi-jihadi and opposition Islamist chat groups indicates early but significant signs of crosspollination between both communities. This appears to be the result of a government crackdown that has forced Islamists to rely especially on Telegram, a platform that had traditionally been a haven for ISIS sympathisers. Digital convergence […]
2021/104 “Thaksin to Return to Thailand? An Old Dream or New Hope for National Reconciliation?” by Termsak Chalermpalanupap
2021 No. 104
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is once again talking about ending his self-imposed exile overseas and returning to Thailand “soon!” He marked his seventy-second birthday at the end of July, and may just be musing over a fading dream after nearly 13 years away from his homeland. This is not the first […]
2021/103 “US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Southeast Asia Tour: Assurances and Dividends” by William Choong, Hoang Thi Ha, Le Hong Hiep and Ian Storey
2021 No. 103
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to three Southeast Asian countries in July 2021 was aimed at reaffirming America’s commitment to regional alliances and partnerships amid concerns of US neglect of the region in the first six months of the Biden administration. The choice of Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines – as well […]
2021/102 “E-Commerce in Indonesia: Impressive Growth but Facing Serious Challenges” by Siwage Dharma Negara and Endang Sri Soesilowati
2021 No. 102
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY E-commerce has been given a significant boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, with transactions increasing by 23 per cent, and gross merchandise value (GMV) projected at US$32 billion. With the recent merger between Gojek and Tokopedia, competition in Indonesia’s e-commerce market is set to intensify. At the same time, the e-commerce industry faces serious […]
2021/101 “A New Climate Policy in the United States: Potential Implications for Southeast Asia” by Paul G. Harris
2021 No. 101
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The advent of Joe Biden as US president marked a major shift in US policy on climate change, but major obstacles stand in the way of the realization of the Biden administration’s objectives. Even if the Biden administration’s climate policies are implemented, climate change and its many impacts will continue to grow worse, […]
2021/100 “The Pandemic’s Benefits for Indonesia’s Fintech Sector” by Manggi Taruna Habir
2021 No. 100
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Covid-19 pandemic has benefited the fintech sector in Indonesia, with more people going online to socialize, work, study and do their shopping. E-payment fintechs have therefore seen their transaction volume rise dramatically, especially among those collaborating with major e-commerce outlets. While bank loan growth has been flat, fintech loan growth has been […]
2021/99 “BRI Projects in Cambodia and Laos Roll On Despite Covid-19” by Vannarith Chheang
2021 No. 99
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the implementation of BRI projects. However, China has swiftly taken measures to keep BRI projects going by ensuring financial flow and supply of materials. This has moderated the impact and made the situation manageable. The key BRI projects in Cambodia (the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway, new international airports […]
2021/98 “Climate-induced Disasters and Indonesian Politics” by Aninda Dewayanti and Neo Hui Yun Rebecca
2021 No. 98
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Natural disasters in Indonesia have multiplied significantly over the past decade, with tropical storms, landslides and flooding being the top three events that occurred in 2019-2020. Global warming has resulted in heavier rainstorms, increased flooding in low-lying coastal areas and more forest fires. Human activities have contributed to an increased frequency and intensity […]
2021/97 “Min Aung Hlaing and His Generals: Data on the Military Members of Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta” by Htet Myet Min Tun, Moe Thuzar and Michael Montesano
2021 No. 97
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Following his 1 February seizure of power in Naypyitaw, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing formed an 11-member junta called the State Administration Council (SAC). Eight of the original members of the junta were military officers and the remaining three civilians. While six more civilians were later added to its membership, the line-up of […]