When Everything Becomes the 3R: Malaysia’s Problem of Definitional Boundaries
Syaza Shukri
A complaint about a prayer hall in Ampang illustrates how technical disagreements can escalate into controversial questions about identity.
Articles
To Lam at the Shangri-La Dialogue: When Domestic Ambition Meets Diplomatic Opportunity
Le Hong Hiep
To Lam, Vietnam’s top leader, will be speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue later this week. His keynote will likely mark a high point in Hanoi’s foreign policy this year.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s “Kamikaze” Mission: A Brazen Double Dare
Lee Hwok-Aun
Two former People’s Justice Party (PKR) stars have launched their own political party. There is much derring-do in their move, but it is too early to write off the new entity.
Using Large Language Models to Disrupt Scammers in Southeast Asia
Brandon Tan Jun Wen
The adoption of scambaiting Large Language Models (LLM) could give regional governments a decisive edge against scam syndicates, but such Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven anti-scam measures come with their own challenges.
Thai-Cambodian Spat: Private Pathways to State Conflict
Gregory Raymond
The roots of the Thai-Cambodian conflict are said to originate from their territorial dispute and nationalist sentiment. There is another which should be examined: the business ties between Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen.
Johor’s Unelected State Representatives: Rhymes and Reasons
Francis E. Hutchinson
The Barisan Nasional state government is seeking to increase the number of elected representatives in the legislature, in a bid to increase technical expertise and representation. But there is a deeper motivation.
Why Methane Emission Reduction Matters for ASEAN
Shivenes Shammugam|Jihyun Kang
Shivenes Shammugam and Jihyun Kang argue that although ASEAN countries have recognised the importance of methane mitigation, implementation remains uneven but Korea’s experience as an ASEAN dialogue partner could help bridge this gap.
Agentic AI on Social Media Platforms in Southeast Asia: The Need for Governance
Nuurrianti Jalli|Maria Monica Wihardja
As new AI systems continue to develop, there are attendant risks. Southeast Asia needs to up its game by regulating such systems.
Undersea Cable Risks: Lessons for Southeast Asia
Mae Chow
The possibility of Iran targeting undersea cables in the Middle East has implications for Southeast Asia. The region should adopt strategies to maintain connectivity.
France-Philippines New Defence Agreement: A Pivotal Step?
Matteo Piasentini
The signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between France and the Philippines is a milestone in Manila’s efforts to diversify its security. It comes at a time when the Marcos Jr administration is flirting with the idea of resetting its ties with Beijing.