The World Health Organization has just declared an end to the COVID-19 emergency after three years and 20 million deaths. Even before this, most countries have eased restrictions and international travel has resumed. The region’s largest economies, China and Japan, changed their cautious COVID-19 policies...
In Thailand’s general elections on Sunday (May 14), the popular preference of some 50 million voters was clear, choosing reformist pro-democracy parties over those led by former generals. But Thai constitutional arrangements are complex, as is the influence of the establishment and the military. Even...
In recent weeks Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos suffered dense and unhealthy air pollution caused by land and forest fires. Weather forecasts are uncertain, but there is a chance the problem will persist and spread, impacting even more countries in the region. Malaysia is already experiencing bouts...
Spring in Paris was not quite the same with the strikes and protests. Even if I did not get caught up by the marches and gassed in the streets, the famous side walk cafes were less idyllic with uncleared rubbish along the avenues. The issue that...
Interventions by governments are increasingly impacting business. Developing countries are usually perceived as higher risk, including some in our region. But now the USA and other countries are acting with fewer constraints, and for new reasons. The pandemic re-emphasized concerns about security and scarcity. Citizens expect...
Decoupling has become common parlance, voiced amidst the tensions of Sino-American contestation. Policies by the Biden administration seek to shift the global system of supply chains away from China, and already have some impacts on countries and companies. Taiwan would appear to be the prime...
The new year began with any number of political factors that can impact business. But perhaps the most immediate is China, exiting from its Zero Covid policy. Many had urged this change. Like its Great Wall, China’s Zero Covid policy attracted attention with its dimensions. Border...
Commentary: Implications for ASEAN’s Transition to Clean Energy by Wong Hsu-sheng The war in Ukraine and rising cost of inflation have dominated the main news cycles this year, finally taking over from three years of COVID-19 and multiple lockdowns that seemed at some points to have no...
By Simon Tay For The Straits Times The Biden administration will continue to put forward initiatives, but the targets of its Asian courtship need to consider if these fit their interests and if the proposed deals can be relied on. This Straits Times commentary by Associate Professor...