The world’s expectations of Myanmar have swung wildly in recent years. Hopes were sky-high following the National League of Democracy’s (NLD) victory at the 2015 elections, led by Ms Aung San Suu Kyi. But now, these have given way to a somewhat more downcast outlook. Some projects...
The financial sector is a critical driver for economic reform efforts, laying the groundwork for future development and growth. Financial institutions can channel capital into productive investment projects, encouraging the mobilisation of savings by providing attractive instruments and saving vehicles. However, Myanmar’s weak financial sector...
With its political reforms and new openness to the region and world, Myanmar is now attracting considerable interest from businesses and investors. On Monday 5 Dec 2016, the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) and SIIA held a Minister's Dialogue at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, bringing together top...
When the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its iconic leader, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, swept to power at the 2015 elections, the international community roared in approval. Now, some 100 days after the NLD took power, many foreign pundits are becoming more critical. There...
Myanmar changed more than its government last week. For the first time in more than 50 years, a democratic and non-military President is in office. An historic new chapter begins for the country that some have dubbed Asia’s “last frontier economy”. The focus is understandably on...
Regional leaders inaugurated an ASEAN (Association of South-east Asian Nations) Community at the end of last year to bring their 10 countries closer — not only for economic integration, but also on security and political issues as well as social and cultural affairs. One test for...
Many turbulent events in 2015 were symptoms of a world lacking in optimism and growth, and facing possible changes in the global order. Even as social and economic uncertainties continue, competition is increasing among major powers, especially between the US and China. There is not much...
This year’s elections mark a significant milestone in Myanmar’s history. There is a growing thirst for change in Myanmar, and the party that wins the popular vote will be tasked to set the tone for the future of democracy in the country. The future of...
With an estimated 25,000 Rohingya refugees having fled Burma since the beginning of 2015, and as many as 10,000 refugees still stranded in the Andaman Sea, the Rohingya crisis is becoming the largest refugee crisis in Southeast Asia since the exodus of Vietnamese boat people...
Earlier this month, the leader of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, made an official visit to Beijing. His trip underscores the dilemma facing Southeast Asian nations. Can Asian countries strengthen their ties with China without compromising their own national interests? Both China and Vietnam...