In the aftermath of Brexit and amid a series of other crises that the EU is facing, it is easy to forget that the European bloc remains one of ASEAN’s largest trading blocs, but it is imperative for the Asian economic coalition to continue its...
The recent return of the haze to the region underlines the fact that agribusinesses should take more responsibility in fighting peatland and forest fires in Indonesia. While some industry leaders have stepped up to implement promising methods to tackle fires, many other agribusinesses are not...
It’s known simply as “The Haze”: a thick, eye-watering, nose-running, cough-inducing, health and climate hazard emanating from the burning of land and forest fires in Indonesia. Nearly two decades have passed since the terrible haze of 1997-98 swept across the skies. Today the Haze is one...
Controversies over the South China Sea have dominated headlines, especially after last month’s decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, brought by the Philippines and denounced by China. But many businesses may look on more quizzically. What is the impact on the bottom line? Will...
The recent spate of terror-related incidents around the world has created an atmosphere of alarm and pessimism in many quarters. Due to the geographical spread of the attacks, which include those directed or inspired by the so-called Islamic State terror group, Singapore’s leaders have sought to...
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has again come under criticism, this time for failing to refer in a joint communique to the recent judgment by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on competing claims in the South China Sea. Cambodia has been singled out as...
Palm oil is a vital ingredient for many products and the industry provides a significant source of national revenue and employment for millions of farmers. Indonesia and Malaysia collectively account for 85 to 90 percent of global palm oil production. But palm oil is often associated...
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...
A legal judgment to be released on July 12 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration will bring the controversy over competing claims in the South China Sea to a high point. Yet it will not be conclusive since China will not recognise any ruling, and...
Much controversy has followed the recent ASEAN-China meeting in Kunming, where an Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial statement was issued and then retracted. The initial statement contained what some saw as strong words about the South China Sea and most media reports suggest two...