Southeast Asia & Oceania
Geographic Exploitation Fuels Fiji's HIV Crisis
Fiji’s worsening HIV crisis, driven from crystal meth use and cultural stigma, leaves the country vulnerable to increased transmission.
Malaysia Hosts Myanmar’s Coup Leader While Deporting Thousands of Migrants
Min Aung Hlaing’s first visit since the coup comes as Malaysia pushes to send back 5,000 Myanmar migrants.
South China Sea Code of Conduct Nears its Deadline with Core Questions Still Unanswered
The Philippines wants a deal before its year as ASEAN chair ends, but negotiators still haven't settled if the code would be legally binding or which waters it would cover.
How is Southeast Asia Navigating AI?
Facing an influx of global capital and an unprecedented AI boom, ASEAN must carefully weigh its cost-benefit equations. In particular, increasing reliance on foreign-operated tech corporations requires evaluating long-term environmental impacts and risks.
Flooding Devastates Bangkok’s Drainage Systems
Following a period of torrential downpour, streets and homes were flooded, displacing 700,000 people.
“Save Phuket”: Israel's Foreign Tourism Presence in Thailand
Rising tensions between Thai locals and Israeli tourists are challenging cultural boundaries and straining the enduring relationship between Thailand and Israel.
Op-Ed: Who is Responsible for the Tatmadaw’s Rise?
Myanmar’s Tatmadaw has incited tragedy for decades, disrupting the state and those neighboring it. Despite the lives lost, nations have shown little support for Myanmar’s citizens, at times aiding the military junta.
Myanmar’s Coup Leader Sworn in as President, Seeks Legitimacy from ASEAN
Accused of war crimes and genocide, Myanmar’s de facto leader assumes the presidency with 73% of votes from a parliament dominated by the armed forces.
Iran War Drags Down Southeast Asian Tourism
Fighting in the Middle East has disrupted thousands of flights, driven up oil prices, and upended key transit routes connecting Southeast Asia with much of the world.
Singapore to Cane Scammers as Crime Syndicates Proliferate in Southeast Asia
Countries around the world scramble to deal with global crisis linking cybercrime syndicates, human trafficking, and complicit governments.
Natural Disasters and Corruption Devastate the Philippines
As numerous typhoons have entered the islands, the government has sought to support affected areas, attempting to move past previous incidents of negligence and embezzlement.
Indonesia’s $28 Billion Experiment: Prabowo’s Free Meals Program Tests the Limits of Ambition
Program designed to combat stunting and malnutrition has sent children to the hospital as critics blame rushed timelines, poor implementation, and misplaced priorities
Critical Minerals Deal Signals Turning Point for Australia
The deal, which aims to increase supply of rare earths, strengthens Australia’s relationship with the United States but may produce complications with China.
Trading Blocs and Political Shocks: A New Economic Era Unfolds
The “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed by the US mark a major shift toward protectionism, disrupting global trade and disproportionately impacting Southeast Asia and Oceania. As economic uncertainty grows, joint responses to preserve rules-based trade and regional stability are being explored.
Op-Ed: Duterte’s Arrest: A Step Toward Justice, But What About the Drug Trade?
Duterte’s arrest by the ICC marks a pivotal moment in the fight for justice, but the global drug trade remains an evolving crisis. However, international cooperation is needed to dismantle drug networks and hold the true perpetrators accountable.
A First for ASEAN: Indonesia Joins BRICS, Reshaping Regional Economics
Indonesia becomes the first ASEAN nation to join BRICS, strengthening its global economic ties while balancing its non-alignment policy. This move positions Indonesia for expanded trade, infrastructure growth, and deeper collaboration with emerging economies.
Op-Ed: Will People’s Lives Change After the Civil War in Myanmar Ends?
Both the military and those fighting for democracy and regional autonomy have relied on illegal profits as the easiest way to fuel their war efforts.
ASEAN Leaders Meet in Laos to Discuss Worsening Civil War in Myanmar
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit began on Wednesday Oct. 9 in Vientiane, Laos with a major focus placed on tackling a critical issue within the region: the worsening civil war in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s Military Junta Begins Census
Tensions between Israel and Iran finally reached a tipping point on Tuesday Oct. 1, when the latter initiated a missile attack into Israeli territory. There has only been one confirmed death and a handful of minor injuries reported.
Australia Provides Assistance to Help Its Citizens Leave Lebanon
Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia, has recently urged Australian citizens in Lebanon to leave while they still can. An estimated 15,000 Australians remain in Lebanon after Israel initiated a ground operation in Hezbollah.