This week, SEAmplified: April 2nd, 2024
The latest in SEA politics for the week of April 2nd, 2024
Welcome to this week’s roundup! The latest on Southeast Asian politics summed up in a neat 5-minute read, straight to your inbox every week.
News roundup
Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained 34 customs officers suspected of abetting smuggling at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The arrests mark a small win for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ongoing campaign against corruption.
Indonesia’s El Nino-induced rice shortage has sent prices to record highs. Observers warn that the shortfall in rice output could push farmers into debt, as well as fuel food insecurity and social unrest.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has intensified the country’s maritime security efforts amid growing tensions with China in the South China Sea. A 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on territorial claims in the contested waters went in favor of the Philippines, but was disregarded by Beijing.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on Singaporeans to guard against tribalism amid finding one’s identity. His call comes amid a rising trend of online communities that spread falsehoods, including far-right beliefs and religious extremism.
Vietnam’s government has announced its intent to leverage Chinese expertise and technology in the construction of the country’s high-speed rail system. The railway, which costs an estimated US$72 billion, could shorten travel times between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to just six hours.
Thailand’s average temperatures are expected to soar nearly 30% higher than regular levels. The intense heat hasn’t caused a surge in forest fires so far, but water levels in reservoirs across the country have dipped 20% on average, causing water shortages for farms and factories.
Community highlights
Need another look into Southeast Asia’s latest industry developments? Check out the Victorian Government Trade and Industry Southeast Asia team’s weekly roll - it’s a slick companion to our summaries.
Poor air quality still plagues Southeast Asia, but IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report yields some pretty surprising results. As Bangkok-based entrepreneur Michael Saram highlights, Singapore’s air quality ranked lowest in the region; Indonesia came in first, at 14th place worldwide.
A decade on, how much of an impact has China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) had on Southeast Asia? The Lowy Institute tackles this exact question with a well-assembled data story that examines whether the BRI has truly delivered on its promises in the region.
Will Vietnam be the next Asian Tiger?
explores this topic as he juxtaposes Vietnam’s economy against criteria he identifies as critical to the success of Asia’s Tiger Economies.How are Cambodian monkeys ending up in US research laboratories despite law enforcement crackdowns?
’s 3-year-long investigation uncovers the trail and more.