This week, SEAmplified: March 12th, 2024
The latest in SEA politics for the week of March 12th, 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
ASEAN and Australia have called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. The region is home to 40% of the world’s Muslim population, with Malaysia increasing its efforts to “seek justice” for Palestinians through various diplomatic and legal campaigns.
Brunei has set a maximum price on essential items like chicken and flour for the fasting month of Ramadan in the Muslim-majority country. The move, according to the Bruneian government, is to safeguard the interests of consumers to prevent unfair price increases and “promote a fair and competitive marketplace” amongst businesses.
Cambodia celebrated International Women’s Day with an annual running event known as “Women Run 10k”. Authorities said that they hope to encourage women to play sports and promote gender equality in the sports sector through the event.
Singapore’s business owners report different impacts from Taylor Swift’s concerts in the past week. Business at a dim sum restaurant near the stadium dropped to an average of two tables per night, while apparel and craft businesses received a boom as Swifties shop for apparel worn by Swift and beads for friendship bracelets.
Thailand’s Chiang Mai province has announced a reward of 10,000 baht (US$ 282.37) to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of a person who set fires in forested areas. Authorities hope that the reward will discourage anyone from setting a fire in a forest to collect forest products and control air pollution during dry seasons.
Vietnam’s Hanoi became the world’s most polluted city last Tuesday (Mar 5), with its air quality classified as “very unhealthy” and hit more than 24 times beyond WHO guidelines. Authorities have warned of regular thick haze in the northern mountainous areas of Vietnam.
Community highlights
Few newsletters talk about the latest archaeological findings in Southeast Asia in an easy-to-understand manner like Dr. Noel Hidalgo Tan's Southeast Asian Archaeology. If you are interested in the latest news, research, books, and announcements about archaeology in this culturally rich and diverse region, this one’s for you.
Want to hear what different journalists or storytellers think about what’s happening in Southeast Asia and beyond? Reporting Asean curates them in a monthly newsletter with stories and think pieces, infographics, and podcasts occasionally.
If you prefer a more informal take on what is happening in Southeast Asia, Erin Cook’s Dari Mulut ke Mulut brings you the latest “gossip” on regional developments in the region every week, with cutting-edge analysis and fascinating features. *Some posts require a paid subscription, free for Southeast Asian students (check website for details).
For tech enthusiasts, the folks at Tech For Good Institute provide you with the latest insights on the impact of technology and the digital economy in a complex region like Southeast Asia. The institute is founded by Grab, one of the largest superapps in the region.
Finally, Southeast Asia Globe covers business, societal, and environmental news in the region with daily in-depth features to help you gain insightful perspectives on the dynamic landscape of the region. Check it out if you are interested in what they are writing!