This week, SEAmplified: March 26th, 2024
The latest in SEA politics for the week of March 26th, 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
Indonesia’s losing presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, seeks fresh election, citing ethical concerns and nepotism in Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto's win.
Malaysia's home ministry eyes broader censorship authority over streaming services like Netflix to curb LGBTQ, communist, and Islamophobic content, amidst growing conservatism.
Philippines troops were wounded in China Coast Guard's water cannon attack on a supply vessel near the South China Sea reef. The US condemned the aggression and reaffirmed its commitment to Manila's defense.
Thailand’s financial center status sees further decline in the latest Global Financial Centres Index due to slower development of financial technology. Meanwhile, Singapore and Hong Kong achieved third and fourth positions, placing behind New York and London.
Thailand, rebounding from Taylor Swift's tour miss, seizes opportunities by hosting Summer Sonic’s Southeast Asia debut and Tomorrowland’s 2026 edition to bolster event tourism.
Vietnam experiences a seismic political shift as President Vo Van Thuong resigns a year into his Presidency amid an intensified anti-corruption crusade. Thuong's exit underscores Vietnam's commitment to rooting out corruption ahead of the 2026 leadership transition.
Community highlights
If you want to take a deeper look at Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong’s resignation, check out
’s analysis in last Thursday’s edition of Vietnam Weekly. *For paid subscribers only- also shared her thoughts on the resignation of Vietnam’s president, and Singapore opposition leader Pritam Singh’s appearance in court in last Friday’s Dari Mulut ke Mulut.
Ever heard of “agriculture finance” and “smallholder farming”? The folks at Climate starts with SEA explain what these terms mean in their latest edition, and examine how farmers across Southeast Asia are facing a financing gap, and how government and business players are promoting rural financial inclusion.
In the latest edition of 5 Things You Should Know About Indonesia,
looks at GoTo’s share buyback announcement, the enactment of border extradition and defense agreements between Singapore and Indonesia, and Indonesia’s official election results, amongst other Indonesian news in the past week.Interested in Europe-Southeast Asia relations? Political journalist
’s Watching Europe in Southeast Asia provides a regular rundown on what is happening between both regions, with extensive interviews with diplomats and officials, with political and economic risk updates.
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