By Nguyen Van Linh
Hanoi-based correspondent covering ASEAN, the Mekong, the South China Sea and the archipelagic region.
Bank Indonesia Governor's Abrupt Exit Exposes Deepening Economic Crisis
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo resigned mid-term, rattling markets as the rupiah plunges and foreign reserves shrink. The departure u
Indonesia's digital boom masks a hidden workforce in the informal economy
Indonesia's digital payment transactions hit 5.22 billion in May 2026, up 28% year-on-year. Yet 59.42% of the workforce remains informal, ac
ASEAN Reclaims Central Role as Quad and BRICS Lose Steam
ASEAN's convening power was on full display in Manila, drawing top diplomats from the US, China, Russia, and India. The bloc's inclusive app
Myanmar's 'No Single Government' Narrative Aids the Junta's Agenda
The argument that Myanmar lacks a unified government misrepresents the situation, ignoring the emergence of a federal coordination body. Thi
Gulf of Thailand's Energy Deadlock: A $300 Billion Opportunity for Southeast Asia
The Gulf of Thailand holds an estimated 12 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 700 million barrels of oil, valued at $300 billion. A 25-y
ASEAN's AI Infrastructure Race Takes Shape as Nations Compete for Data Center Dominance
Thailand's Board of Investment reports over $30 billion in Q1 2026 applications, led by digital sector. Singapore's 2019 moratorium reshaped
Indonesia's Absence at South China Sea Award Conference Raises Questions
Indonesian government representatives canceled participation in a conference commemorating the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award. The a
Indonesia's Plan to Make Bali a Financial Hub Risks Becoming a Tax Haven
Indonesia's government is rushing to establish Bali as an international financial hub, but economists and analysts warn the plan lacks the i
China Deepens Tech and Halal Ties With Indonesia's Top Islamic Body
A delegation from Indonesia's top Islamic council visited China for a Digital Silk Road program, emphasizing technology and halal industries
Myanmar's Civil War Nears Decisive Phase as Junta Consolidates Gains
Myanmar's junta has made significant battlefield advances in 2026, recapturing key towns and highways. However, the Tatmadaw faces severe ma
Pragmatic Deals Define New Indonesia-Singapore Ties Amid Strategic Frictions
The July 6 retreat in Jakarta produced 26 pacts covering solar energy, cross-border power trading, and supply chain resilience. The summit h
Myanmar's Conscription Backlash: Forced Recruits Turn on Junta Commanders
A conscript killed his commander in Karen State and defected with 21 others. The junta's 2024 conscription law has produced 120,000 recruits