By Nguyen Van Linh
Hanoi-based correspondent covering ASEAN, the Mekong, the South China Sea and the archipelagic region.
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
US Seed Oil Backlash Could Boost Asian Palm and Coconut Exports
A US health movement led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is driving consumers away from seed oils like soybean and canola. This could boost demand
Indonesia's Competitiveness Slump: Structural Woes Undermine Growth
Indonesia fell to 48th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, down from 27th in 2024. The decline reflects unresolved weaknesses in gover
Vietnam's Demographic Time Bomb: Too Slow, Too Timid to Defuse
Vietnam's total fertility rate fell to 1.91 in 2024, below replacement for the third year. The country risks getting old before getting rich
Trump Golf Resort Rises on Exhumed Vietnamese Graveyard as US Ties Deepen
Vietnam is exhuming over 3,500 graves in Hung Yen province to build a $1.5 billion Trump International golf resort. The project reflects Han