Cityscape with buildings, cranes, and hazy sky, viewed from a riverside with small boats and docks.

DON'T MAKE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION A SACRIFICE, MAKE IT SIMPLE

Southeast Asian governments should lay out green guidelines to help their people

Close-up of peacock feathers with eye-like patterns.

WHY WE TRUST THE PEACOCK'S TAIL

Sept 30, 2025
Why do peacocks grow such an elaborate tail to attract a mate?

Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem of Indonesia, mounted on a wall with a water feature below.

SHOULD YOU PUBLICLY SHAME YOUR ‘LAZIEST’ BUREAUCRATS?

Using social embarrassment to change behavior is not unusual, but the proposed scheme is unlikely to improve civil servants’ efficiency.

Various Indonesian banknotes in denominations of 50,000, 10,000, and 5,000 rupiah.

EVERY GOVERNMENT NEEDS SEVERAL RIVAL TAX DEPARTMENTS

Sept 26, 2025
In Southeast Asia, there is now a growing realization that governments don’t have nearly enough foreign aid or investment to fund key social programs.

THE PROBLEM ISN'T CHATGPT. IT'S US.

Sept 21, 2025
As a technology, large language models have been ruthless in highlighting the waste and weaknesses of the “knowledge industries.

Cooling towers emitting steam against a blue sky with clouds.

WHO'S AFRAID OF 'SUSTAINABLE STEAM POWER'?

15 Sept, 2025
While nuclear energy is the best means of avoiding climate catastrophe, many remain irrationally terrified of its risks.

An aerial view of the city of the Danang in central Vietnam.

RENTIERS OF THE WORLD, UNITE

Aug 25, 2025
Because of rampant speculation in real estate, home ownership is now a fleeting dream for many Vietnamese.

Several Indonesian banknotes of different denominations, including 100,000, 50,000, and 10,000 rupiah.

SOUTHEAST ASIA'S TAX POLICY DISCUSSION NEEDS SOME COUNTERINTUITIVE THINKING

Aug 19, 2025
Facing a demographic cliff, the region’s governments need to get creative in how they tackle the issue of tax reform.

People riding motorbikes in Hanoi, Vietnam

BANNING GAS MOTORBIKES IN VIETNAM IS A SILLY MOVE

Aug 11, 2025
There are better ways of encouraging the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Digital graph overlaying a dollar bill background with financial and technology icons.

LET'S GET RID OF ECONOMIC DATA FOR A FEW YEARS

Aug 04, 2025
Anecdotal information may say more about the state of the economy than the oracle of gross domestic product.

The Chinese-built railway station in Vientiane, Laos

BEWARE THE 'DIDEROT EFFECT' OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN DEVELOPMENT

July 10, 2025
Is the region’s obsession with infrastructure mega-projects economically misplaced?

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra looks on after a meeting at Government House in Bangkok on June 24, 2025. © Reuters

DYNASTIES, DAUGHTERS AND THE DILEMMA OF DEMOCRACY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

June 28, 2025
Political emphasis on family ties means liberal democracy remains a fragile ideal