Shows
Dialogues at FulcrumNusantara: Policy Continuity and Institutional Readiness in Indonesia’s Capital City RelocationFulcrum editor Julia Lau talks to Dr Yanuar Nugroho about the progress of and myriad challenges facing Indonesia's new capital city, Nusantara.1:10 – Overview of Nusantara’s status as a national project under the Prabowo Subianto administration6:55 – Challenges facing Nusantara’s development and “success indicators” to look out for9:10 – Foreign investments…10:20 – Feedback and experiences of civil servants who have moved to Nusantara13:35 – Governance of Nusantara and technical versus political aspects of development19:50 – Environmental degradation, land and indigenous rights, and other concerns in Nusantara25:16 – Strategic recommendations for Nusantara’s progress and development2025-07-2431 min
Dialogues at FulcrumManufacturing Malaysia’s Future: Hope or Hype?Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun and Malaysia Studies Programme Coordinator Francis Hutchinson speak with Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Their conversation spans Malaysia’s challenges in engineering a second industrial take-off, implementing reforms, and navigating global uncertainties.1:18 – Malaysia and Singapore at this historical juncture3:31 – Scepticism and optimism in politics; Malaysia’s second take-off9:28 – Malaysia’s potential second take-off compared to the first (late 1980s-1997)13:28 – Maintaining neutrality and multilateralism in the current global milieu22:22 – Rafizi Ramli’s resignation as Minister of Economy23:43...2025-07-1753 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe European Union Looks East Towards the Indo-PacificFulcrum editor William Choong talks to Niclas Kvarnström, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS), about the European Union’s evolving approaches to the Indo-Pacific.1:28 – Niclas Kvarnström’s role as the MD for Asia and the Pacific in the EEAS4:27 – Niclas Kvarnström’s assessment of French President Emmanuel Macron’s keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue7:35 – Views on trade negotiations between the EU and ASEAN member states, and the EU’s place in larger regional trading blocs in the Pacific12:30 – The dichotomous results o...2025-06-1633 min
Dialogues at FulcrumA Malaysian Minister’s Clarion Call to Save the PlanetFulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun converses with Minister Nik Nazmi about the urgent challenges of sustainability and climate change from Malaysian and ASEAN perspectives.2:28 – Why write this book?6:26 – An integrated approach to complex problems10:25 – Malaysia’s development model – retrospective self-criticism and new framework14:53 – From activism to government18:25 – What needs to happen before Malaysia’s next general election22:07 – Malaysia’s targeted carbon tax plans23:43 – Malaysia’s response to the US withdrawal from global climate action26:28 – ASEAN power grid30:07 – Communicating the message effectivelyDialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the2025-05-2632 min
What's Happening in MyanmarTNLA Tensions & Rebel EconomiesWith Jared Bissinger, a visiting fellow at the Myanmar Studies Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore and research lead at Catalyst Economics. This week on What’s Happening in Myanmar, eyes are still on northern Shan State as the military pressures the TNLA after retaking Lashio, and we discuss how armed groups in Myanmar run their economies. Email the show at whimyanmar@proton.me Join the Frontier team! We’re seeking a Managing Editor to help lead our newsroom. Find out more here Timecodes— 01m09s :: Northern Shan State news2025-05-0843 min
Dialogues at FulcrumAustralia Rues "Extreme Strategic Loneliness"Fulcrum editor William Choong discusses Australia’s strategic choices amid intensifying Sino-US rivalry and increased geopolitical flux with Prof Nick Bisley.3:08 – Australia’s “extreme strategic loneliness” under Trump 2.012:50 – AUKUS submarines: will Australia get them?21:30 – Is there a method in Trump’s “madness”?28:00 – Has Trump 2.0 given China a window of opportunity?37:10 – How can Southeast Asian countries cope in such a changed environment?41:30 – Wherefore the Quad if the US withdraws from it?Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.2025-04-0747 min
Dialogues at FulcrumIntroducing Timor-LesteFulcrum editor Julia Lau speaks to Ambassador Alex Tilman about Timor-Leste's imminent accession to ASEAN and its implications. They delve into aspects of Timor-Leste's identity as a Lusophone, small island, and majority Catholic nation-state.1:40 – Introducing Ambassador Alex Tilman3:17 – How the global uptick in tensions affects Timor-Leste and ASEAN5:35 – How Timor-Leste hopes to diversify its economy10:50 – Timor-Leste’s identity and priorities as a Lusophone and small island nation-state14:27 – How Timor-Leste’s being majority Catholic affects its identity and foreign policy16:55 – The NGO, Maluk Timor18:30 – What can tr...2025-02-2725 min
Dialogues at FulcrumIt’s Complicated? Cambodia-Vietnam Relations ExaminedFulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the complex issue of Cambodia-Vietnam relations in light of their new leadership. One issue examined is Cambodia's recent withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area and what it means for the region.
2:07 – Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLVDTA)
9:26 – “Losers all around?” Vietnam’s view on Cambodia’s withdrawal from CLVDTA
13:30 – The role of individual leaders in geopolitics: new leaders in Vietnam and Cambodia testing their powers?
25:00 – Short-term prognosis for bilateral relations
37:12 – How to build trust and longer-term bilateral outlook
41:04 – Dealing with US and China: H...2024-11-2759 min
The ASEAN Wonk PodcastEpisode 9: Big ASEAN Flashpoint Stakes on Myanmar in 2025INTRODUCTIONOur guest today is Moe Thuzar, who spent a decade at the ASEAN Secretariat and previously was a diplomat as well. Now, she serves as coordinator of the Myanmar Studies Program and senior fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, which is one of Southeast Asia's leading think tanks, and she previously helped head up the ASEAN studies program there as well.We will start our conversation talking about the ongoing civil war in Myanmar in the context of wider regional and global dynamics. Make sure you watch, listen, or read the fu...2024-11-1534 min
Dialogues at FulcrumUnpacking Recent Political Developments in ThailandFulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the latest dramatic political events and the new government in Thailand with Acting Coordinator of ISEAS' Thailand Studies Programme, Dr Napon Jatusripitak.
1:11 – How did the Srettha Thavisin administration come to an end?
4:28 – Judicial overreach in Srettha's dismissal
9:50 – The weaknesses of democratic institutions
12:45 – Dissolution of Move Forward Party and its implications
19:55 – Paetongtarn Shinawatra's rise to premiership
26:16 – Prospects for Paetongtarn's administration and Pheu Thai
29:43 – Putting Thailand back in international politics?
31:30 – "Digital Wallet" scheme
36:30 – The new Cabinet
40:52 – Fam...2024-09-2056 min
Dialogues at FulcrumParsing the Future of Vietnam Under New LeadershipWilliam Choong, Fulcrum’s Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the recent leadership changes in Vietnam with Dr Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at ISEAS’ Vietnam Studies Programme (VSP), and Dr Le Hong Hiep, the coordinator of the VSP.
1:39 – Drivers of Vietnam’s leadership changes
3:55 – Vietnam’s political future under General Secretary To Lam
10:28 – The durability of Vietnam’s anti-corruption drive
14:42 – Perceptions of To Lam’s public security background
18:50 – Changes in Vietnam’s economic direction
24:50 – The future of Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy”
28:20 – Vietnam’s future relations with Russia
2024-08-1939 min
New Books in Southeast Asian StudiesPolitics in Action 2024: Myanmar UpdatePolitics in Action is an annual forum in which invited experts provided an analysis of the current political situation in Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, and discussed the broader implications of events in these countries for the region. After the event, each of the six speakers sat for a podcast to chat with Dr Natali Pearson and delve further into the political situation of their respective countries.In this podcast the presenter of the Myanmar update, Dr Moe Thuzar, discusses the political situation in Myanmar.Moe Thuzar is a Senior Fellow at the...2024-08-0226 min
SSEAC StoriesPolitics in Action 2024: Myanmar UpdatePolitics in Action is an annual forum in which invited experts provided an analysis of the current political situation in Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, and discussed the broader implications of events in these countries for the region. After the event, each of the six speakers sat for a podcast to chat with Dr Natali Pearson and delve further into the political situation of their respective countries.In this podcast the presenter of the Myanmar update, Dr Moe Thuzar, discusses the political situation in Myanmar.Moe Thuzar is a Senior Fellow at the...2024-08-0226 min
New Books in Political SciencePolitics in Action 2024: Myanmar UpdatePolitics in Action is an annual forum in which invited experts provided an analysis of the current political situation in Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, and discussed the broader implications of events in these countries for the region. After the event, each of the six speakers sat for a podcast to chat with Dr Natali Pearson and delve further into the political situation of their respective countries.In this podcast the presenter of the Myanmar update, Dr Moe Thuzar, discusses the political situation in Myanmar.Moe Thuzar is a Senior Fellow at the...2024-08-0226 min
Dialogues at FulcrumJapan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Part of a Bigger PuzzleWilliam Choong, Fulcrum's Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the recent Japan-Philippines reciprocal access agreement with Dr Aries Arugay, the coordinator of the institute’s Philippine Studies Programme, and Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science, at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
1:30 – An overview of ISEAS’ Philippine Studies Programme
7:12 – The significance of the Japan-Philippines reciprocal access agreement (RAA)
14:10 – How the RAA will help in Manila’s contest of wills with Beijing
22:51 – Will recent China-Philippines bilateral consultation mechanisms soothe tensions?
31:25 – Will the conclusion of Conduct of Conduct negotiations on th...2024-07-3147 min
Dialogues at FulcrumSingapore as a "Nation of Lions Led by Lions"William Choong, Fulcrum's Managing Editor and ISEAS Senior Fellow, discusses the second volume of S. Rajaratnam's authorised biography, the Lion's Roar, with author and ISEAS writer-in-residence Irene Ng.
2:20 – An introduction by the author and her inspiration for the biography
7:21 – The themes in the biography which resonated most with the author
13:40 – Some trials and triumphs in writing the biography
18:40 – Would S. Rajaratnam have persisted in pushing the “Malaysian Malaysia” concept if he had known that it would not have been successful?
24:00 – How did S. Rajaratnam, the foreign minister of a small country...2024-07-1849 min
Dialogues at FulcrumPromises and Setbacks on Anwar's Path for ReformFulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun and ISEAS Malaysia Studies Programme Coordinator Francis Hutchinson discuss Malaysia's long reform journey and the hits and misses of Anwar Ibrahim's administration, with Meredith Weiss, ISEAS Visiting Senior Fellow and Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY).
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
2:14 – About Prof Weiss: beginnings of interest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
5:12 – Important milestones in Malaysia’s reform journey
10:24 – Role of political le...2024-07-0544 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe Shangri-La Dialogue's Coming of Age - A Conversation with Veerle NouwensFulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the recent Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) and the significance of two decades of the SLD with IISS Executive Director, Veerle Nouwens.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
0:55 – More about Veerle Nouwens
3:20 – Are the US and China engaging in "duelling narratives"?
11:11 – SLD's impact on US-China dialogue
16:22 – Has China won over the region?
23:03 – Is dialogue sufficient to resolve tensions over the South China Sea?
28:00 – Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's appearance at SLD and upc...2024-06-1940 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe United States of America in Southeast Asia: A Conversation with DAS Melissa BrownFulcrum editor and Co-Coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme Julia Lau discusses the United States' role and policies in Southeast Asia with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Melissa Brown, the day after her public address at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute on 13 March 2024.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
1:23 – Sino-U.S. relations
3:20 – U.S.-ASEAN cooperation
4:33 – U.S.-Singapore relations
6:04 – Regional architecture and ‘minilaterals’
10:15 – U.S. presence in the region amidst a more uncertain world
16:30...2024-03-2136 min
Dialogues at FulcrumTalking about Timor-Leste with Udan FernandoFulcrum editor Julia Lau sits down with Dr Udan Fernando, former Executive Director (2012-2020) of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), a Sri Lankan think tank. Based in Singapore and working as a consultant with the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), Dr Fernando is currently working on a project to develop under-represented scholars in the humanities and social sciences in Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Timor-Leste and Thailand.
The topic of their discussion is his recent documentary, “Not So Greener Pastures”, on four individuals who migrated to Timor-Leste and related issues, including Timor-Leste’s expected accession to ASEAN.
Dialo...2024-02-2741 min
阿薩姆的社會觀察 asam social observationEP54 伊黨大會總整理+智庫提出PAS黨內異議增強的3個可能伊黨大會(muktamar)周末落幕，這次的大會實在太有趣了，特別是伊黨主席哈迪阿旺說要力爭非穆斯林選票的部分，頗有「聽好了，我現在要開始披羊皮了」的感覺，然後要把這個重任交給民政黨。但問題是，你先前累積下來的不良觀感是要怎樣在下屆選舉前清楚呢？
最後的部分為大家插播新加坡智庫ISEAS Yusof Ishak研究員James Chai的論文，我覺得他的亮點是提及伊黨黨內異議增強的可能性，特別是「當他們發現馬來票就算催到頂也有其侷限」的部分。
-0:00 政黨大會基層辯論的重要性
-3:04 伊黨大會亮點(1): 明言不加入團結政府
-5:06 伊黨大會亮點(2): 力爭非穆斯林選票
-7:00 綠潮到頂? 有事時民政黨就變成鍾無艷
-8:48 伊黨大會亮點(3): 沙努西說下個目標是彭亨霹靂、預言會有選區撥款
-11:00 其他動議: 新聞自由?! 伊斯蘭法庭危機?! 下放權力給州屬etc
-17:05 馬華大會的相互呼應signalling: 看起來很想加入國盟
-20:47 兩點總結
-22:07 滲透國家機器對吸引非穆斯林選票有用嗎
-27:14 ISEAS Yusof Ishak文章: PAS黨內異議增強的3個可能
參考資料:
1. 關於馬來右翼在講的Basic Structure Doctrine
https://contemporary-review.com.my/2023/06/09/1-526/
2. 新加坡智庫ISEAS Yusof Ishak研究員James Chai 的文章
https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ISEAS_Perspective_2023_85.pdf
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節目IG: https://www.instagram.com/asam0701
打賞辛苦週更阿薩姆: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asam0701
2023-10-2434 min
Podcast Berita Harian SingapuraSiapakah LKY di mata masyarakat Melayu?Tahun ini kita memperingati 100 tahun kelahiran Perdana Menteri Pengasas Singapura, mendiang Encik Lee Kuan Yew, atau LKY100. Dalam podcast #NoTapis kali ini, Timbalan Editor Berita, Berita Harian, Nur Adilah Mahbob dan Penerbit Podcast, Natasha Mustafa bersama Mantan editor Berita Harian dan Menteri Negara Kanan Ehwal Luar, Encik Zainul Abidin Rasheed dan Zamil Kanan Iseas-Institut Yusof Ishak, Dr Norshahril Saat berkongsi bagaimana Encik Lee telah menyumbang kepada masyarakat Melayu Islam kita.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2023-10-2047 min
Dialogues at FulcrumCambodia's Political TransitionIn this episode, Dr William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, and Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at ISEAS, talk to Prof Sophal Ear, Associate Professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, about the political transition in Cambodia.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
2:34 – Reflections on the historic political transition from long-serving Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen to his son, Hun Manet
9:55 – Will fairly widespread instances of dynastic succession in Cambodia constitute a conc...2023-09-2054 min
Dialogues at FulcrumMalaysia Post-PRN2023: Stay the Course or Change Direction?In this dialogue, which follows on his May 16th podcast, “Defining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity Government”, Khairy Jamaluddin discusses the main arena of those defining tests: the August 12th Peninsular state elections (PRN2023). Khairy speaks with Fulcrum editor Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Dr Francis Hutchinson, both Senior Fellows at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, about the outcomes and implications of PRN2023. The Perikatan Nasional coalition dominated in the three Northern Malay states, while the PH-BN Unity coalition of coalitions retained the three more ethnically mixed states on the west coast– with significant ground ceded to PN. Th...2023-09-1339 min阿薩姆的社會觀察 asam social observationEP43 六州州選雪州篇-ISEAS分析+國盟公布候選人現場觀察本集從新加坡智庫ISEAS Yusof Ishak智庫的講座出發，兩位分屬不同陣營的visiting fellow王建民（行動黨）和Marzuki（土團黨）用量化的方式為雪蘭莪州的州選選情把脈。王建民認為就算只有3成國陣選票流向希盟，也能保住雪州政權；但Marzuki點出根據3-4月的調查，雪州馬來人的不滿意度有66%，並預測沿海區如Sabak Bernam等會有激戰。
後半是我在周三（07/27）去PJ觀察國盟宣布候選人的場次。現場士氣真的很高昂，人數也很多，但撐起大局的應該還是伊黨，因為「takbir」還是最大聲的。如果聯合同一天吉打大臣沙努西在吉打宣布候選人的致詞，看來騎摩托車的年輕馬來人支持板塊是兵家必爭之地？
-0:00 開場: 感謝打賞及聽眾留言
-1:38 本週正題(1): 新加坡ISEAS智庫的雪州分析
-6:30 雪州馬來人有33%支持國盟
-8:24 沙努西用「辛苦做工人」氛圍製造英雄人設
-15:00 雪州國盟宣布候選人觀察
-19:45 草根談政治最大公約數: 油價不跌+城市貧窮
-20:48 宣布非穆斯林候選人時反應冷淡
-23:48 前黑社會老大披甲上陣?!
-27:26 結尾趨勢: 選戰TikTok歌大戰?
TikTok歌(1:) by國盟支持者
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSLxRNtTo/
TikTok歌(2): 希盟支持者vs國盟支持者
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSLxRjCBf/
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《阿薩姆的社會觀察》IG: https://www.instagram.com/asam0701
打賞阿薩姆買器材: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/asam0701
2023-07-3030 min
The Asia ChessboardASEAN's Future Under Great Power RivalryThis week, Mike and Jude are joined by Mr. Choi Shing Kwok, Director & Chief Executive Officer of the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, and head of the ASEAN Studies Centre and Singapore APEC Study Centre, to discuss ASEAN perspectives on issues in the Indo-Pacific. The conversation first examines ASEAN’s current structure, organizational challenges, and the diversity of its individual members. They then discuss ASEAN’s relationships and interaction with other regional players, including Japan and Australia. Next, they turn to the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s 2023 Survey Report on the State of Southeast Asia, reviewing how the region vie...2023-07-1142 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe Shangri-La Dialogue at 20In this episode, William Choong, managing editor of Fulcrum, talks to James Crabtree, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (Asia), the London-headquartered think tank which runs the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. Held annually, the Dialogue covers a broad range of regional security issues. This year, the focus will likely be on the state of Sino-U.S. relations.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
1:51 – Expectations about the 2023 Shangri-La Dialogue
3:45 – China's representation at the Dialogue
7:09 – Interactions between the IISS and the...2023-06-0135 min
Dialogues at FulcrumDefining Tests for UMNO, Anwar and the Unity GovernmentFulcrum editor Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Dr Francis Hutchinson, both Senior Fellows at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, speak with Khairy Jamaluddin on a broad range of Malaysian political and policy issues. Six months after the 15th general election, UMNO, Prime Minister Anwar, and the unity government are each facing distinct challenges that will test their ability to reform, govern, contest state elections, and sustain the ruling coalition.
Khairy is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS, and was three-time member of Malaysia’s parliament representing Rembau. He has served as Minister of Youth and Sports; Science, Technology and...2023-05-1643 min
Dialogues at FulcrumIndonesia’s Democracy after 25 Years of Reformasi: Rights, Wrongs, and ReflectionsIn this Dialogues at Fulcrum podcast, Fulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the direction of Indonesian democracy with Dr Deasy Simandjuntak and Mr Made Supriatma, 25 years after the momentous fall of Suharto. Rights, wrongs and reflections: which way forward for Indonesia with the 2024 elections?
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
2:40 – Setting the stage and guests' preliminary assessments on the work cut out for the three frontrunner presidential candidates
11:40 – Interesting juncture in Indonesian politics for coalition formation
16:5...2023-05-1452 min阿薩姆的社會觀察 asam social observationEP29 ISEAS學會：學者們的馬來政治分析本集是阿薩姆跑到新加坡的ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute (簡稱ISEAS)聽學會後覺得很有收穫，於是來跟大家分享學者們的分析。這集主要以前貿工部長王建民、ISEAS的James Chai還有Serina Rahman的研究為主軸，希望大家喜歡。
-00:10 上集迴響：關於炒作首相訪沙地沒見到主要領袖課題
-03:10 ISEAS學會：GE15的選後分析
-05:41 王建民: 從年齡、區域、族群來看的micro data analysis
-12:42 James Chai: 年輕選民X國盟
-20:06 Serina Rahman: 鄉區選民: 漁村與農夫對安華的印象竟然好轉了?!
本集上架Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, PogoFM。節目IG: https://www.instagram.com/asam0701 2023-04-0832 min
The Katalis PodcastFood for ThoughtIn Indonesia, festive seasons such as Ramadan bring to centre stage the topic of food prices, where amidst current global challenges, food security has never been more important.
In “Food for Thought”, co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn explore strategies to address food security challenges. This episode features an interview with Maria Monica Wihardja, Advisory Board Member of Australian National University Indonesia Project and Visiting Fellow at ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, and Salah Sukkarieh, agricultural robotics expert at University of Sydney.
The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-backed business development program that unlocks the vast...2023-04-0626 min
China in the WorldThe State of Southeast Asia in 2023The ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute recently released its State of Southeast Asia 2023 Survey, which gauges the views and perceptions of Southeast Asians on geopolitical developments affecting the region over the preceding year. The 2023 survey reveals that Southeast Asia’s top preoccupations include recessionary pressures, potential military tensions, and a ‘slow and ineffective’ ASEAN. China continues to be regarded as the most influential economic and political power in the region, while the US has sharpened its edge over China in the event of a "forced choice." Japan remains Southeast Asia's most trusted major power. In this episode...2023-03-2033 min
Dialogues at FulcrumUkraine and Southeast Asia: Implications One Year OnIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, Dr William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to Ambassador Kateryna Zelenko and Prof C. Raja Mohan about the implications of the war against Ukraine on Southeast Asia. Ambassador Zelenko is the Ukrainian ambassador to Singapore and long-serving diplomat with her country’s Foreign Ministry. Prof Mohan is a Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi, a contributing editor on International affairs at the Indian Express and a visiting professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is...2023-02-2247 min
New Books in Buddhist StudiesAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
New Books in East Asian StudiesAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
New Books in Indian ReligionsAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
New Books in Medieval HistoryAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1146 minNew Books in Southeast Asian StudiesAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1146 min
New Books in South Asian StudiesAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
New Books in ArtAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
New Books in ReligionAndrea Acri and Peter Sharrock, "The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia" (Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)Andrea Acri and Peter Sharrock's The Creative South: Buddhist and Hindu Art in Mediaeval Maritime Asia (2 volumes; Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) examines the creative contribution of Maritime Asia towards shaping new paradigms in the Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture of the mediaeval Asian world. Far from being a mere southern conduit for the maritime circulation of Indic religions, in the period from ca. the 7th to the 14th century those regions transformed across mainland and island polities the rituals, icons, and architecture that embodied these religious insights with a dynamism that often eclipsed the established cultural centres in Northern Indi...2023-02-1148 min
Beyond the Ballot BoxCan Malaysia End Forced Labour By 2030?Forced labour is a massive problem in Malaysia. We’re talking about horrible wages, deplorable working and living conditions – in essence, modern day slavery. But what can we do about it? Recently, Lee Hwok-Aun of ISEAS and Adrian Pereira of the North-South Initiative, wrote a paper for ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute titled Can Malaysia Eliminate Forced Labour by 2030? We unpack this paper with the authors. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2023-02-0748 min
China in the WorldXi Jinping’s Charm Offensive in Southeast AsiaFollowing the 20th Party Congress, China’s paramount leader Xi Jinping engaged in a flurry of high-level diplomatic meetings with heads of state from dozens of countries in East and Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In this episode of the China in the World podcast, Paul Haenle speaks with Hoang Thi Ha, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, about Xi’s recent diplomacy, China-ASEAN relations, U.S.-China competition in Southeast Asia, and environmental issues in the Mekong subregion. Hoang Thi Ha is a Senior Fellow and the Co-coordinator of the Regional Strategic and Polit...2022-12-1943 min
Dialogues at FulcrumIndonesia's Foreign Policy and New Capital PlansDr Deasy Simandjuntak discusses with Fulcrum editor Julia Lau her analysis of Indonesia's foreign policy goals and direction post-G20 in 2022 and in advance of its ASEAN chairmanship in 2023. Other topics they talk about are Indonesia's regional leadership, the planned new capital of Indonesia, and Dr Simandjuntak's future research projects.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
1:07 – Indonesia's foreign policy
4:47 – De-escalating situation in Ukraine and examples of Indonesia's approach
5:18 – Myanmar crisis: ASEAN's reactions and the Five-Poi...2022-12-1443 min
阿薩姆的社會觀察 asam social observationEP11 首投族及全國民調+競選宣言本集主要講兩份民調：新加坡ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute針對首投族的民調顯示，其實首投族不但近8成會出來投票，他們的政治知識在線，政治效力感也挺高的？！Merdeka Centre民調則顯示，其實選民當中重視候選人的最多，而且三大族群裡面重視候選人的是華裔比例最高！競選宣言的方面，截至錄音為止我只來得及看希盟(PH)和社會主義黨(PSM)的政見，但老實說我看政見覺得不太有感，因為不確定他到底能實現到什麼程度。
-00:53 ISEAS民調
-8:26 Merdeka Centre民調
-14:40 希盟競選宣言
-25:00 PSM競選宣言及競選策略
本集上架Spotify, Apple Podcast, PogoFM，若有任何回饋歡迎到IG留言！https://www.instagram.com/asam0701/2022-11-0628 min
Dialogues at FulcrumWhy UNCLOS Matters to Singapore and the WorldFulcrum editor Julia Lau discusses the significance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) with NUS Assistant Professor of Law, Dr Tara Davenport.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
2:05 – What UNCLOS Is
3:03 – Why do we care about UNCLOS, 40 years on?
5:40 – UNCLOS establishing law and order for the oceans
6:35 – Singapore’s role as a major flag state
7:55 – Singapore’s role in forging UNCLOS
11:44 – Archipelagic states and regime, with d...2022-09-2631 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe Implications of Najib Razak’s Jail TermIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to Francis Hutchinson and Lee Hwok Aun about the implications of the jailing of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Dr Hutchinson and Dr Lee are the Coordinator and Co-coordinator of ISEAS’ Malaysia Studies Programme respectively.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
1:25 – Immediate political impacts of Najib serving his jail term
17:00 – Najib’s ability to refashion his political image and the state...2022-09-0140 min
Dialogues at FulcrumThe Taiwan Crisis and Implications on Southeast AsiaIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to Drew Thompson about the latest Taiwan Strait crisis and the implications on Southeast Asia. Mr Thompson is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. The discussion centred on the relevance of the crisis to Southeast Asia, the future of Sino-US competition and the roles that Southeast Asian countries can play.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
For quick reference, the themes below we...2022-08-2450 minNew Books in Southeast Asian StudiesSupalak Ganjanakhundee, "A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X" (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)What is the relationship between the military and the monarchy in Thailand? How has that relationship changed since King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) assumed the throne in 2016? Why have recent military coups in Thailand been staged partly in order to defend the throne? And how far can earlier interpretations of Thai politics be adapted to explain the growing influence of the monarchy in recent years?Supalak Ganjanakhundee discusses his new fascinating book A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) with Duncan McCargo, director of the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Un...2022-07-0433 min
New Books in Military HistorySupalak Ganjanakhundee, "A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X" (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022)What is the relationship between the military and the monarchy in Thailand? How has that relationship changed since King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) assumed the throne in 2016? Why have recent military coups in Thailand been staged partly in order to defend the throne? And how far can earlier interpretations of Thai politics be adapted to explain the growing influence of the monarchy in recent years?Supalak Ganjanakhundee discusses his new fascinating book A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2022) with Duncan McCargo, director of the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies, Un...2022-07-0433 min
Dialogues at FulcrumScaling the Shangri-La DialogueIn this episode, William Choong, managing editor of Fulcrum, talks to James Crabtree, executive director of International Institute for Strategic Studies (Asia), the London-headquartered think tank which runs the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. The dialogue is an annual meeting of defence ministers from Asia and beyond, and is covered widely by media from around the world. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the dialogue was postponed in 2020 and 2021.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were discussed:
8:39 - Themes that Fumio Kishida, the Ja...2022-06-0629 minNew Books in Southeast Asian StudiesPuangthong Pawakapan, "Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military’s Internal Security Affairs" (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2021)Why is the Thai military so deeply embedded in socio-economic development projects, longer after the end of the Cold War? How come serving generals continue to exercise considerable authority over a range of areas that should normally be the domain of civilian governments? What role does the Royal Thai Army play in promoting a range of social organisations that support royalist, conservative political ideologies, while countering progressive and critical voices? And why does this all matter so much for the future of Thai democracy?The Thai military are armed bureaucrats who do not fight wars. In this im...2022-05-0232 min
Dialogues at FulcrumRussia, Ukraine and ASEAN: Reading the Geo-political Tea LeavesIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to three scholars about the 2022 State of Southeast Asia Survey, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the United States’ Indo-Pacific Strategy. Dr Choong spoke to Ms Elina Noor, Director, Political-Security Affairs and Deputy Director of the Washington D.C. office at the Asia Society Policy Institute; Dr Huong Le Thu, a Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and Ms Sharon Seah, Coordinator of the ASEAN Study Centre at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the IS...2022-03-2942 min
Do More - Take Charge of Your LifeDr. Lee Hwok-Aun - Inequality’s Iniquities, In Malaysia and Elsewhere#Inequality #NEP #Competitiveness
Dr. Lee Hwok-Aun - Inequality’s Iniquities, In Malaysia and Elsewhere
Dr. Lee Hwok-Aun is the author of “Affirmative Action in Malaysia and South Africa: Preference for Parity”, published in 2021 by Routledge and of numerous articles, in academic and media publications, on affirmative action, inequality, discrimination, social protection, labour and education.
He is a Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and a PhD holder in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Inequality forms a key tenet of his work, a subject on which h...2022-02-171h 06
ASEAN PodcastASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute – ASEAN Prize 2020 Recipient Regional Integration, Sharpen the ASEAN IdentitySince its launch in 2008, ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC) ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute has played an important role in promoting ASEAN awareness and identity. Its constructive framework of policy oriented analysis, science-based policy advocacy, as well as publication and engagement to the ASEAN’ wide range of stakeholder, has made the organisation the first institution to receive the ASEAN Prize in 2020. In this episode, the ASEAN Prize Podcast features Mr. Choi Shing Kwok, the Director of ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute of Singapore. He shares his thoughtful perspectives and valuable insights towards strengthening ASEAN Community building amidst the region’s challenges and touches on i...2022-02-1437 min
New Books in Chinese StudiesNegotiated Environmentalism: Influences of Domestic Interest Groups in China’s Environmental Foreign RelationsCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.Sh...2021-12-0627 min
The Nordic Asia PodcastCOP26 from a Southeast Asian PerspectiveCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.Sh...2021-12-0627 minNew Books in Southeast Asian StudiesCOP26 from a Southeast Asian PerspectiveCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.Sh...2021-12-0627 minNew Books in East Asian StudiesNegotiated Environmentalism: Influences of Domestic Interest Groups in China’s Environmental Foreign RelationsCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.Sh...2021-12-0627 min
New Books in Environmental StudiesNegotiated Environmentalism: Influences of Domestic Interest Groups in China’s Environmental Foreign RelationsCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.Sh...2021-12-0627 min
New Books in World AffairsNegotiated Environmentalism: Influences of Domestic Interest Groups in China’s Environmental Foreign RelationsCOP26 was billed as the make or break event in the fight against climate change. In conversation with Quynh Le Vo, Sharon Seah, coordinator of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, discusses Southeast Asian countries’ key priorities going into the conference and the commitments they made in Glasgow, including climate finance, exit from coal and ending deforestation. She also reveals some insights from the annual Southeast Asia Climate Survey reports, such as perceptions in the region of the US as a climate leader and the (dis)connects between climate action and COVID-19 responses.
Sharon Seah is S...2021-12-0627 min
Dialogues at FulcrumASEAN Summits: Be Like WaterIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to ISEAS researchers Moe Thuzar and Sharon Seah about the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits. They discuss the key highlights of the meetings, ASEAN’s continued engagement with external powers such as Australia, China and the United States, and Cambodia’s chairing of ASEAN in 2022.
Moe Thuzar is the Co-coordinator of the Myanmar Studies Programme. Sharon Seah is the Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick...2021-11-0538 min
Dialogues at FulcrumIn Conversation: ASEAN's Special Mission to MyanmarIn this episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, talks to two ISEAS researchers about the ongoing political developments in Myanmar after the February 2021 coup. They discuss the impending visit of ASEAN’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, and the challenges and opportunities that will come with the trip.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast:
2:25 – A recap of what has happened in Myanmar since February 2021
18:38 – The challenges and opportunities that the ASEA...2021-09-061h 07
Dialogues at FulcrumDialogues at Fulcrum: Interview with Parag Khanna on his book The Future is AsianIn this inaugural episode of Dialogues at Fulcrum, William Choong, Managing Editor of Fulcrum, sits down with Parag Khanna, author of “The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict and Culture in the 21st Century”. Published in 2019, the book covers a broad spectrum of themes such as Asian history, the region’s economic rise and the ongoing Asianisation of Asia.
Dr Khanna is a leading global strategy advisor, world traveller and author.
Dialogues at Fulcrum is a podcast published by the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.
For quick reference, the themes below were addressed during the podcast.
1:00 - Has the West and Asians...2021-05-1144 min
ASPI Podcast: Policy, Guns & MoneyAustralia-Japan defence ties, bushfire royal commission, Myanmar electionsIn this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Brendan Nicholson and Peter Jennings discuss Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent visit to Japan to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and the in-principle Reciprocal Access Agreement. They discuss the significance of the agreement and what it signals about the two countries’ future engagement in South East Asia and the Pacific regions.
Anastasia Kapetas speaks with Robert Glasser, ASPI Visiting Fellow and former Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction about the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. They discuss the report, which was released in Octobe...2020-11-1936 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Amanda Achmadi - COVID-19 and the CityDr Amanda Achmadi: Covid-19 and the city
As the pandemic enters its sixth month and Indonesia’s daily case numbers continue to rise, in order to avoid further deterioration of the economy the central and local governments have begun to loosen restrictions. For the tens of millions of Indonesians living in its densely populated cities this will prove to be a particularly difficult test. The pandemic has highlighted tensions between the informality that characterises these large cities, and the bureaucracies struggling to deal with this major public health crisis.
What did the ‘lockdown’ in Indonesia’s cities look like? What were the...2020-07-2933 min
INTR1001: After the LectureHuman Trafficking and COVID-19 Impacts with Dr Ruji AuethavornpipatThe ANU International Relations Society’s President, Jessica Honan, speaks to Australian National University's Dr Ruji Auethavornpipat, a Lecturer in International Relations at the ANU and researcher in migrant worker rights norms in Southeast Asia, migration governance and human trafficking.
In 2019, Ruji won the Excellence in Tutoring Award. His teaching covers both postgraduate and undergraduate courses such as World Politics and Introduction to International Relations. At the height of migrant trafficking politicisation in Southeast Asia, Ruji took up the Asia Studies Fellowship at the East-West Center in Washington, DC, in 2017 where he conducted research on ASEAN-US co...2020-07-1725 min
Arkeologi NasionalPuslit Arkenas dan THRC at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak InstitutePada Episode kali ini, kami mewawancarai Dr. Karoly Belenyesy (THRC at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute) dan Dr. Hélène Njoto (Visiting Fellow, THRC at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute) dalam rangka kerjasama Puslit Arkenas dengan The Temasek History Research Centre (THRC) at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute dalam mengadakan THRC Field School. THRC Field School merupakan bagian dari Southeast Asian Heritage Programme oleh Temasek Foundation.2020-07-0906 min
Talking IndonesiaAthia Yumna - COVID-19, the Poor and VulnerableAthia Yumna – COVID-19, the poor and vulnerable
Globally, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Prior to the virus emergency, Indonesia’s economy was the envy of many others around the world. Its steady GDP growth had led to a gradual decline in the number of Indonesians living below the poverty line to below 10 percent in late 2019. The economic shutdown and social distancing measures put in place to stop the virus have dramatically impacted the household incomes of these groups, many of whom work in Indonesia’s larg...2020-05-0621 min
Amalia PodcastEpisode 22 : Keberhasilan Taiwan Menghadapi Covid-19 Ft Dr Deasy SimandjuntakTaiwan adalah salah satu negara yang dianggap berhasil melakukan langkah langkah penanganan wabah Covid 19 walau dengan posisi kedaulatan negara yang masih menjadi sengketa dengan Tiongkok dan tidak diakuinya negara ini di WHO. Bagaimana sebenarnya cara Taiwan menghadapi wabah ini dan apa pelajaran yang dapat diambil oleh Indonesia?Kacamata Kita menghadirkan Dr Deasy Simandjuntak, Associate Fellow ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore dan Visiting Fellow di Academia Sinica Taiwan 2020-04-2854 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Yanuar Nugroho - Indonesia's Covid-19 ResponseThe Indonesian government’s response to Covid-19 has been widely perceived as inadequate. Indonesia’s testing rate has been very low, sparking concerns that many Covid fatalities have gone undetected, but even so its current official death toll of 635 is the highest in Asia outside of China. It took almost a month after acknowledging its first case to declare a health emergency, enabling regions with high numbers of cases to institute social distancing. It was only on Tuesday this week that the government issued a ban on the annual mudik - where tens of millions of Indonesians living in major citi...2020-04-2339 min
Talking IndonesiaIgnatius Praptoraharjo - LGBT Inclusion and AccessEven without controversial changes to the Criminal Code that would criminalise same sex relations, many local level bylaws already persecute sexual and gender minorities in the name of public order and decency.
What are the difficulties faced by LGBT Indonesians? How do they see their place in society? What are the barriers to basic services, including health care and what are the implications for this community and Indonesian society as a whole if they are left behind?
In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Jemma Purdey discusses inclusion, access and empowerment for LGBT Indonesians with Ignatius Praptoraharjo (Gambit) a research consultant...2020-03-2542 min
Asia - AudioAsian Architecture ConferencePlease join CSIS as we preview key issues that will be on the agenda for leaders participating in November’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and East Asia Summit (EAS), as well as broader trends in multilateral structures in the Asia-Pacific.
9:20 a.m. - Welcoming Remarks Dr. Amy Searight Senior Adviser and Director, Southeast Asia Program Center for Strategic and International Studies Opening Keynote Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) Chair, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Foreign Affairs U...2019-10-1600 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Dede Oetomo - Persecuted MinoritiesIndonesia has recently seen widespread protests against proposed changes to the Criminal Code (KUHP), which threatened to tighten restrictions on human rights and freedoms, particularly those of religious and sexual minorities. In the latest episode of the Talking Indonesia podcast, we reflect on the progress made by persecuted and vulnerable minorities since the fall of the New Order more than 20 years ago. For the LGBTIQ community in particular, what gains have been made since 1998 and where are the threats to these gains coming from? How do we explain increasing intolerance for the rights of minorities and what do the recent...2019-10-1437 min
Talking IndonesiaEmanuel Bria - EnergyIndonesia is one of the world’s leading emitters of carbon dioxide and the fifth largest producer of coal, both for export and its own domestic use. Recently, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reiterated his commitment to reducing Indonesia’s dependence on fossil fuels and has set ambitious renewable energy targets. Indonesia is a signatory to the Paris Accord for climate change.
But with Indonesia’s economy growing at a rapid pace and its energy needs increasing at around 5 per cent annually, are these goals realistic? How can Indonesia wean itself off coal and protect its electricity supply at the same time...2019-09-0430 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Sophie Chao - Palm Oil and Indigenous PeoplesOver recent years, concerns about Indonesia's food security have seen a sharp increase in industrial-scale agriculture across the country, including into the forests of West Papua. At the same time, the environmental and social ramifications of monocropping, particularly palm oil, are becoming well-known.
Are the customary rights of indigenous peoples being respected in negotiations over land for agribusiness? What exactly is "sustainable palm oil"? And what are the impacts of palm oil plantation expansion on the forests and peoples whose culture and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the forests?
In Talking Indonesia this week, Dr Jemma Purdey speaks to anthropologist...2019-07-1143 min
Talking IndonesiaNorman Erikson Pasaribu - On Literature and DiversityThis year Indonesia was a featured country at the London Book Fair, which followed a similar showcasing of its literature at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2015. Is this a reflection of an expanding and globalising literary scene in Indonesia? Are more diverse voices being heard inside and outside the country, and what are the challenges for making sure that the stories are not lost in translation?
To talk about these topics and more our guest this week is the young writer and poet Norman Erikson Pasaribu. Norman won the 2015 Jakarta Arts Council Poetry Competition and was a finalist in the 2017...2019-06-1229 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Lana Soelistianingsih: Election 2019 - The EconomyWith the 2019 elections now just weeks away, the economy has become a key issue in the campaign. In comparative terms, Indonesia's current GDP growth of over 5 per cent is healthy. However, this is below the 7 per cent President Joko Widodo pledged to deliver during the 2014 campaign. The president's opponents also claim that the government's huge expenditure on major infrastructure projects and social welfare programs has failed to deliver benefits for all Indonesians.
What is the current state of Indonesia's economy and what are the key economic issues for voters? Has Jokowi's Indonesia Maju (Indonesia Progress) program paid off?
Our guest th...2019-03-1334 min
ChinaPowerSoutheast Asia’s Shifting Security Views: A Conversation with Tang Siew Mun This episode examines recent developments in Southeast Asian attitudes toward competing great powers in the region, especially China and the US, and what it might mean for the future of ASEAN’s ties with these actors. Our guest, Dr. Tang Siew Mun, explains the factors behind the results of his organization’s recent survey titled “State of Southeast Asia: 2019.” He discusses the respondents’ views on the reemergence of Chinese influence in the region, potential roles for powers such as Japan and the EU, and uncertainty about US commitment to and staying power in the region. Dr. Tang also explores the role of pr...2019-02-0124 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Ward Berenschot - Democracy For SaleWith Indonesia's general elections less than three months away political campaigning and the push to win over voters is reaching high gear. Our guest this week is Ward Berenschot, co-author with Edward Aspinall, of a timely new book that takes a close look at the informal politics of elections and patronage democracy. Democracy for sale: Elections, Clientelism, and the State in Indonesia (Cornell University Press) delves behind the scenes of local election campaigns, their ubiquitous success teams, systemic vote buying and exchange of favours, to reveal a complex social network based on reciprocity and identity politics. What are some of...2019-01-3034 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Quinton Temby - Islamic Youth MovementsBandung-based Pemuda Hijrah has amassed a huge following among young Muslims but has largely escaped the attention of the mainstream media. Led by charismatic young preachers such as Hanan Attaki, Pemuda Hijrah is followed by millions of young Muslims on social media. It presents a cool, hip image that combines youthful energy with revivalist Islamic teachings.
What does Pemuda Hijrah and other groups like it tell us about the type of Islam that appeals to young Indonesian Muslims?
To find out more about Pemuda Hijrah, Dr Charlotte Setijadi chats to Dr Quinton Temby from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute who has spent...2018-11-2233 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Siwage Dharma Negara - Chinese Investments in IndonesiaThe issue of Chinese investment is a controversial topic in Indonesia. Viewed with suspicion and even animosity, Chinese investments are often associated with the ideological threat of communism, as well as a reminder of negative stereotypes of the ethnic Chinese business elites in the country. As such, Chinese investments are considered to be a political liability, especially during and around election times. Yet Chinese investments in Indonesia is on an upward trend. China became Indonesia's second-biggest source of foreign direct investment in 2017, and it seems only a matter of time before China becomes the biggest foreign investor in Indonesia.
In...2018-08-1627 min
Talking IndonesiaIndonesia's 2018 Regional ElectionsOn 27 June 2018, Indonesia held elections for mayors and governors in 154 districts and 17 provinces - referred to as pilkada - the third and final such round of regional elections in this five year electoral cycle. This year's round of elections was particularly significant, though, for several reasons. It included gubernatorial elections in five big provinces that between them account for more than half of Indonesia's population: West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra and South Sulawesi. It was our first chance to observe how the divisive dynamics of the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial elections might affect other future elections. And with the...2018-07-0534 min
Talking IndonesiaIndonesia's 2018 Regional ElectionsOn 27 June 2018, Indonesia held elections for mayors and governors in 154 districts and 17 provinces - referred to as pilkada - the third and final such round of regional elections in this five year electoral cycle. This year's round of elections was particularly significant, though, for several reasons. It included gubernatorial elections in five big provinces that between them account for more than half of Indonesia's population: West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra and South Sulawesi. It was our first chance to observe how the divisive dynamics of the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial elections might affect other future elections. And with the...2018-07-0535 min
Talking IndonesiaIndonesia's 2018 Regional ElectionsOn 27 June 2018, Indonesia held elections for mayors and governors in 154 districts and 17 provinces - referred to as pilkada - the third and final such round of regional elections in this five year electoral cycle. This year's round of elections was particularly significant, though, for several reasons. It included gubernatorial elections in five big provinces that between them account for more than half of Indonesia's population: West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Sumatra and South Sulawesi. It was our first chance to observe how the divisive dynamics of the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial elections might affect other future elections. And with the...2018-07-0535 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Zulfan Tadjoeddin - Employment and ManufacturingIndonesia has seen steady economic growth over the last two decades, but the manufacturing sector has continuously underperformed. The decline of the sector is particularly evident in low employment figures and a lack of productivity. Regionally, most industries remain concentrated in just a few provinces, despite efforts by the Jokowi administration to address this disparity through improvements in infrastructure.
What explains the decline in manufacturing in Indonesia? Is the country in the midst of a process of premature deindustrialization, as some observers have claimed? And what can be done to strengthen the manufacturing sector in the future and transform Indonesia...2018-06-2027 min
Talking IndonesiaGaluh Wandita - Resisting ImpunityMore than 50 years on from the 1965-66 mass killings and 20 years after the fall of the New Order authoritarian government, how is Indonesia facing up to this violent past? How does this past impact on the present? What is being done to resist enduring impunity in democratic Indonesia?
Jemma Purdey explores these issues with Galuh Wandita, Director and co-founder of non-government organisation, Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR), a Jakarta-based NGO working on human rights and accountability in the Asia-Pacific region. Galuh previously worked with the International Center
for Transitional Justice, an international NGO based in New York, and was Deputy...2018-05-2434 min
Talking IndonesiaUsman Hamid - 20 Years After SoehartoTwo decades after the fall of Suharto, the nature of Indonesian democracy and the trajectory of political reform remain a matter of animated debate in Indonesia and abroad. Undeniably, fundamental change has taken place since the end of Soeharto's authoritarian New Order regime. By the same token, the continued prominence of political and business figures who rose to the prominence during the New Order is just one reminder that the long shadow of the Suharto era has never entirely lifted. What have been the key achievements of the reform movement that toppled Suharto, what are the key obstacles to further...2018-05-1033 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Ahmad Najib Burhani - Religious Authority in Contemporary IslamThe mass demonstrations against former Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in 2016 and 2017, and rising intolerance against religious and sexual minorities have raised concerns about the growing influence of more conservative forms of Islam in Indonesia. The popularity of radical and conservative clerics such as Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab and celebrity preacher Felix Siauw have also led to questions about new forms of religious authority in contemporary Indonesian Islam. Amid these trends, mainstream Islamic organisations such as Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah have been criticised for not speaking out enough against rising conservatism and radicalism.
Are we...2018-04-1232 min
Talking IndonesiaAnugerah Rizki Akbari - A New Criminal CodeIndonesia's current criminal code dates to colonial rule, with efforts to complete and enact a new draft of the code consistently foundering. Under the administration of President Jokowi, the drafting process has gained new impetus, however, and a sense is growing that a new criminal code will be enacted this year. At the same time, civil society activists and legal experts have lined up to criticise regressive aspects of the present draft, including a proposed criminalisation of all extramarital sex and new restrictions on freedom of expression.
Why have revisions to the criminal code been stalled for so long, and...2018-03-1442 min
Talking IndonesiaAssoc Prof Julie Chernov Hwang - Disengagement from TerrorismViolent Islamist extremism has been a serious security threat in Indonesia for nearly two decades now. But while terrorist networks continue to recruit new members, there are also former militants who have turned their back on violence and terror.
What prompts such acts of disengagement? Why do some terrorists quit, while others don’t? And what can governments and peace activists learn from previous patterns of disengagement?
In this week’s Talking Indonesia podcast, Dr Dirk Tomsa discusses these issues with Associate Professor Julie Chernov Hwang, a specialist in terrorism studies and Islamist politics from Goucher College in Baltimore, and the...2018-02-2828 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Helen Pausacker - PornographyThe prohibition of pornography has been a hotly debated and controversial area of law in Indonesia, attracting the attention both of Islamic conservatives and activists promoting freedom of expression. Several public figures have been investigated and prosecuted under questionable circumstances, raising concerns that the law is being applied arbitrarily. Most recently, The police investigation of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab and his female follower Firza Hussein has put prohibitions of pornography back in the headlines, after police sought to question them over leaked screenshots purporting to show salacious Whatsapp chats between the two. The case has gained attention...2018-01-1737 min
Talking IndonesiaSana Jaffrey - VigilantismVigilantism made headlines in Indonesia in 2017 owing to a spate of so-called "persecution" incidents, entailing physical intimidation or violence against online critics of prominent religious figures. But these incidents are just one manifestation of the broader phenomenon of vigilantism, which remains widespread in democratic Indonesia. How pervasive is vigilante violence, and what patterns do we see in its distribution, its perpetrators and its targets? What drives this phenomenon, and how does the state respond when citizens turn to vigilantism?
In the final Talking Indonesia episode for 2017, Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Sana Jaffrey , PhD candidate at the University...2017-12-2033 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Diego Fossati - Political Islam and Political AttitudesHow does support for political Islam correlate with other political attitudes in Indonesia, such as support for decentralisation, choice of a political party, anti-Chinese sentiment, and so forth? How have the correlations between support for political Islam and other political attitudes manifested in the actual political behaviour of Indonesians, and what implications might they bear for forthcoming elections in Indonesia over the next two years?
Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Dr Diego Fossati, research fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, author of the recent paper, Support for Decentralization and Political Islam Go Together in Indonesia. The paper is...2017-11-0830 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Diego Fossati - Political Islam and Political AttitudesHow does support for political Islam correlate with other political attitudes in Indonesia, such as support for decentralisation, choice of a political party, anti-Chinese sentiment, and so forth? How have the correlations between support for political Islam and other political attitudes manifested in the actual political behaviour of Indonesians, and what implications might they bear for forthcoming elections in Indonesia over the next two years?
Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Dr Diego Fossati, research fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, author of the recent paper, Support for Decentralization and Political Islam Go Together in Indonesia. The paper is...2017-11-0830 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Diego Fossati - Political Islam and Political AttitudesHow does support for political Islam correlate with other political attitudes in Indonesia, such as support for decentralisation, choice of a political party, anti-Chinese sentiment, and so forth? How have the correlations between support for political Islam and other political attitudes manifested in the actual political behaviour of Indonesians, and what implications might they bear for forthcoming elections in Indonesia over the next two years?
Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Dr Diego Fossati, research fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, author of the recent paper, Support for Decentralization and Political Islam Go Together in Indonesia. The paper is...2017-11-0830 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Jeff Neilson - Food SovereigntyIn the midst of growing nationalism, the notion of 'food sovereignty' has come to occupy an increasingly prominent place in food policy within Indonesia. But what does food sovereignty mean, and is it being used within Indonesia in similar ways to which it is understood globally? How effective are food sovereignty policies in enabling Indonesia to tackle the considerable challenge of ensuring all of its citizens have access to sufficient food, and is it possible the government might adopt an alternative approach?
Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Dr Jeff Neilson is a senior lecturer in Geography at the...2017-09-2831 min
Talking IndonesiaProf Andrew Rosser: Higher EducationIndonesia’s tertiary education institutions have long performed poorly in global university rankings. Among the various deficits that are routinely recorded for Indonesian universities are low teaching and research quality, inadequate levels of knowledge transfer and a lacking international outlook. The Indonesian government has repeatedly expressed its concern about the dismal results in the rankings, but despite a number of initiatives to transform the country’s leading universities into world class institutions, the higher education sector remains riddled with problems. Why do Indonesian universities struggle to deliver better academic programs? What reforms have been attempted and why have they failed? Who...2017-09-1330 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Wayne Palmer - Migrant WorkersThe vast number of Indonesian migrant workers working abroad have long been a prominent feature of Indonesia's labour market. Indonesian government policy on migrant workers tends to come into the public spotlight primarily when cases of maltreatment and abuse towards these workers emerge, not infrequently spurring the government to impose moratoriums on departures to particular countries and regions. For its part, the Jokowi government has voiced an aspiration to halt the departure of domestic workers abroad altogether. But what have been the Indonesian government's longer term policy objectives surrounding migrant workers? How has the government sought to manage the flow...2017-08-3129 min
Talking IndonesiaDr Arif Havas Oegroseno - Indonesia as a Maritime PowerIn line with Indonesian President Joko Widodo's vision to establish Indonesia as a global maritime fulcrum, Indonesia in February this year issued its first National Ocean Policy. Drafting of the policy was overseen by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs, newly formed as part of the Jokowi administration, which in July also launched a new map of Indonesia that alters some of Indonesia's maritime boundaries, and renames part of the area of the South China Sea that Indonesia claims as its exclusive economic zone as the North Natuna Sea. What is the significance of this map and the renaming of...2017-08-0330 min