Promoting Development through Shared Governance Strategies in Lao PDR Article Non-state actors in Lao PDR are reshaping the single-party system through shared governance, blending local knowledge with expert guidance. Despite being in an "experimental phase," this approach is yielding positive impacts on natural resources and fostering new political dynamics. By Phong A Huynh
Redefining Development and the Hidden Cost of Land Reclamation in Penang Article Perhaps, the meaning of ‘development’ would only be reimagined and broadened when there is a tangible evidence showing that land creation doesn’t necessarily lead to the economic growth as promised. And that a less-orderly, poorer neighbourhood is not necessarily a place devoid of socioeconomic potential. It is commonly assumed that a society and its economic capacity will eventually fall into decay if it does not possess new land for capital to grow. Perhaps it is the lack of foresight and wisdom in the managing the existing land that has been the core problem. By Evelyn Teh
Sliding down the Slippery Slopes of Unsustainability: Rampant Hill Development in Penang Article The island of Penang, on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia has a very hilly topography. Almost 50% of land is hilly, and 39% is classified as Class III and above, having slopes more than 25⁰ in gradient. Underlain mainly by weathered granitic bedrock, this rugged topography has been a bane for development, as it presents a myriad of engineering and environmental challenges. What is fueling this rampant hill slope development and how is it impacting people's lives in Penang Island? This article seeks to explore these questions and look at what's the best way forward. By Rexy Prakash Chacko
Understanding Chinese Infrastructure Investment in ASEAN The Executive Summary from Inclusive Development International (IDI)'s report "Making Inroads: Chinese Infrastructure Investment in ASEAN and Beyond," By Inclusive Development International
Making Inroads: Chinese Infrastructure Investment in ASEAN and Beyond Inclusive Development International (IDI) released Making Inroads: Chinese Infrastructure Investment in ASEAN and Beyond, its new report that seeks to shed light on the rapidly changing landscape of infrastructure finance in the region which has been driven by China. By Inclusive Development International
Right Livelihood Conference 2014 In March 2014 a conference was held to show the outcome of the capacity building program on Participatory and Indigenous Natural Resource Management. By Timmi Tillmann
Foreign-investment-induced conflicts in Myanmar - The Monywa Copper Mine As part of the first publication of the series Perspectives Asia, Nwet Kay Khine reflects on the impacts of protest and local opposition against a copper mine which turned into a national movement with international impacts especially for Chinese investors. Using the Letbadaung mining project as an example, the instability of Chinese commercial interests in Myanmar is examined
