Democracy

As the dust of the 2022 presidential election settles, the alliances, the compromises, and the policy trajectory become more visible under the Marcos-Duterte government. The well-curated campaign must now give way to the actual governance work and the pressing issues faced by the post-pandemic Philippines.

Indonesia picks up the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”. President Joko Widodo stated that: “ASEAN needs to be stable and peace, an epicentrum for global stability. ASEAN also needs to be consistent in enforcing international law and avoid being proxy to anyone. ASEAN needs to be a region of dignity that upholds high humanity and democracy”.

Southeast Asia’s transformation and navigation through the last few COVID-19-affected years now presents new challenges and opportunities. The region has grown digitally substantially, though political stability is always questionable. Climate change, energy and environmental sustainability present significant issues to address in 2023 and beyond.

Private higher education institutions are serving the excess and quick-growing population. They are responsive and absorbing the strong demand of workforce development. It is widely discussed amongst private higher education institutions that they are still in the water-testing stage and early development amidst the fluctuating laws and regulations. This article is a synopsis of PHEI leaders’ concerns over the development of private higher education in Vietnam.

Malaysia’s highly anticipated 15th General Election (GE15) on 19 November 2022, originally intended as a way to end the prolonged political instability over the last two and a half years, had resulted in everything but that for the initial few days. There was no clear resolution – until the King stepped in issuing a call for a unity government. The PH, BN and GPS coalitions ultimately came together to form a federal government, and on Thursday 24 November, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister was appointed and sworn in: Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Domestic violence and sexual violence has been an increasing yet taboo topic within Vietnamese society for a long time. But with the recent passing of a new law and more support programs available to assist survivors, hope is brightening the dark tunnel of domestic violence.

Multilateralism, strengthening cooperation, and upholding international legal principles are proclaimed to guide Thai foreign policy. But there are three key areas which remain testing for Thailand’s balanced approach: security, the post-pandemic situation, and civic spaces.

Thailand lacks consistent records or accessible data when it comes to women’s rights issues. One of the most pressing topics in women’s rights – sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) – has little to no publicly accessible data, which is fundamental for organizations, government and stakeholders to effectively tackle these issues.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a collective consciousness resulted in a state of vigilance, but also an anxiety about uncertainties of the present and future. Brunei has responded to the challenges of coronavirus through increasing public awareness of mental health, alongside further services and support to improve mental well-being.