Democracy

In Malaysia, where LGBTIQA+ identities are often pushed into the shadows, speaking out is an act of defiance, pride is not just a celebration - it is a quiet act of resistance. Breaking Silence is a powerful reflection on survival, resistance, and the quiet resistance of community. Through personal reflections and cultural critique, Mitch Yusof blends truth and history into a call for justice - and a future where no one has to hide to be safe. 

From bold parades to quiet acts of resistance, Pride in Southeast Asia reflects diverse local realities and carries layered meanings – from political activism and visibility to celebration and community. 

This web-dossier serves as a platform to share a wide range of knowledge from Southeast Asia experts. 

With the changing geopolitical landscape, the Indo-Pacific Region is already beset with ongoing territorial disputes, security concerns, and democratic challenges. Southeast Asia, or ASEAN, is positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific.This article focuses on the role of state leadership and the non-state actors in forging a balanced and inclusive regional order as well as a more equitable and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia, the third largest democracy in the world, has experienced a vibrant and stable democratic consolidation since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1998. However, it is now facing an accelerated downfall – its democratic veins have been drained. Ironically, from the hands of its most lauded progeny. 

Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office would like to issue a call for proposals/abstracts for regional civil society organizations and/or individuals to conduct a scoping research on the feminist landscape/feminist networking in Southeast Asia. Deadline: 30 June 2024

Thailand’s marriage equality bill, which would legalize and recognize same-sex unions, passed its first reading in the upper house of parliament, a major milestone that could potentially make the country the first in Southeast Asia to do so.

11 November 2023 — Chiangmai — On the 4th floor of the restaurant Boonpun Zaru & Don, located the underground live broadcasting radio station Abandon Radio where that Saturday, NON NON NON, Bangkok’s queer underground collective formed in 2018 by Mae Happyair.

Timor-Leste’s Infrastructure Fund was created to assist in the process of diversifying the economy, with strong investments so far in transport and power. But to facilitate further economic activities, shifts in government spending and investment into the productive sectors such as agriculture and tourism will lay the path to greater diversification. 

Timor-Leste has a high youth unemployment rate and addressing this challenge requires creativity within a multi-faceted approach. Access to financing, education, and further investments such as infrastructure, economic diversification, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises will improve the economic landscape and offer more opportunities to young Timorese to stay and help grow the nation.

Economic diversification has been the most important public policy issue in Timor-Leste over the past decade. It has been presented as the alternative path towards sustainable and inclusive economic development but results have not been encouraging. Timor-Leste continues to depend on petroleum, with key issues surrounding institutional settings that are sustained by its easy money. Petroleum provides an easy comfort zone for policymakers and therefore hinders any hard decisions and shifts away from the current status quo.

Economic diversification requires a change in policy approach and direction, and changing policy requires changes in institutional settings. This means changing the social and political context that sustains and reinforces existing policies – a delicate challenge that requires political leadership at the very top level.

The rise of "co-workation" and "workcation" is redefining the way people work and live, driven by the proliferation of coworking spaces and coliving facilities. Vietnam, with its booming economy, tech-savvy population, and flexible work demands, is a prime location for this trend to flourish, serving both local and international demand.

This article explores the evolution of gifted education in Vietnam, particularly in the context of shifting political and economic landscapes. It delves into the historical success of Vietnamese students in international competitions and the development of schools for the gifted. The article highlights the changing motivations for pursuing education in the West and how this shift is impacting the country's educational landscape.

In Vietnam, a dynamic fashion evolution is underway, where indigenous textiles, traditional craftsmanship, and eco-friendly practices are reshaping the creative landscape. This eco-fashion movement, driven by both cultural pride and environmental consciousness, bridges the past and present. Indigenous artisans are key collaborators, transferring knowledge to designers.

From an informal beginnings to be an artistic catalyst in Vietnam's thriving art scene,  Á Space, an independent art space in Hanoi, a pioneer in nurturing unconventional artists and fostering an inclusive art community. How this art space thrives on limited resources, empowers overlooked talents, and transforms the art landscape. Á Space's unique role in promoting art beyond conventional boundaries is a testament to its enduring impact.

In Brunei Darussalam, the Chinese form the largest ethnic minority, residing in a nation with a small population but vast land. They share similarities with neighboring countries, yet maintain their cultural identity. The Belt and Road Initiative has brought an influx of overseas Chinese, contributing to various sectors. Cultural assimilation, language preservation, and a growing literary scene showcase their dynamic presence.

Phuong Phan interviewing Nhung Dinh on her book: "Vagina Talks: Queer and Sexuality Lexicon"

Explore the Vietnam's LGBTIQ rights journey, from historic Article 37's 2015 victory allowing gender change, to challenges and successes. Despite uncertainties, progress continues as the movement forges on, echoing gratitude's lasting impact. A beacon for equality, it inspires a new era of activism, shaping a fairer society.

Preventing the opposition from meaningfully participating in this election has once again ensured the landslide victory for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).