China’s Maritime Silk Road: The Politics of Routes
Synopsis
China has not effectively communicated its grand connectivity ideas to South and Southeast Asian countries. Beijing urgently needs to improve its communications with external parties and seek feedback so as to counter media speculations and to have a better understanding of regional needs.
Plot Archetypes: ‘Overcoming the Monster’ Still Useful for Singapore
Synopsis
As Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary, there may be a need to refocus its economic success narrative for it to be more relevant not only to the past, but also to current and future challenges that Singapore may face.
Bakrie Center Foundation sediakan 120 Beasiswa Pasca Sarjana di 11 PTN
Returning Indonesian Fighters from Syria and Iraq: Learning from the Past
Synopsis
Indonesian fighters with the self-declared Islamic State (IS) recently posted a video threatening to bring the armed struggle home. Indonesia can learn a lot from past handling of former foreign fighters who returned from the Afghan and Mindanao battlefronts.
Indonesia’s Natuna Islands: Next Flashpoint in the South China Sea?
Synopsis
Due to their proximity to the disputed features in the South China Sea, Indonesia’s Natuna Islands could become yet another flashpoint in the area.
Challenges Ahead for Indonesian President Widodo
Indonesian President Joko Widodo faces two huge challenges. The first is political, even existential, and has mesmerized the country for the last fortnight. The second is economic, less well known and less urgent, but will also test his leadership mettle.
Maritime Security of Passenger Ships: What Can be Done?
Synopsis
2014 saw its fair share of tragedies with cruise liners and passenger ferries highlighting the problem of ensuring the safety and security of these vessels. What can be done?
Jokowi’s Vessel Sinking Policy: A Question of Propriety
Synopsis
Jokowi’s policy of sinking vessels that fish illegally in Indonesian waters as well as his unyielding approach towards drug convicts has drawn regional concern and consternation.
The Passing of Nik Aziz Nik Mat: Legacy of PAS’ Spiritual Leader
Synopsis
The passing of Nik Aziz Nik Mat, the late Spiritual Leader of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS, has left an enormous void in the party and the political landscape of Malaysia. Though his religious educational background was traditional and conservative, he was one of the more pragmatic and realistic leaders of the party, who transformed PAS into what it is today.
Negotiating Singapore’s Meritocracy: A Subtle Shift?
Synopsis
Recent debates on meritocracy have invited questions on what Singapore regards as ‘merit’. There seems to be agreement to expand our understanding of the term to promote more equitability. Several concepts have emerged reflecting how meritocracy is evolving in the Singapore context, such as ‘compassionate meritocracy’, ‘trickle up meritocracy’ and ‘meritocracy through life’.