October 2024
LEGO the next brick in Vietnam’s investment story
As market observers ponder China’s latest stimulus package, Hanoi is hopeful attention will shift to its fast-growing economy.
Aussie gas will keep flowing, Albanese tells Japan
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his first face-to-face meeting with the new Japanese leader to talk up security of gas imports.
September 2024
Australia is on the map but not on the minds of South-East Asia
Greater economic engagement with South-East Asia is needed not only for Australia’s sustained prosperity but also for its political clout as a bona fide Asian power.
Foreign investors want clarity on retooled FIRB
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ safeguards for higher-risk foreign investment proposals have been met with confusion overseas.
August 2024
Thailand’s democracy is on shaky ground
Since 1932, Thailand has been through 12 successful coups (as well as many more attempted ones), and multiple constitutions.
March 2024
Top law firms eye big growth in South-East Asia strategy
Australian lawyers say work in the region suffers from a perception problem, despite the complex, high-value deals emerging from fast-growing markets.
How Australia can avoid predictable ASEAN pitfalls
South-East Asia will happily talk to us about stability and trade, but ignore us if we are only interested in pushing values and rivalries.
February 2024
She helped save Indonesia’s economy. Now she’s likely to be sacked
Sri Mulyani Indrawati steadied the ship at critical moments for Indonesia, but the Prabowo camp says her approach to development differs from the new government’s.
November 2023
Malaysia backs Hamas, defying US sanctions threat
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim compared Hamas with Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress’s push to end apartheid in South Africa.
September 2023
NAB closes Hong Kong office, follows Westpac out
The bank has 50 staff in the city, and has told them that it intends to consolidate operations into Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
Inside the WA premier’s plan to wean his state off China
Rather than be a quarry for Beijing or the source of a never-ending supply of FIFO holidaymakers in Bali, Roger Cook wants to reinvent the state’s image in Asia.
June 2023
This PE fund wants to get wealthy Australians into South-East Asia
Aura Group is trying to raise up to $US200 million for a new investment vehicle that will see what worked in China and Korea, and try it in emerging markets.
May 2023
India doesn’t share our world view
New Delhi will never involve itself in any US confrontation with China that did not threaten its own security. It is guided by what it thinks is best for India.
Thailand’s orange wave
Thais, especially the young, have voted for a fresh start by endorsing the radical pro-democracy agenda of Move Forward.
Jokowi softens stance on AUKUS, the Quad
After an initially frosty reception, Indonesian President Joko Widodo is warming to Australia’s additional defence and security pacts.
Why global disruption is a win for Indonesia’s investment chief
The head of Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund believes US green subsidies represent opportunities for countries to enter American supply chains.
(Probably) the world’s largest sporting event is happening in Cambodia
The South-East Asian Games will include obstacle racing and jet skiing – and there are 581 medals at stake – nearly twice the number won at the last Olympics.
April 2023
China’s investment machine blitzes US in South-East Asia
Lowy Institute research shows Beijing has consolidated its lead in economic engagement and bolstered defence, diplomatic and cultural ties.
March 2023
The surprising bright spot for Australian wine exports
China is still shut, the UK is increasing taxes, but in this group of countries wine sales are on the up and up.
Are Australia’s neighbours ready for AUKUS?
The AUKUS fallout has not prevented positive momentum in Australia’s relations with South-East Asia, yet regional concerns still lurk below the surface.