Foreign Direct Investments are not necessarily in line with economic interests of the SEA-5 countries - by embracing open-handed commitments in credible partnerships, the super-powers could cement balance, securing growth and stability in South-East Asia
Strength of American trade and long-term investments will buttress a clear narrative of US engagement, balancing China's regional influence. A light touch, more trade venues and new industrial options could be explored to counter US' protectionist bent
ASEAN's open societies in China's 'near-abroad' - seeking global cooperation and fluid cross-border dialogue and opportunities - will cultivate new challenges for China's regional integration on its own terms, calling for strategic versatiilty
A demographic advantage and growing economic confidence in the South-East Asian countries will reshuffle the geopolitical cards in the region - redrawing the map of the competing superpowers, sooner rather than later...
US-China confrontation in the Western Pacific could be recast in the coming years by the growing demographic and economic power of the South Asian giants, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia - a gamechanger of far-reaching consequence
The economic impact of the pandemic on employment is harsh for frontier export markets, still in the early stages of development. Warping the value chain of the low-end garment manufacturers, structural consequences may be worse
Optimism is pervading South-East Asian economics but the geopolical balance between competing powers, abutting the region on its periphery, remains vulnerable to gross miscalculation. Shared interests do not necessarily guarantee the outcome
In building the infrastructure of commerce for the future, in the words of Mr Ma of Alibaba, e-commerce is only the first step. As global titans tighten their grip, the countries of South East Asia must preserve their national identities