Southeast Asia Insights

The Philippines could face a sharp rise in fuel prices as fighting in the Middle East threatens global oil supply. With tensions escalating around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, analysts warn that pump prices may increase quickly.   According to the Philippine Department of Energy, about 98% of the country’s crude oil supply comes from the Middle East. That dependence makes the Ph...

The 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal remains one of the largest cross-border financial crimes in modern history. When details emerged, they exposed how major banks, offshore jurisdictions, and financial intermediaries enabled more than $4.5 billion in stolen funds to move freely across borders. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, fugitive financier Jho Low, and a network of global partners used the stolen money to buy luxury property, artwork,...

As geopolitical tensions escalate across the world and concerns about a potential global war intensify, the Philippines and South Korea are expanding cooperation in defense, technology and energy. During South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Manila, the two countries signed a package of agreements in sectors increasingly central to economic competition and regional security.   The relationship between Manila and Seoul...

Malaysia is racing to become Southeast Asia’s top AI and data center hub, but public backlash and energy concerns are forcing a strategic reset. On February 24, 2026, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that Malaysia will now restrict new data centers unless they are tied to artificial intelligence innovation.   The message is clear: Malaysia wants high value AI investment that creates skilled jobs, not facilities that simpl...

While most headlines about the West Philippine Sea focus on China's illegal actions, domestic stability in the Mindanao region remains a crucial, yet quieter, front of Philippine national security. As history shows, violence in the south can directly affect Manila’s ability to defend its territory and project power at sea.   Seven Years On, Progress and Challenges On January 21, Bangsamoro officials marked the seventh anniversary of...