Southeast Asia Insights

The 1MDB scandal, one of the largest financial frauds in modern history, continues to shape political and legal battles around the world. More than $4.5 billion was stolen from Malaysia’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund through corrupt officials, businessmen, and financial intermediaries like banks.   Global investigations revealed that Goldman Sachs, an American investment bank and financial services company, helped raise $...

ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is entering a decisive phase. As global politics and trade grow more competitive, the bloc is no longer just a neutral meeting space for major powers. Supply chain changes and global trade wars have placed Southeast Asia at the center of global economic planning. So far, the global economic changes have benefited both the region and individual ASEAN economies, as companies diversify production an...

Millions of children across Southeast Asia are living through the worst effects of climate change. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are repeatedly struck by climate-related disasters, severely impacting children's education and well-being.   "They are waking up in evacuation shelters. They're drinking unsafe water. They're watching their parents struggle to rebuild homes and livelihoods that have b...

The global trade war between the US and China has left many major economies grappling with uncertainty. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, countries have faced economic disruptions and challenges.   Surprisingly, Southeast Asia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, exports from Southeast Asia to the US have soared, growing by 23% in September 2025 compared to the previous...

As the United States threatens tariffs to force countries to back its claim over Greenland, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the economic pressure and warned against the use of trade to reshape borders and alliances.   On January 20, Anwar answered questions at the Dewan Rakyat. Asked about Greenland, he said Malaysia would not support any attempt to force political or territorial outcomes through economic pressure, warn...