Southeast Asia Insights

The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal shocked the world. Over RM 20.1 billion ($4.5 billion) meant for Malaysia’s development ended up funding a life of luxury and Hollywood excess.   At the center was Jho Low, the flamboyant Malaysian financier who partied with Paris Hilton in Saint-Tropez and allegedly bought $7 million in jewelry for model Miranda Kerr—all with money stolen from the Malaysian people.   Fast ...

The battle over the Sulu claim has exploded into one of Asia’s most dramatic and pricey legal fights.     A group of Filipino citizens claiming to be descendants of the old Sultanate of Sulu wants Malaysia to pay nearly $15 billion over an 1878 agreement involving land in Sabah. Flaring up in 2019, the once quiet historical issue turned into a years-long legal war stretching from Kuala Lumpur to Madrid to Paris. A final dec...

The Philippines is facing a defining moment. On November 30, thousands of citizens marched in the streets nationwide to demand accountability for a corruption crisis many say has poisoned public life for years. The Trillion Peso March in Manila brought together students, faith leaders, beauty queens, and ordinary Filipinos united by one message. They have had enough.   Public Anger Explodes as Flood Control Scandal Grows The protests were...

The Philippines has taken a major step in its anti-corruption campaign after filing the first criminal case linked to the flood control project scandal on November 18. Officials say this marks the start of stronger action to restore public trust.   The case follows a full review of flood control projects ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2025. The investigation has already led to resignations and leadership changes in Congr...

The $15 billion Sulu arbitration is on the brink of collapse. What began as a global legal crusade in 2019 by eight Filipino citizens claiming to be heirs of the old Sultanate of Sulu has now unraveled in every major court they've approached.   London rejected them. Madrid shut the arbitration down. Paris froze the award. Luxembourg lifted their seizures. The Hague refused to enforce it. Washington dismissed their latest attempt.   ...