Tag: politics
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Where Startup Energy Meets Strategic Ambition: A snapshot of India’s future
*** In this installment, our Executive Director Ivy Kwek shares her insights on India’s exploding start-up community following her recent attendance at a startup meeting in Chennai. *** Last month, I attended the Global Startup Club event in Chennai, India. The workshop gathered 30 participants from the startup community, including entrepreneurs, business consultants, legal experts,…
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South China Sea – Geopolitical circus serves no ones’ interest
The South China Sea has once again caught headlines, with China and Philippines’ recent planting of national flags on a small and seemingly insignificant spit of land. Sandy Cay is a tiny sandbank in the disputed Spratly islands being claimed by both countries. Under UNCLOS, it is defined as a “rock” located in an expansive…
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No Ass-Kissing, Please – US Tariffs in Asia
Asian countries respond to US tariffs with pragmatism, but also resolve. As expected, Asia is bearing the brunt of the sweeping US reciprocal tariffs. The Asian markets experienced a substantial net outflow of foreign investments for three consecutive weeks, amounting to USD$3.84 billion for the week ended April 18, 2025. Unsurprisingly, some countries in the…
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Consider This: Malaysia-China — Are We Xi-ing Eye to Eye?
Our Executive Director, Ivy Kwek, spoke to Astro Awani about the geopolitical and economic significance of China’s President Xi’s visit to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. In the aftermath of the US tariff announcement, the Malaysia-China relationship will be tested. At the same time, the current US policy might push Malaysia to seek even closer economic…
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Brace for impact – What should Southeast Asia businesses do to future-proof itself against U.S. tariffs?
The U.S. so-called “Liberation Day” tariff announcement has sent shockwaves to the world. Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have not escaped the fate – among hardest hit was Vietnam, slapped with a 46% tariff. Thailand and Malaysia were imposed with 36% and 24% tariffs respectively. Even though President Trump subsequently announced a 90 day pause for…
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