What’s behind some Southeast Asia countries’ push to join BRICS and will Trump’s win be a catalyst?

By:
On:
In: Asia

WHO WOOULD JOIN THE BRICS NOW? &nbsp,

According to the analysts who CNA spoke with, they see some other South Asian countries that might be able to impose their stamps on the ring, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos are the three Southeast Asian nations that are BRICS finalists. According to Dr. Ian Storey, referring to the NDB, all three nations have close relationships with both Russia and China and get financial help from the BRICS bank. &nbsp,

Myanmar has formally reaffirmed its participation in the BRICS, citing the union as a means of reducing the influence of international sanctions and expanding its economic reliance on China, according to Mr. Jamil.

He warned that it might be difficult for the nation, which has been besieged by a civil conflict since 2021, to join the alliance.

” Myanmar’s domestic political position and strained global position may present challenges to its admission”, said Mr Jamil.

Agreeing, Dr Chong posited that Myanmar is a “very poor prospect” to meet BRICS. &nbsp,

” If they join, it’s because they want some kind of de facto geo-economic or political empire. Because this is the country’s closest point to defending itself against a American action in relation to the country’s ongoing civil war, I use the word “alliance” sparingly. &nbsp,

Should China and Russia join the BRICS, he said,” I would assume that the calculation ( in Myanmar’s capital ) is that the country’s current regime will unwaveringly support it.” &nbsp,

Dr. Chong thinks Laos and Cambodia might ultimately join the BRICS as a result of their support for powerhouse China. &nbsp,

I believe it to be in line with China, their alliance or sponsor. I do n’t believe Laos or Cambodia can serve as true BRICS leaders. Because they primarily enjoy the financial largesse of China, they may begin with observer status. &nbsp,

China has supported them with numerous system projects. Therefore, they do earn China some degree of support”, said Dr Chong. &nbsp,

UNLIKELY FOR SINGAPORE, PHILIPPINES &amp, BRUNEI TO JOIN

Experts believe there are slim chances of them joining the BRICS among the remaining Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Brunei, and the Phillipines.

These nations ‘ economic, foreign, and partnership with American power contribute to this. &nbsp,

Singapore values its position as a global economic hub and adheres to a strict policy of independence in international relations, according to Mr. Jamil, who added that it is “unlikely” to visit a group that would give the impression that it is more in line with China or Russia. &nbsp,

He claimed that joining the BRICS would trample its corporate flexibility and possibly aggravate already-existing relationships.

Note that Singapore had formerly formally imposed financial sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp,

By joining the BRICS, it is unlikely that the Philippines ‘ powerful economic and security ties with Washington will compromise those relationships.

According to Dr. Chong of RSIS,” Americans view the Philippines as an excellent ally, on the same level as South Korea and Japan, and the US is good to invest some of their high-tech funds with the Philippines.”

Continue Reading

Thailand detains 70 illegal migrants believed to be Rohingya from Myanmar

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Newcomers who claim to be from Myanmar and moving to Indonesia or Malaysia claim to be Muslims.

Described: 16 Nov 2024 at 11: 48

Plywood with the words "We are Myanmar Rohingya" is seen in an abandoned boat which carried Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants from Thailand, found off the coast near the city of Kuta Binje, Indonesia. (File photo: Reuters)
An abandoned ship carrying Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees from Thailand, discovered off the coast of Kuta Binje, Indonesia, has wood with the words” We are Myanmar Rohingya.” ( File photo: Reuters )

Thailand arrested 70 illegal immigrants, including 30 kids, suspected to be Rohingya from Myanmar on an area in the government’s south, Thai official said on Saturday, in the latest wave of immigrants to Southeast Asia.

The Rohingya Muslim are viewed as North Asian foreigners who face misuse in Myanmar.

” From original questioning them, they said they are Muslims from Myanmar heading to Malaysia or Indonesia”, Somkane Phothisri, chief of Phang Nga officers, told Reuters.

Some Rohingya have traveled to neighboring states like Thailand and Bangladesh in rickety wooden boats, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia, which have a Muslim majority, especially in October and April when the seas are calmer.

Supoj Rodrung na Nongkhai, the governor of Phang Nga, told the news company,” We are also investigating whether they are Rohingya or Myanmar who have illegally entered the country.”

Last month, ships carrying thousands of Rohingya landed in Indonesia. &nbsp,

According to witness and legal files cited by Fortify Rights, a human rights organization urged Thai authorities to look into the “horrific” rape and beating of a 37-year-old Myanmar immigrant who died after being assaulted with a bamboo rod in an abandoned military basement for wearing a village defense team coat featuring the Thai symbol.

Continue Reading

Five startups win MYCentre4IR-Bursa Malaysia ESG Innovation Challenge 2024

By:
On:
In: Technology
  • Supports necessity of innovation to fulfill conservation, business goals
  • Powered by UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s available development program

Winners of the MYCentre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge 2024 alongside corporate partners and guests, including Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, CEO of Cradle Fund; Ellina Roslan, Senior Director MYCentre4IR, MyDIGITAL Corporation; and Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia.

The MYCentre4IR ESG Innovation Challenge 2024 on 7 Nov saw five innovative startups winning US$ 22, 344 ( RM100, 000 ) each in bridge funding to implement their proof-of-concept with their respective corporate partners.

The Challenge is a joint initiative by the Malaysia Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution ( MYCentre4IR ) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd, seeking to find cutting-edge digital solutions aimed at enhancing the Environmental, Social, and Governance ( ESG) efforts of five Malaysian Public Listed Companies, namely CJ Century Logistics Holdings Bhd, Globetronics Technology Bhd, Malayan Banking Bhd, REDtone Digital Bhd and Sunway Innovation Labs ( representing Sunway Group ).

Launched on 1 Aug, the Challenge attracted local and international members, including from the United States, Sweden, Canada, India, Singapore and Namibia. 32 out of over 100 entries came from Malaysia.

The Challenge was powered by UpLink0, the World Economic Forum’s open technology platform, with access to a worldwide group of 80, 000 companies, owners, professionals and changemakers. Early-stage businesspeople are met by UpLink’s technology-enabled method, which creates an innovation ecosystem that causes good systemic change for both people and the planet.

]The World Economic Forum’s UpLink is an open technology program designed to connect companies, experts, and investors with the goal of tackling the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, cultural injustice, and sustainable growth. ]

Our goal with this Challenge is to find fresh ideas and creative digital solutions to help businesses achieve zero carbon pollution or increase efficiency through approach technology, according to Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDIGITAL Corporation. It attracted over 100 entries from businesses across 30 nations”.

He continued,” Our problem is the first to be implemented via UpLink for the Southeast Asia area because of our affiliation with the World Economic Forum.”

Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia shared its part in this engagement. We are constantly looking to support innovative businesses that have the ability to record on the Exchange, which could potentially contain any of these businesses. To expand our investment market’s pipeline of diversified companies, we need to do this. Hosting this Challenge reinforces the importance of intentional efforts to engage on innovation in order to achieve a company’s conservation and business objectives, which are becoming increasingly important to investors from PLCs these times.

A board of 11 courts, which included representatives from Bursa Malaysia, MyDIGITAL Corporation, Cradle Fund, and each of the five participating PLCs, presented their innovative solutions during the Demo Day held at Bursa Malaysia as part of the final round. Five winners were chosen, with one winning option related to each of the five PLCs, as a result.

The RM100, 000 in gate funding for each success may be co-disbursed in phases by MYCentre4IR and Cradle Fund for the execution of the proof-of-concept pilot jobs. The companies will collaborate closely with their business partners, who will provide assistance and mentoring throughout the application phase of the year. The goal will be to achieve ESG outcomes and tangible process automation.

Continue Reading

Indonesia’s Prabowo tilting perceptibly toward China – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has had a cyclone year. He was seated with President Joe Biden in the White House on November 9 while he was negotiating with Taiwanese leader Xi Jinping. Subianto contacted Donald Trump to thank him on his success in the US election while he was at it.

Subianto’s two-week international trip includes visits to Peru, Brazil, the UK, and a number of Middle Eastern nations as well as the trips to the United States and China.

The itinerary suggests the president of Southeast Asia’s largest economy’s new administration’s political priorities, which are balancing Indonesia’s relations with key West and global South allies, and pursuing a more forceful leadership position in Southeast Asia.

The position Indonesia tries to play in ensuring local stability and security in the Indo-Pacific is highlighted by Subianto’s back-to-back discussions with Xi and Biden.

A US-Indian aquatic workout is currently being conducted off the Indonesian area of Batam at the time of the sessions. Similar maneuvers between US and Southeast Asian companions have tended to be framed as a deterrent to China’s aggressiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea in the next quarterly military workout of its kind.

Subianto and Xi were making nice-nature promises to increase coastal cooperation between the two nations while the US and Indonesian troops carried out maneuvers. The big question is now how Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific safety balance will be affected by a Trump White House.

Trump’s Indo-Pacific plan

Trump’s first term as president provides some insight into how his Indo-Pacific scheme might change in the future. The&nbsp, 2019 Indo-Pacific Strategy Report&nbsp, issued by the Trump presidency marked China as a “revisionist” power—that is, one that is dissatisfied with the latest status quo—and an aspiring local superpower.

To counter this, Trump adopted an “offshore balancing” plan – in consequence utilizing local friends to stay China in check. Security agreements with conventional allies and joint military training exercises with nations like Indonesia and the Philippines were used as part of this strategy.

Additionally, it included providing military technology to regional partners and sporadically-performed “freedom of navigation” businesses by the US Navy.

A globe shows Chinese writing over various islands.
China’s nine-dash column takes in place claimed by different countries. Photo: AP via The Conversation / Andy Wong

But there was another side to Trump’s Indo-Pacific plan.

Trump was open to escalation with China in the South China Sea in exchange for Beijing’s assistance in battling North Korea, one of the region’s biggest threats to stability, despite the US’s lack of direct security interests there ( no US territories are threatened ), but worried about a military conflict if Beijing agreed to cooperate in addressing one of the region’s biggest security threats, including North Korea.

Under Trump’s second management, Indonesia received a challenge and possibility by easing the pressure on Beijing in the South China Sea and providing local security to Washington’s Indo-Pacific friends.

In order to fulfill its crucial political responsibilities to preserve regional security, Indonesia was required to lead the dialogue of the South China Sea code of conduct as Southeast Asia’s largest and most populous country.

Subianto tilts toward China

Indonesia has much shown a willingness to take on the safety of the region. Subsequent leaders have taken the responsibility seriously, especially given the country’s constitutional authority to do an “independent and lively” foreign plan.

In order to improve their standing as an independent professional, Indonesian leaders have generally avoided getting too close to the US or China.

However, Indonesia’s foreign policy has begun to change significantly since Subianto became chairman of Indonesia in October 2024.

Weeks after his opening, Subianto sent his new foreign secretary to Kazan, Russia, to attend the meeting of BRICS countries and show Indonesia’s desire to join the expanding alliance of non-Western markets.

China is the group’s largest representative, and it aims to be an alternative to European security and economic structures. This conventional expression of intention to meet BRICS marks a change from coverage under Subianto’s forerunner, Joko Widodo.

Additionally, a joint declaration made during Subianto’s attend to Beijing suggests that Indonesia is beginning to consider South China Sea maritime claims made by Beijing.

For years, Indonesia refused to acknowledge Beijing’s says on rocks and reefs within Indonesia’s special economic zone in the waters around Natuna – an Indian island that connects with China’s “nine-dash line” denoting the region Beijing sees as Chinese.

However, the joint statement from Subianto’s visit to Beijing stated that the two nations had reached” an essential typical understanding on mutual growth in areas of intersecting says” that was in line with “respective prevalent laws and regulations.”

Speak of “overlapping says” is a departure for Indonesia and suggests that Subianto is more open to embracing Beijing’s restrictions in the South China Sea.

OECD or BRICS? Or both?

This does n’t mean Indonesia is restricting its options for greater cooperation with the West either. During the White House leg of Subianto’s visit, Biden signaled the US’s strong support for Indonesia’s push to join the Western-dominated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ).

With the business establishing international standards and supporting Indonesia, the organization may act as a benchmarking body for Indonesia to help it get higher-quality foreign investment.

President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto meets his U. S. equivalent. But will the gap between the two nations eventually grow? by Alex Wong/Getty Images

BRICS account, however, would reflect more of a political and economic shift that would position Indonesia alongside other states seeking an alternative to the U. S. dominated international organizations.

If Trump’s plan to impose high tariffs on foreign goods is implemented, Indonesia’s interest may only grow.

Providing cover for Subianto

In response to a Trump White House, Indonesia certainly seems to have the potential to adopt a more pro-Beijing stance under Subianto.

Trump’s immediate attention is likely to be heavily influenced by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, pushing security concerns in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region in particular further down the list.

The Chinese government continues to maintain its policy of limiting South China Sea trade and exerting economic influence on all of Southeast Asia’s countries.

Some observers are already questioning whether Indonesia’s change in the South China Sea’s disputed territory is related to China’s economic cooperation, which includes the US$ 10 billion in deals signed during Subianto’s visit to Beijing.

And a more secretive, anti-interventionist White House under Trump might give Subian the opportunity to aide Indonesia in advancing its position as a regional leader while strengthening its economic and strategic ties to China and the Global South.

Idil Syawfi is an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Katolik Parahyangan, and Angguntari Ceria Sari is a lecturer there.

The Conversation has republished this article under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue Reading

US embassy returns Ban Chiang artefacts

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Returning to the National Museum as part of a larger campaign to track historical heritage materials

PUBLISHED: 14 Nov 2024 at 19: 04

Four Ban Chiang artefacts are put on display in the Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall at the National Museum in Bangkok after they were returned on Thursday from the United States. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Four Ban Chiang documents were returned from the United States on Thursday, and they are now on exhibit in the National Museum of Bangkok’s Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

Four 3, 000-year-old Ban Chiang objects were returned on Thursday from the United States to Thailand.

A relocation ceremony was held in Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall at the National Museum in Bangkok to mark International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property.

The artefacts have been kept at the embassy ever since, according to US Ambassador Robert Godec, who claimed the items were given to an American man in the 1960s as a product from the Thai state. According to him, the items were kept in the ministry’s safe and were kept there for a while, with the consulate just asking for their return.

He said,” This is the right time to return these priceless items to their proper homes.” Especially as the United States government has taken major steps to proactive return social objects from various places to their legitimate owners in recent years.

US Ambassador Robert F Godec, speaks at a ceremony to patriate the artefacts at the National Museum Bangkok’s Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

The Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall, home to US Ambassador Robert Godec, is the site of a festival where the National Museum in Bangkok holds a repatriation service. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The” Golden Boy,” or standing Shiva, and a standing person from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York were returned to Thailand in May after the relocation. The National Museum currently houses both monuments.

” We hope]these artefacts ] will contribute to the further study and understanding of one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric societies”, Mr Godec said.

The objects, according to Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, represent evidence of human settlement in Southeast Asia during the late ancient time, which lasted for about 3, 000 decades. She claimed that the materials ‘ return would strengthen cultural ties and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to Ms. Sudawan,” The United States has been a major supporter of different projects involving the Ban Chiang archaeological site, especially through the 1974 combined excavation and research conducted by the Fine Arts Department and the University of Pennsylvania.”

The research led to the determination of the age of the historic site’s documents, which was later acknowledged internationally.

Phnombootra Chandrajoti, the director-general of the Fine Arts Department, said several objects have been looted and smuggled out of Thailand. To follow their return, a council consisting of members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Police, and the Fine Arts Department has been established.

The commission is checking whether two ancient Hindu treasures are from Thailand and has just discovered two that are kept in the US. ” Documents are crucial to society and best kept in their motherland”, he added.

Continue Reading

Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore amid SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

By:
On:
In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include area, security, bioscience, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media transfer, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its US network to connect SEA startups with existing collection companies. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new company in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

According to the transfer, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled since 2020, with 250 more ones established in the first eight month of 2024. &nbsp,

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in innovative technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Capitol Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore in SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

By:
On:
In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include&nbsp, speed, security, biotechnology, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media launch, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its U&nbsp network, which includes facilitating connections between clients and existing collection companies in SEA. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the media relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new business in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

Since 2020, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled, with 250 more opening in the first eight month of 2024.

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in sophisticated technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Hasan.VC kicks off Cohort 002 of Accelerator Programme

By:
On:
In: Technology
  • The first group included 42 companies, 12 of which secured financing
  • 7-week program designed to support early-stage Halal &amp, social companies

Hasan.VC kicks off Cohort 002 of Accelerator Programme

Hasan. Software for Cohort 002 of the Accelerator Programme are now available, according to VC, an essential component of the Ethis Group. Starting on 6th January 2025, this seven-week online initiative aims to support early-stage Halal and honest business owners. Following the successful release of its annual group, which saw 42 startups participating, with 12 securing financing, this circular invites online applications from founders with ambitions to range within Southeast Asia’s high-growth region.

The Hasan. VC Accelerator is a seven-week online programme offering early-stage startups a support package that includes pre-seed funding of up to US$ 60, 000 ( RM268, 000 ), mentorship from top-tier trainers and successful Muslim founders, and access to a network of over 500 angel investors. Individuals will also benefit from a group of like-minded founders, exposure to a lover collection of over 60 million Muslims, and state funding matching possibilities.

The Accelerator empowers companies to level their businesses with advice and resources that are specifically tailored to their needs in order to address the unique issues faced by business owners in Southeast Asia’s high-growth area. To day, the program has helped launch modern businesses, such as Synbiozymes, Reyhut Automation, and GoBarakah.

The Accelerator program aims to maintain fostering a founder-centered ecology where business thrives, according to our mission statement. We are committed to supporting various founders, mainly Muslim and feminine entrepreneurs, who have previously been overlooked in conventional venture capital spaces”, said Umar Munshi, managing partner of Hasan. VC and Group MD of Ethis. This Accelerator is more than just money; it’s about building a network of entrepreneurs who collaborate to create innovative, morally sound companies.

” This program was built for members by members. We want to support businesses who want to succeed in their organizations in a supportive environment with people who are aware of their particular difficulties. South Asian startups are particularly important to us, according to Hasan’s main Mohd Akhtaar. VC.

He continued, citing Southeast Asia’s shift toward more honest and purpose-driven company culture as an outstanding opportunity for startups to succeed in the Halal economy.

The second wave of creative founders who want to create businesses that are socially responsible, ethical, and in line with Halal values are needed, according to Mohd Akhtaar, who is leading the action to change the face of entrepreneurship.

The Hasan. Ten startups may be chosen by VC Accelerator to get equity funding from each cohort. Each company will also benefit from ongoing assistance, yearly evaluations, and publicity to potential administrative and angel investors. A Demo Day, where members present their development to a network of traders and funding partners, is the program’s climax.

Owners and companies are invited to apply to the programme to acquire opportunities for growth, engagement, and expense. With limited games obtainable, this project presents a chance for early-stage, purpose-driven endeavors to scale impactfully in Southeast Asia’s vivid and expanding Halal business.

Click here for more information.

Continue Reading