As climate change and unpredictable extreme weather continue to plague Cambodia’s coastal communities, fatigued fishermen are looking to sell the land that has long provided them with a livelihood and sense of purpose. Globe’s Anton L. Delgado spent a week amongst the families of Angkol Beach and documented what may be one of the last fishing seasons for some villagers.
#Cambodia #Fishing #Land #Community #AntonLDelgado

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodian-families-choose-between-land-and-fish/

U.S. President Joe Biden recently announced the nomination of a new diplomat. Yohannes Abraham would be the first American ambassador to ASEAN in five years and with an intimate knowledge of of Biden’s ways of thinking, his nomination signals a renewed attention on Southeast Asia and a symbol of Biden’s promise of “a new era in U.S. - ASEAN relations.” Globe’s Jack Brook looks at the expectations, opportunities and challenges awaiting Abraham and how his role could set the tone for new engagement and international relations. 
#Region #US #Relations #ASEAN #JackBrook

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/america-steps-up-engagement-with-asean/

Urban agriculture continues to rise in Singapore, with the recent launch of the world’s highest rooftop farm in the centre of the Lion City. But while the government turns its attention to high-tech farming and new technologies, traditional farming risks being left behind. Globe’s Amanda Oon visited some of the Lion City’s agriculture projects and spoke to experts about the importance of harvesting new-age opportunities, while nurturing existing rural projects.
#southeastasia #singapore #farming #agriculture #innovation #AmandaOon

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/singapore-urban-farm-agriculture-dilemma/

In light of this week’s news of the mass trial and sentencing of over 50 prominent Cambodian opposition figures, including lawyer and human rights activist Theary Seng, Globe is featuring a special package of content focused around the trial and the ominous outlook on human rights. Brian P. D. Hannon covers the conviction of the outspoken attorney and how the verdict has drawn widespread condemnation from the local and international communities.
#cambodia #humanrights #justice #democracy #BrianPDHannon

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodia-drops-the-gavel-on-activists/

Community elders, ancestor spirits and representatives from conservation NGOs were among the guests invited to celebrate the marriage of Gee Pael, the first elephant nuptial ceremony held by the indigenous Bunong community in decades.

Globe’s Jack Brook was on the ground to cover the celebrations.
#Cambodia #conservation #tradition #ceremony #JackBrook

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodian-elephants-wedding/

Food security concerns continue to be top of the agenda for Singapore’s small island nation. But recent efforts to drive up sustainable seafood production through both commercial fishing and the development of local fisheries have come with their own environmental concerns. In an exclusive interview, Globe’s Amanda Oon spoke to Matthew Tan, Co-Chair Sustainability, APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Asia CEO of sustainable fish farm provider, Assentoft Aqua Asia about climate concerns, the baby fish boom and why aquaculture plays a complex and vital role in Singapore’s evolving food security and sustainability drive.
#Singapore #foodsecurity #sustainability #aquaculture #AmandaOon

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/singapore-aquaculture-matthew-tan-interview/

Myanmar junta’s planned executions could hasten its own demise. In a recent decision condemned by the United Nations as a “vile attempt at instilling fear,” the death penalties targeting resistance members show there is no line the junta won’t cross to present a public and bloody show of power. In this Globe analysis, Oliver Slow discusses the supposed demonstration of strength reveals a fatal flaw. 
#Myanmar #Myanmarcoup #capitalpunishment #OliverSlow

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/myanmar-military-reveals-a-brutal-weakness/

U.S. president Joe Biden is ushering in a “new era” of relations with Southeast Asia. As part of an effort to increase ties with the region, the American leader’s new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework aims to create stronger, more resilient economies for people and businesses in its partnership nations. But the benefits for Southeast Asian countries are unclear and could be a long time coming. In his latest analysis, Globe columnist Mark S. Cogan discusses why Biden’s lack of commitment to his own initiative leaves this international framework vulnerable and why its structure needs shaping by engaged partners for immediate economic advantages to be felt. 
#Region #Biden #USA #economics #ASEAN #southeastasia #MarkSCogan

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/bidens-new-economic-framework-holds-slim-gains-for-southeast-asia/

A chilling trend is spreading throughout the Global South. “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation” (SLAPP) lawsuits launched by powerful corporate actors target communities, activists and journalists to silence their criticism. In Malaysia’s Sarawak State, after a timber giant’s SLAPP lawsuit stalled logging complaints, a coalition of community leaders and support groups are pushing back. Fiona Kelliher looked into the background, current cases and future implications of SLAPP lawsuits and the call for greater legislation and enforcement of protections for free speech. 

#logging #deforestation #globalsouth #malaysia #lawsuits

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/company-tries-to-slapp-away-malaysian-forest-advocates/

As the fallout from Roe v. Wade continues, Southeast Asia’s activist and advocates are reflecting and speaking out on their region’s own movement and fight for women’s rights. Globe’s Amanda Oon spoke with Carrie Tan, Singaporean MP and founders of Daughters of Tomorrow, an NGO committed to empower economically challenged women towards sustainable employment, about the successes and setbacks of Southeast Asia’s struggle for gender parity and how her own experiences have shaped her mission towards increased rights and recognition for women. 

#singapore #womensrights #southeastasia #roevwade #genderequality

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/carrie-tan-interview-womens-rights/

A melting pot of Facebook posts, leaked documents, sales representatives and billboard advertisements offer insights into the murky network of tycoons and developers who have their eye on a “green gem” of Cambodian nature as they close in on a wildlife rescue centre in the Kingdom’s Phnom Tamao Forest. Globe’s Anton L. Delgado was on the ground to delve deep into the legal exceptions and uncertain protections which have paved the way for the forest’s development and environmentalists’ concerns over a potentially dangerous precedent. 

#conservation #deforestation #wildlife

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/pt-land-grab-cambodia/

A survey by Australia-based independent think tank the Lowy Institute revealed that public perceptions of China are worsening amongst Indonesians. While this plummeting popularity is in some ways unsurprising, given disagreement over the South China Sea, the Belt and Road initiative and treatment of ethnic minority groups, increasing investment and trade relations between the two countries has cemented a complex relationship and the archipelago’s increasing dependence on the Asian superpower. In this analysis, Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat discusses Indonesian’s pushback against Beijing’s influence and the hopes for improved domestic and foreign action.

#Indonesia #China #internationalrelations #diplomacy

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/indonesians-are-drawing-a-hard-line-on-china/

Exploitation, abuse and widespread land sales attached to the Cambodian microfinance sector is not new news, but previous allegations have often been downplayed. Now, for the first time, a study by a large industry investor and sanctioned by the German government is detailing the widespread devastation and root causes of the microfinance sector’s exploitation of the Kingdom’s rural communities. The report is due to be released in August, but preliminary findings were shared early with Globe’s Jack Brook. In this exclusive feature, he uncovers claims of rampant harmful and unethical practices, contributing to more than 167,000 debt-related land sales in five years. 

#microfinance #cambodia #debt #landrights

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/report-details-abuses-in-cambodian-microfinance/

Road accidents are among Cambodia’s biggest killers. While careless driving accounts for 90% of casualties, the sharp turns and need for improved road structure are rarely discussed. Radical policy shifts are needed to tackle the issue of continuing road casualties and address the true culprits behind the Kingdom’s failing road safety. Ses Aronsakda, a researcher from Future Forum, examines the grim realities of the Kingdom’s approach to road safety and why changing drivers’ behaviour means changing road design. 

#cambodia #infrastructure #urbanplanning

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodia-safer-street-design/

Financing ‘mine action,’ the removal of landmines and other unexploded ordnance, is a cornerstone of United States’ foreign policy in Indochina. Landscape surveys, detection equipment, safety gear and medical teams are just a few of the expenses dedicated towards mine action but the U.S. Department of State’s most recent fiscal budget proposal is sparking concerns over annual funding declines. Globe’s Anton L. Delgado explores how, as American aid to conventional weapons destruction faces global cuts, Indochina is hit hard.

#laos #vietnam #usa #landmines

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/laos-ordnance-disposal-money-may-shrink/

Impact investing, which involves corporate or private funds directed towards initiatives resulting in measurable environmental or social benefits, is on the rise in Southeast Asia. As governments turn to the private sector to support pandemic-hit economies and communities, Globe’s Amanda Oon covers one international fund’s launch in Singapore and the challenges and opportunities in bringing Western models and governance to Asian markets.

#impactinvesting #philanthropy #socialimpact #business

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/gif-impact-investing-southeast-asia/

Since Cambodia took up the mantle of this year’s ASEAN chair, the Kingdom has drawn increased attention from influential eyes in the international community. A  highlight of the country’s heightened diplomatic position is the recent visit of  U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, who met with members of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government on 12 and 13 July. Globe’s Brian P. D. Hannon was there to hear Kritenbrink share expressions and actions of solidarity and concerns over the Kingdom’s human and political rights record.

#internationalrelations #diplomacy #usa #Cambodia

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/cambodia-and-asean-remain-in-the-american-spotlight/

The word “hostage” comes with heavy connotations, those of tyranny, or victimhood, controlling power dynamics and trapped experiences. When it comes to refugees the term is more likely to be associated with the dangers they flee in their home country than the uncertainties they face on new soil. But, in this analysis, Hussain Shah Rezaie, a writer and refugee rights advocate discusses how so-called humanitarian assistance sometimes has a detrimental impact on refugees’ wellbeing. Drawing on his own experiences as an Afghan refugee living in Indonesia, he discusses how certain situations leave refugees “held hostage” and driven to desperate measures and why now, more than ever, refugees in Indonesia need urgent protection.

#refugees
#Indonesia
#Afghanistan

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/refugees-have-become-hostages-in-indonesia/

In Singapore, the ideal of a the heteronormative family unit still reigns strong, trickling down from the top layers of government through to public opinion. Now, one author and entrepreneur is tackling these traditional perceptions of parenthood. In her upcoming book, “M/OTHER,” Dr. Loretta Chen highlights and pays tribute to the often unseen, unheard stories of non-heteronormative or established roles of “motherhood.” In an extract shared exclusively with the Globe, she relates one homosexual couple’s journey to parenthood and the societal pressures and legal challenges they face in the Lion City.

#Singapore #adoption #homosexuality #parenthood #gayrights

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/loretta-chen-book-extract/

Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s richest areas in fish and aquatic species, is increasingly under threat from climate change, dam building and sand dredging. The regular swell and shrinkage of its water cycle each rainy season - the beating heartbeat of the Mekong - is being slowly suffocated by the combination of these modern threats. Andreas von Bunoff, a journalist and professor of science communication, shares striking narrative and satellite images that document the combined impact of climate change, deforestation, increasing agriculture and urbanisation which are slowly bleeding the region’s largest freshwater lake of its precious resources and biodiversity. 

#Cambodia #Tonlesap #biodiversity #climatechange

https://southeastasiaglobe.com/the-small-cuts-bleeding-tonle-sap-lake/