Research 2023

The resurgence of protectionism under the recent “America First” trade policy has unveiled a defining moment in global trade dynamics, with repercussions reverberating across nations far beyond the United States. At its core, this policy is an overt attempt to rebalance America’s trade deficits profitability which could have severe ramifications for global supply chains, particularly in ASEAN economies like Malaysia. However, the recent announcements from Washington, including new tariffs targeting China, Mexico, and most recently, the European Union (EU),1 portend a destabilizing chapter for global commerce. Ironically, the long-term effects might ultimately harm American industries as much as they do its trading partners, rather than rejuvenating the U.S. economy.

By Mohd Khairul Ramli
The Arctic, once dismissed as an inaccessible and icy expanse is swiftly emerging as one of the world’s most significant geopolitical arenas. Accelerated ice melting due to climate change has unveiled new maritime pathways and access to untapped reserves of natural resources, sparking intense competition among global powers. The United States, Russia, and China are racing to secure influence in this region with each motivated by a mix of strategic, economic, and military interests. For a tropical nation like Malaysia, the Arctic’s developments may appear peripheral. However, the shifting currents of power structures and global trade routes bring the Arctic closer to home than ever imagined.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) holds significant promise as an engine of regional economic powerhouse in the region. Positioned as Southeast Asia’s answer to the Shenzhen-Hong Kong partnership, the JS-SEZ aspires to bridge Malaysia’s industrial ambitions and new source of growth with Singapore’s financial and logistical expertise. However, a closer analysis reveals critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure its success. These issues span the project’s phased execution model, resource management, environmental concerns, political realities, and the disparity in benefits distribution between Malaysia and Singapore.

By Mohd Khairul Ramli
As Malaysia progresses towards its ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, the consideration of nuclear energy as part of its energy mix has gained traction. With fossil fuels continuing to dominate Malaysia’s energy supply, the shift to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources is critical. Nuclear power as an energy generation offers a compelling case as a low-carbon energy source that can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Historically, the implementation of nuclear power is a multifaceted endeavour that demands careful consideration of capital, infrastructure, maintenance, contingency planning, and public perception.

Our contemporary world is undergoing a transformation marked by global geopolitical tussles while economic, technological and social landscapes continue to evolve rapidly. The era of a unipolar world dominated by singular, major powers are behind us – paving the way to a fragmented multipolar framework, characterized by competing centres of influence. This emerging global order can sometimes be better understood as an “interpolar world” – multipolarity in the age of interdependence. This is because despite the growing redistribution of power on the global stage, there is deepening interdependence – primarily from a socioeconomic and technological perspective which continue to shape international dynamics and cooperation in ways that transcends traditional power structures.

The classification of Malaysian households into income categories such as B40, M40, and T20 has long guided social and economic policy. However, the emergence of the T15 subgroup or “The Mahakaya” (ultra-rich), has recently garnered significant attention amidst debates surrounding subsidy reforms and income classifications. The T15 classification, introduced in Malaysia’s 2025 Budget, attempts to delineate a subgroup within the T20 category, focusing on households earning approximately RM13,000 or more per month. While ostensibly targeted at wealthier households for subsidy reduction, this classification has sparked debate regarding its appropriateness and potential unintended consequences for middle-income families, especially in urban settings where living costs are disproportionately high.

“Politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible” encapsulates the strategic vision that The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) state members collectively endorsed for ASEAN’s forthcoming decade in their “ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together” framework. This framework was ratified by ASEAN leaders at their 27th Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 22 November2015 which embodies a commitment to fostering greater regional solidarity and collaboration whilst navigating waters of the complex geopolitical landscape.

A second term of Donald Trump presidency could have significant implications for in global trade, influencing trade dynamics, economic policy, and regional geopolitics. For Malaysia, a Trump victory would signal both opportunities and challenges, primarily in the arenas of trade, economic sustainability, and geopolitical alignment could potentially reinvigorate his nationalist economic policies. This might cause disruptive ripple effects in Malaysia’s economic corridors, impacting its trade flows, and redefining Malaysia’s role on the world stage. While some aspects of his presidency may present strategic openings, others could spell increased volatility in an already delicate global landscape.

In the intricate geopolitical arena of Southeast Asia, ASEAN has long been positioned as akey player. ASEAN’s leadership often invoked in international summits and diplomatic gatherings represents not only symbolism but also the real, albeit subtle, influence this diverse coalition of member countries wields within the global diplomatic architecture. Particularly in the context of the South China Sea disputes and with Malaysia now officially ASEAN chair, ASEAN’s role as a mediator and stabilizing force will be rigorously tested.