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Melbourne Asia Review is a research-based publication of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
The long game: Why politics, not evidence alone, drives welfare reform in Indonesia
Democratic transitions can create opportunities for reform when governments have invested in the evidence, institutions, and coalitions needed to act when the opportunity emerges.
Southeast Asian nations won’t overcome the middle-income trap unless predatory elites stop undermining education and R&D
Predatory elites in many Southeast Asian nations are undermining education and R&D, which is slowing economic growth.
Thailand’s wealth gap is a competition problem
Thailand needs stronger competition rules, but that alone will not create market contestability. The harder task is tackle who gets to compete and accumulate wealth.
Protecting Indigenous design in a commercial world
Protecting Indigenous designs from misappropriation is complex, but that should not be an excuse for inaction.
Re-examining colonial-era maritime pictures of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore can help shift attitudes about the climate crisis
An eco-critical re-examination of colonial-era maritime pictures within public institutions can help prompt the attitude shifts necessary for action.