RSIS Resource Page on the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and its Implications

February 2022

December 2021

Hannah Sworn, Senior Analyst at RSIS, wrote that the US and EU’s grip on intellectual property regulations and pharmaceutical production are weakening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary: “Public Health Security COVID-19 and Its Impacts – Intellectual Property: Shift in Global IP Power?”

November 2021

Margareth Sembiring, Associate Research Fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre), wrote that the care of nature offers holistic solutions to a wide range of issues that include climate change and the pandemic. The emerging concept of planetary health has the potential to contribute and, if widely adopted, may lead to a more resilient world post-COVID-19.
Read more in RSIS Commentary: “Planetary Health: A More Resilient World Post-COVID-19?”

Jaclyn Neo and Shazny Ramlan,  Associate Professor and Research Associate from National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Law, wrote that Covid-19 became an opportunity for religious organisations to performatively present themselves as civic-minded and socially responsible social actors. This allowed them to frame their adoption of public health measures partly as group choices, and not merely top-down imposition by the state.
Read more in Interreligious Relations (IRR) Issue 24: “COVID-19 and Religious Organisations: Constitutional Environment and Organisational Choices”

October 2021

Barry Desker, Distinguished Fellow at RSIS, wrote that strategies to make ASEAN nations more resilient and adaptable to three key global trends – COVID-19’s impact, maintaining global trade connectivity, reducing protectionism, and accelerated digitalisation – are an important part of the virtual ASEAN Summit.
Read more in Straits Times “Rebuilding Asean economies in a Post-Covid-19 World”

Muhammed Abdul Khalid, Research Fellow at Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed serious challenges to Malaysia’s economic progress, but the government’s eight stimulus packages have been too small to make a meaningful impact. Budget 2022 presents an opportunity to put in place radical measures.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Malaysian Budget 2022: Time For Radical Measures”

September 2021

Cung Vu, Visiting Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that for almost two years, more than 200 million people worldwide have been infected with COVID-19 resulting in more than 4.5 million deaths. The US has been playing a critical role in addressing the pandemic, and the rest of the world can learn from its successes and challenges.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “The US Case: What Can We Learn From It?”

Jose Ricardo Sto. Domingo, Research Analyst at the Malaysia Programme, wrote that the full re-opening of land borders between Johor and Singapore is critical for Johor’s recovery and is in the interest of both countries, but prospects remain uncertain.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Johor’s Pandemic Challenges”

August 2021

Tamara Nair and Phidel Vineles, wrote that increasing women’s participation in regional economies will result in ASEAN’s sustainable economic growth, as part of post COVID-19 rebuilding. Hence, greater efforts must be made to advance women’s broader economic participation to achieve dynamic, resilient, and inclusive regional economies.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Rebuilding Regional Economies: Role of Female Labour”

Richard Borsuk, Adjunct Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that on top of all the other damage it has done in Indonesia, COVID-19 has hurt tax collection. That’s a problem, as the country needs to collect more tax to help fund spending and reduce borrowing needs. Is the next budget too ambitious?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Indonesia’s Budget 2022: Too Ambitious?”

The Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) conducted a survey on the social and economic impacts of Singapore’s COVID-19 mitigation measures during the CB period on Singaporean citizens and permanent residents from 7 May to 16 July 2020. Their results show that the top three cited disruptions caused by the CB were all social in nature. However, just under half of all respondents reported some form of direct economic disruption.
Read more in NTS Insight “The Social and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on Citizens and Permanent Residents During the Circuit Breaker Period in Singapore”

Jose M.L. Montesclaros, research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that the next stage in ASEAN’s COVID-19 war lies in partnerships to establish local vaccine manufacturing centres within member states, to strengthen the region’s “vaccine resilience”.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Vaccine Resilience: Next Stage in ASEAN’s War?”

July 2021

Alexander Raymond Arifianto, research fellow with the Indonesia Programme at RSIS, wrote that in response to the ongoing COVID-19 surge in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo has enacted the strictest lockdown policy since the pandemic began 18 months ago. Jokowi seems increasingly concerned that the surge could threaten his political legacy.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Indonesia’s New Lockdown: Jokowi’s Legacy?”

P S Suryanarayana, adjunct senior fellow with RSIS, wrote that while battling the devastating second wave of COVID-19, India sought urgent help from the distant US even though China expressed neighbourly support. Delhi is seeking ‘vaccine partnership’ with the US and a new template of globalisation as an economic alternative to China’s dominance of supply chains. The unsettled China-India relationship also appears to influence Delhi’s thinking.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “India’s Vaccine Ambition: How Far Can It Go?”

Jikon Lai, Assistant Professor at CMS, wrote that the recent election of President Biden and the on-going roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines should embolden policymakers to look ahead to a post-crises era. For the ASEAN economies, three inter-related issues will be important, especially the China-US geopolitical rivalry.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “ASEAN Economies and a Post-COVID Era”

June 2021

Frederick Kliem, research fellow at RSIS, wrote that the EU has turned from ostensible pandemic underachiever to COVID-19 management role model. Increasingly apt at containing COVID-19 at home, the EU is now providing substantial global assistance, too.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “EU’s Pandemic Management: Why More Credit Is Due”

Jose Ricardo Sto. Domingo, research analyst with the Malaysia Programme at RSIS, wrote that prospects for Malaysia’s permanent coalitions are dimming. Its political system would have to develop a new modus vivendi for political inclusion and stability.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Federal-State Ties: Rising Tensions and the Pandemic”

April 2021

Hannah Sworn, senior analyst at RSIS, wrote that compulsory licensing offers an attractive option for Southeast Asian governments to bypass patent protections and produce desperately needed COVID-19 vaccines for their populations while navigating the geopolitical risks of relying on Chinese vaccine donations.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Vaccine Politics: Compulsory Licensing in SE Asia?”

March 2021

Kalicharan Veera Singam, senior analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that counter-terrorism capabilities are also changing as technologies developed to control the spread of COVID-19 are also being considered for use in counter-terrorism efforts.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic’s Effect on Counter-Terrorism”

Jose Ricardo Sto. Domingo, research analyst with the Malaysia Programme at RSIS, wrote that Malaysia’s third wave of COVID-19 infections has highlighted its longstanding challenges in managing the migrant worker population, which is indispensable to the country’s economic growth and recovery from the pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Malaysia’s Vulnerable Migrants: Key to Economic Recovery?”

February 2021

Jose M.L. Montesclaros, associate research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre), RSIS, wrote that with vaccines not expected to fully roll out until 2024, lockdowns remain a critical priority to save lives today. February 2021 marks the end of a year of COVID-19, and the opportunity to re-visit and improve the way lockdowns are implemented in the year ahead.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Lockdowns in ASEAN: Winning the Pandemic War”

Richard Borsuk, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that with the economy contracting, millions lost jobs last year. Returning to growth in 2021 should help reduce unemployment, but much has to be done to raise the labour force’s skill levels.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Indonesia’s Joblessness: Worsened”

January 2021

The Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS regularly publishes the NTS Bulletin, where pertinent NTS issues are discussed, with suggested readings and announcements are shared.
Read the January 2021 issue titled “Human Security Imperiled: Charting the Long Road to Recovery in Post-COVID World”

December 2020

Deep Datta-Ray, visiting senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that Estonia’s digital infrastructure and IT savviness, developed since the mid-1990s, helped manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The Baltic state is cushioning the effects of post-globalisation and associated threats with increased international cooperation in digitalisation and cyber governance.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Small States and COVID-19: Estonia’s Approach”

Richard Borsuk, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, noted that President Joko Widodo has reshuffled his cabinet in a bid to better manage efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and end the country’s recession. For the first time, Indonesia will have a health minister who is not a doctor.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Jokowi’s Cabinet Reshuffle: Will It Beat COVID-19?”

November 2020

Noeleen Heyzer, visiting distinguished fellow at RSIS and member of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Advisory Board on Mediation, wrote that with Vietnam, the ASEAN Chair, and Indonesia in the UN Security Council, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda has advanced in ASEAN. However, new issues need to be addressed in its implementation given the changing peace, security and development landscape.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN: New Issues”

Amalina Anuar, research analyst with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS, said in her commentary that negotiations for a multilateral tax treaty are ongoing, even as the pandemic diverts political energy and provides pretext for delay. But can countries cobble together a consensus, and in what ways will agreement be meaningful?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Digital Taxes: Multilateral Breakthrough or Falling Through?”

October 2020

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, assistant professor and deputy head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS, noted that the Thai government rolled out schemes to finance SMEs and help them weather the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these programmes have some merits, there are ways to improve them.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Financing Thai SMEs in the Pandemic Era”

September 2020

Richard Bitzinger, visiting senior fellow with the Military Transformations Programme at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has blunted but not stopped Chinese military modernisation. Defence spending increases may be less but military procurement and R&D (particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence) are proceeding unabated. China is still on track to becoming a world-class military power by 2049.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Chinese Military Expansion: Slowing but Not Stopping”

Margareth Sembiring, associate research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that increasing plastic use during the time of pandemic confirms the underlying limitation in the common human security approach to solving environmental woes. A shift to a more ecological perspective is needed if the world is to meaningfully address environmental worries and care for the planet.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Urgently Needed: Ecological View in Decision-making”

Amalina Anuar, research analyst with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that alleviating COVID-19’s fallout on the most affected will require improving welfare delivery well into an increasingly digital age. How can digital welfare policies achieve these ends while avoiding pitfalls?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic & Welfare Policies: Doling Out the Digital”

August 2020

Mely Caballero-Anthony, professor and head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that ASEAN has shown that it is able to coordinate regional and international efforts in addressing shared challenges like this current pandemic. Thus working closely to make vaccines available to all its members — regardless of the “size of their purses” — makes ASEAN centrality meaningful for its members and credible to the wider region and beyond.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “ASEAN Response: Pushing Back Vaccine Nationalism”

Nazia Hussain and Amalina Anuar senior analyst and research analyst respectively with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, discussed in this commentary about the concepts of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific are unfolding, and will they move past existing pitfalls?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “BRI and Indo-Pacific: Geopolitics of Multilateralism?”

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, assistant professor and deputy head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS, wrote that ASEAN and its East Asian partners in the ASEAN+3 have been handling the economic impact of COVID-19 on the region commendably. However, there are missing policy pieces essential to effectively sustain regional supply chains and augment economic resilience.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Managing Economic Fallout: ASEAN+3’s Incomplete Effort”

Deep K Datta-Ray, visiting senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has capitalised on the COVID-19 situation to reorganise its performance delivery and reinvigorate existing strategies. The key goal is to secure the country’s future in the post-globalisation world where new technologies, China-US rivalry, and regional conflicts pose considerable uncertainties and threats to small states.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Small States and Pandemic: The UAE Approach”

July 2020

Joel Ng, research fellow with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that while COVID-19 has made physical distancing the norm and diminished the visibility of ASEAN summitry, it also presents an opportunity for the region to make a lasting impact on its people. Will ASEAN be left behind in the global race for the vaccine?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Race for the Vaccine: Will ASEAN Be Left Behind?”

Jose Ma. Luis Montesclaros, associate research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS and Mely Caballero-Anthony, professor of International Relations at RSIS and head of the NTS Centre, wrote that many economies have already started to re-open in spite of growing COVID-19 active cases, but it may be for the wrong reasons, and some may be premature. Analysing the healthcare and fiscal capacity of countries provides insights on framing the logic of re-opening.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Fatigue: Re-Examining Re-Opening’s Logic”

Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow with RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic is the first global crisis in decades in which United States leadership is entirely absent. Regional organisations such as EU and ASEAN will have to manage the pandemic and economic recovery – and they are doing a decent job so far.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Recovery: No Need For US Leadership?”

June 2020

Deep Datta-Ray, visiting senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that as Singapore reassesses its threats to convert them into opportunities, it may benefit from learning how other small states overcome their own constraints imposed by geography, history and proximity to neighbouring countries.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Small States and Pandemic: Qatar’s Approach”

Muhamad Arif, researcher at The Habibie Center’s ASEAN Studies Programme, and Sigit S. Nugroho, research associate at the Indonesia Programme at RSIS, wrote that the Jokowi administration has been widely criticised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, given its slow response, as well as inconsistent and unclear policies. Is there a cultural explanation for the president’s less than satisfactory posture during this pandemic period?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Bapakism in Jokowi’s Pandemic Handling: The Cultural Dimension”

Yasmine Wong, senior analyst with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the boundaries between private and public life. Government efforts to discourage socially irresponsible behaviour have emboldened individuals to report, shame, and berate individuals who flout rules. This rise in mutual surveillance erodes trust in the community, and in social capital.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Conundrum: To Control or to Trust?”

S. Nanthini, research analyst with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Programme at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre), RSIS, wrote that COVID-19 has led to stricter border control measures the world over, and this has had a particularly harsh impact on irregular migrants. As COVID-19 heightens their vulnerability, even as ASEAN meets in summit this week, this is an opportunity for ASEAN member states to support all those found within their borders.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “In Limbo in ASEAN: Pandemic and Irregular Migration”

Yang Razali Kassim, senior fellow with RSIS, wrote that Vietnam will host the first-ever virtual annual ASEAN Summit. Adapting well to the challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, and the US-China trade tensions, Hanoi is living up to its chairmanship theme of cohesive and responsive ASEAN.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Regional Cohesion in the Pandemic Era”

Sabariah Hussin, alumna of RSIS, wrote that states and agencies have responded in different ways to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In view of the dynamic evolution of this virus, the Ethics of Care (EoC) theory can be applied to manage the effect of this crisis on cross-sections of populations.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic and the Ethics of Care”

Alexander R Arifianto and Jonathan Chen, research fellow and associate research fellow respectively with the Indonesia Programme at RSIS, wrote that although the Indonesian government has increased its budget deficit to accommodate a larger stimulus package, it is seen as insufficient to address the economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic. Philanthropic organisations, in particular, Islamic charities, have stepped in to fill the gaps.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Indonesia’s Islamic Charities: Plugging Gaps in Economic Relief”

Victor R Savage, visiting senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that COVID-19 has created a game changer in the US-China hegemonic rivalry. Both hegemons are affected economically and politically by the pandemic; the question is who will rise stronger out of this global catastrophe.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “US-China Rivalry Post-Pandemic: How Will the World Look Like?”

Dymples Leong, senior analyst with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote about how COVID-19 demonstrated that a pandemic is more than just a public health crisis – it is also a communications emergency.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “‘Infodemic’: More Than a Public Health Crisis”

Manoj Harjani, research fellow with the Future Issues and Technology research cluster at RSIS, opined that countries will need to address challenges around risk perception gaps and warning fatigue in order to raise their early warning systems’ effectiveness. Doing so will help them avoid strategic surprise from a future pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Early Warning Systems: Stumbling Blocks Post-Pandemic”

Jennifer Yang Hui, associate research fellow and Teo Yi-Ling, senior fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that the greatly increased reliance on technology for work, education, business, and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic has opened up opportunities for cyber criminals. It is highly probable that post-COVID-19, this reliance will lead to a hyperconnected world.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic and Beyond: Phishing in a Larger Pond”

Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman and Gulizar Haciyakupoglu, research fellows with the Centre of Excellence for National Security and Future Issues and Technology Cluster at RSIS, wrote that as more countries use technology to enhance anti-COVID-19 measures, surveillance and privacy are undergoing shifts in practice and norms. These shifts may have profound effects on social governance and create new issues in a post-pandemic world.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic, Technology and Privacy: How Far Will the State Go?”

Walter Woon, professor and chairman, Society for International Law Singapore as well as former ambassador to Germany and the European Union, wrote that America has started a Confrontation with the PRC. Indiscriminate attacks on “the Chinese” will provoke a nationalist backlash fuelled by the memory of historical oppression and racism. This Confrontation will consume resources better utilised to recover from COVID-19.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “China and America: The Power of Historical Memory”

Liu Enxiao, senior scientist at A*STAR and adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), wrote that a sovereign city state is born with vulnerability. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is magnifying this vulnerability, the wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew in beating odds faced by Singapore is still highly relevant. He has built a cohesive, non-complacent and resilient society.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic and Vulnerability: Lessons from Lee Kuan Yew”

Luca Farrow, research analyst at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has bolstered the case for large-scale government intervention in the economy and in ensuring social welfare. It has thrown into further doubt the neoliberal notion that shrinking the public sector to empower the private market will deliver optimal social and economic outcomes.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Response: Role of the State”

Tamara Nair, research fellow with the Centre of Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that in this time of compounding global crisis, the world needs to come together to not only fight the pandemic but to also preserve our commitments to certain shared beliefs. One of these is the eradication of gender inequality even in the midst of this humanitarian crisis.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Response: The Women, Peace and Security Agenda”

Norman Vasu, senior fellow and coordinator of the Social Resilience Programme at the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that the impact of COVID-19 has exposed challenges to the concept of social resilience as a guiding principle steering how society can respond positively to crises.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic: The Idea of Social Resilience”

Dipinder Singh Randhawa, PhD, previously at UniSIM and National University of Singapore, wrote that developing resilience and sustaining and consolidating participation in global value chains (GVCs) in a post COVID-19 world calls for significantly greater coordination amongst ASEAN member states. They must boost their regional free trade agreements with each other and their partners beyond Southeast Asia.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “ASEAN and the Post-Pandemic Economy: Role of Global Value Chains”

Adam Garfinkle, distinguished visiting fellow at RSIS, wrote that as the fourth global psycho-seismic shock, the COVID-19 pandemic has destabilising impacts. It is futile to predict the road ahead. The question is will it lead to a new “Global Dark Age”, or unprecedented progress?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “New ‘Global Dark Age’: Has Everything Changed?”

Nazneen Mohsina, senior analyst and Joseph Franco, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that Communal tensions in India have heightened as right-wing Hindu nationalists exploited the Hindu-Muslim divide to hype up threats from COVID-19 and foment hatred against the country’s sizable Muslim minority. The vilification of Muslims could further hamper India’s response to COVID-19 while institutionalised Islamophobia could damage the country’s pluralistic heritage.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Rising Islamophobia in India: Exploiting the Pandemic?”

Loro Horta, a Timor Leste diplomat wrote that despite its many challenges, Timor Leste has managed the COVID-19 pandemic reasonably well. Significant investments in health and education have created a fairly competent health service and a small, but dedicated pool of technocrats and scientists. The investment in human capital has been worthwhile.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Timor Leste: Coping Well, Except on Unity”

Jikon Lai, assistant professor in the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that while statistics might offer us an insight into the disease’s development over time, we should not focus too much on the actual numbers that are reported, particularly when comparing situations between countries.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Pandemic Tracking: The Unfortunate Use of Statistics”

May 2020

Yogaananthan S/O Theva, associate research fellow in the Policy Studies at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the pitfalls of the world’s heavy dependency on China as a manufacturing hub. Faced with supply chain disruptions, firms are under pressure from governments seeking to build resilience by decoupling from China. But is there a more politically and economically sustainable approach of achieving supply chain resilience?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Supply Chain Dependency: Decoupling from China?”

Parama Sinha Palit, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, wrote how India is capitalising on the COVID-19 pandemic to exert leadership in South Asia to deflect negative perception of its populist and protectionist policies in domestic politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is striving hard to apply his tech savviness in social media and videoconferencing to score diplomatic advantages, but India’s trust deficit with its regional neighbours is a major obstacle.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Leveraging on the Pandemic: Can Modi Succeed?”

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, deputy head and assistant professor in the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote about the need to enhance the ASEAN+3 financial cooperation process in order to lessen the potential risk of regional financial instability.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Regional Finance Cooperation: Can It Weather the Storm?”

Eugene EG Tan, associate research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that healthcare systems all over the world are being subject to attacks even as the fight against COVID-19 rages on. States need to take critical infrastructure protection – like healthcare systems – more seriously.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Cyber Attacks on Healthcare Systems: Infrastructure Protection Critical”

Nazia Hussain, senior analyst with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that as international institutions come under fire for failing to adequately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, BRICS has to navigate a post-COVID-19 world order. It can either consolidate the influence of member states for concrete action or succumb to the naysayers of its credibility as an institution of global governance.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “BRICS in Time of Pandemic: Leadership from Emerging Economies?”

Dedi Dinarto, research analyst with the Indonesia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, and Titi Anggraini, executive director of the Association for Elections and Democracy, wrote how the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Indonesian government to recalibrate the conduct of regional leadership elections, due to be held in September 2020.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Indonesia’s Regional Elections: Entering Uncharted Waters?”

Faizal Yahya, senior research fellow, and Shazly Zain, research assistant at the Institute of Policy Studies within the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS, wrote how the international air transport industry and its associated sectors have collapsed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. How severely Singapore Airlines and the Changi air hub has been hit and how their perseverance and ability to innovate successfully will have a significant impact on the resilience of Singapore’s economy and society.
Read more in the RSIS Commentary “Future of Aviation and the Singapore Story”

Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy, visiting fellow with the South Asia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, and Graham Sherbut, research director at Frontline Group South Africa and doctoral fellow at Stellenbosch University, wrote in their commentary that the current COVID- crisis has thrown up huge prospects for Indian-East African engagement, particularly to strengthen healthcare cooperation.
Read more in the RSIS Commentary “India and East Africa: New Opportunities in Healthcare Cooperation”

Shashi Jayakumar, head, Centre of Excellence for National Security and Executive Coordinator, Future Issues and Technology (FIT) cluster at RSIS, and Adrian W J Kuah, director, Futures Office at NUS, wrote how even for a nation with Singapore’s foresight capability was unable to foresee the full-range of COVID-19’s consequences. This is the ideal time to look beyond the Government and engage the “Wisdom of the Crowds”.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Limits to Strategic Foresight: Try Wisdom of the Crowds”

Terri-Anne Teo, research fellow with the Social Resilience Programme in the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote how national solidarity and an openness to diversity is key to economic and social progress.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Nationalism and Cosmopolitanism: A Post-Pandemic Balance?”

Eddie Lim, senior fellow and head of the Military Studies Programme, and Benjamin Ho, assistant professor in the China Programme, both within the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote how the Ministry of Defence of Singapore, and the Singapore Armed Forces have expended their roles in the nation’s bid to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Peacetime SAF: Its Evolving Defence Role”

Noeleen Heyzer, member of the UN Secretary-General’s High Level Advisory Board on Mediation and distinguished visiting fellow at RSIS, wrote that during this health crisis, the United Nations Security Council must be allowed to do its job and not be hampered by superpower rivalry and politics.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Humanitarian Pause: Urgent Need for Global Leadership”

Tan Ming Hui, associate research fellow in the Policy Studies Group at RSIS, wrote about how pandemics and other uncertainties are here to stay. On top of withstanding continuous shocks to the system, can societies potentially learn to thrive in times of chaos?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Thriving on Uncertainty: The Rise of Antifragile Societies?”

Remy Mahzam, associate research fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence & Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that COVID-19-related disinformation campaigns designed to stoke Islamophobic sentiment are fuelling an uptick in hate attacks targeting Muslims in some countries. The unprecedented conditions created by the ongoing pandemic offer fresh opportunities for extremists to exploit, and require timely interventions.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Disinformation: The Spreading of Islamophobia”

Cameron Sumpter, research fellow and Jennifer Yang Hui, associate research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) and the Future Issues and Technology (FIT) Cluster, wrote that blame games and misinformation during the pandemic are both highlighting and deepening divisions. Civil society organisations are stepping in to fill gaps in state-led responses.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Backwash of Uncertainty: Exploitation or Service?”

Chris Cheang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that President Vladimir Putin remains in control of the country despite the dramatic collapse of oil prices and the pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Russia’s Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy“.

Chaula R. Anindya and Sigit S. Nugroho, research analyst and research associate with the Indonesia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, wrote about how President Joko Widodo’s approach in curbing the COVID-19 outbreak has further strengthened the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI)’s role in the country.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Jokowi’s War on Pandemic: Growing Dependence on TNI?”

Henrick Z. Tsjeng and Shawn Ho, associate research fellows with the Regional Security Architecture Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, wrote that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has exposed deep ideological divisions and geopolitical rivalries, especially between the US and China. ASEAN’s role in balancing such rivalries and managing regional cooperation is yet again being tested.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “The ASEAN-Led Multilateral Order: Unravelling?”

Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow, and Alan Chong, acting head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote about how China and Taiwan are leveraging on the pandemic as a soft power opportunity.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “China-Taiwan Mask Diplomacy: Wooing Southeast Asia?”

Pradumna B. Rana, visiting associate professor at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, and Xianbai Ji, doctorate holder from RSIS in International Political Economy, wrote that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and China is adopting a two-stage approach to revive the BRI.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Reviving Stalled BRI: China’s Two-Stage Approach”

Evan Rogerson, adjunct senior fellow with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that it is imperative to build on the leadership that some governments have shown and revive the multilateral system from the imact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Price of Pandemic: Weakened Trade System Exposed”

April 2020

Khor Yu Leng, an independent economist at Segi Enam Advisors and a specialist on sustainability; and Johan Saravanamuttu, Professor Emeritus at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Adjunct Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that countries like Malaysia and Thailand, which have even larger numbers of migrant labour, should be alerted of the impending crisis they have yet to face, seeing Singapore’s spike of COVID-19 cases among its foreign workers recently.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Migrant Workers: Wake-Up Call for Malaysia”

Loro Horta, a Timor Leste diplomat wrote that the World Health Organisation has called on world leaders to set aside their differences and unite in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic, but will China and US work together?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “China and US Soft Power Responses”

Alan Chong, associate professor and acting head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, and Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow at the same centre, wrote that serious reputational damage has been inflicted on the European Union and ASEAN during this pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “EU and ASEAN: In Common Disunity”

Nazia Hussain, senior analyst with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS) at RSIS, wrote that as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is lauded for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is premature to expect its revival as the predominant regional grouping in South Asia.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Impetus for SAARC Revival?”

This commentary by the Centre of Excellence for National Security and Future Issues and Technology at RSIS highlighted the need for a relook at domestic policies and governance in the face of the unprecedented pandemic we are faced with.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: What Changes – and What Doesn’t”

Margareth Sembiring, associate research fellow in the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS, wrote that in the midst of the pandemic, nature has actually benefited from the reduced number of activities globally.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 Crisis: Timely Reminder for Climate Change”

S. Nanthini, research analyst with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Programme at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre), RSIS, wrote about the struggles of irregular migrants, and how the global response to the pandemic should include them.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Impact of COVID-19: Can Irregular Migrants Cope?”

Made Ayu Mariska, research associate with the Indonesia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote about the effects of the pandemic on food security for countries around the world, will Indonesia be able to face the challenge?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Is Indonesia Ready?”

Kumar Ramakrishna, Associate Dean in charge of Policy Studies, Head of ICPVTR, and Research Adviser to NSSP, at RSIS, wrote that beside being a health issue, the COVID-19 pandemic also has implications on national security.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “War on COVID-19: More Than One Front”

Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, said that to combat the economic crisis in Europe that will inevitably follow the current COVID-19 crisis, Italy, France and others demand collective Eurozone debt.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Coronabonds: Backdoor to Collective Debt?”

Mohamed Bin Ali, assistant professor, and Ahmad Saiful Rijal, associate research fellow of RSIS, wrote about the flexibility of Sharia in Singapore, especially in the time of a pandemic like COVID-19.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Temporary Closure of Mosques: Sharia Flexibility in Singapore”

Kenneth Yeo Yaoren, research analyst, and Iftekharul Bashar, associate research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), wrote a commentary on how terror groups around the globe weaponise COVID-19.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Weaponising COVID-19: New Trend in Pandemic Era?”

Tamara Nair, research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS, wrote that around 90 per cent of the world’s students are currently out of school as a result of the global pandemic and why is this a concern?
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 and School Closures: Why Education Sector Needs Protecting”

Angelo Paolo Trias, associate research fellow of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme at the Centre of Non-Traditional Security Studies, RSIS, discussed how militaries can be useful in the fight against the pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Military Response to COVID-19: Advantages and Constraints”

Benjamin Ho, assistant professor with the China Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated political fissures within the international community, worsening the ongoing US-China competition. While the post COVID-19 world remains unclear, the contest for international leadership will go on.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Post COVID-19 World: Will It Reshape Global Leadership?”

Jose Montesclaros, associate research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS, said that while engaging in hoarding behaviour at the national level may seem like a strategic move in response to household hoarding amid disruptions in trade, doing so can potentially trigger a repeat of the 2007-2008 food crisis.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Health Pandemic to Food Crisis?”

Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS), opined that the global spread of COVID-19 exposes the strong nationalistic tendency in the European Union and the United States and – ironically – provides China with a unique opportunity to shine.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “China’s Medical Diplomacy: How to Turn a Black Swan White”

Mely Caballero-Anthony, Professor of International Relations and Head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) at RSIS, said that averting the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic requires no less than a coordinated and effective global response with the participation of all actors at multiple levels of governance. Asia must seize the opportunity to define its role in this endeavour.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 and Global Health Diplomacy: Can Asia Rise to the Challenge?”

Alexander R. Arifianto, research fellow with the Indonesia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote that Indonesia is unprepared for the pandemic, lacking in public health spending, and the staff with the appropriate credentials required to handle the situation.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Government Response and Politics”

March 2020

Farish A. Noor, associate professor and coordinator of the PhD Programme at RSIS, said that the discovery of a major COVID-19 cluster involving the Tablighi Jama’at movement in Malaysia has led to questions about what the movement is and why they chose to congregate.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 and Tablighi Jama’at: Religious Movements & the Need for Dialogue”

Margareth Sembiring, associate research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies of RSIS, wrote that one of the vulnerable groups include migrant workers, especially those doing domestic work.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Migrant Domestic Workers: Their COVID-19 Burdens”

Dedi Dinarto, Adri Wanto, and Leonard C. Sebastian of the Indonesia Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of RSIS, revisits the impact of the pandemic on the economy of Batam in their second commentary, the implications and how the local government has managed the situation.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Bad Patch for Batam’s Economy”

Adam Garfinkle, distinguished visiting fellow at RSIS, wrote that in the face of the escalating pandemic, mindsets and behaviours are bound to change but no one knows how. He discusses the possibilities in this commentary.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 Pandemic: What It Means for US National Security”

Jose Ricardo Sto. Domingo, research analyst with the Malaysia Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, said that Malaysia’s decision to impose a Movement Control Order (MCO) was its best option to reduce further infection, but its sudden announcement initially caused public confusion and reflected insufficient planning.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Malaysia’s COVID-19 Strategy”

Christopher Chen, associate research fellow with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Programme in the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, discussed how the private sector can step in to fill existing gaps in times of crises.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Private Sector’s Role in Times of Crisis”

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow with RSIS, wrote about how Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew faced many crises in his lifetime, regional and global, and if he were alive, he would have a lot to say about the present COVID-19 pandemic and how to deal with it.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons from Lee Kuan Yew”

Julius Cesar Trajano, research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, shared how nuclear technology can be adapted for use in public health.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Nuclear Technology and Disease Prevention: What ASEAN Can Do”

Paul Teng, adjunct senior fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, wrote that the situation is a good reminder of the importance of food security and ways to enhance it.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Its Impact on Food Sufficiency”

Pradumna Rana, coordinator of the International Political Economy Programme at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, shared how the ever-growing toll of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a growing sense of helplessness and loss of confidence worldwide.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Time for Emergency G20 Summit”

Yasmine Wong of the Centre of Excellence for National Security, wrote about how the pandemic has exacerbated xenophobia in Singapore, and how the Singapore Government and communities have been and are still working to combat it.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 and Sinophobia in Singapore”

Alistair D. B. Cook, coordinator of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, highlighted the importance of helping vulnerable groups in the midst of the pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19 & Humanitarian Response: Leave No-One Behind”

Jose Montesclaros, associate research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, and Mely Caballero-Anthony, Head of the same centre, wrote about how sudden lockdowns affect lower income groups, and the need for more social safety nets.
Read more in the RSIS Commentary “The Burden of COVID-19: Urgent Need for Social Safety Nets”

Joel Ng, research fellow with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, emphasised that the tack of trust predates the outbreak of COVID-19, but it is an essential element for anyone involved in tackling the outbreak as well as strengthening of global governance.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Trust During the Time of COVID-19”

Lina Gong, research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, discussed how the COVID-19 situation emphasised the need for governments, hospitals, the private sector and non-governmental organisations to be prepared before the next pandemic.
Read more in the RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Is the Humanitarian Sector Prepared?”

Kaewkamol (Karen) Pitakdumrongkit, deputy head of the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, warned the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on regional economies. The dip in economies may see a spike in calls from business sectors for governments to provide aid and support.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19’s Economic Fallout: The Logic of Pump Priming”

Dedi Dinarto, Adri Wanto, and Leonard Sebastian of the Indonesia Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, wrote about how Bintan has seen a decline in tourism since the outbreak of COVID-19, and how they can turn this opportunity around for them.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Impact on Bintan’s Tourism Sector”

February 2020

Zi Yang, senior analyst with the China Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, discussed how and why ASEAN and China should work together, especially during the this trying period.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “ASEAN-China COVID-19 Meeting: Why and What’s Next?”

Nazneen Mohsina, a senior analyst at the Centre of Excellence for National Security, spoke about the resilience Singapore has built up within its people, and how this will be the factor in overcoming this pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “COVID-19: Trying Times for Singapore’s Social Resilience”

Jose Montesclaros, associate research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, shared the lessons to learn from this outbreak in preparation of a future pandemic.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “Beyond COVID-19: Global Priorities Against Future Contagion”

January 2020

Mely Caballero-Anthony, head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, urged that the responsibility of curbing such a virus is not on a particular country alone, but also the role of the region as a whole.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “The Wuhan Virus Pandemic: What Next?”

Zi Yang, senior analyst with the China Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, wrote about how China has changed in its approach to managing this outbreak.
Read more in RSIS Commentary “China’s Response to Coronavirus Outbreak: Implications for ASEAN”

January 2022

Han Fook Kwang, Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that every successful variant had to be better than the one before; the same law that drives virus mutation applies to human progress.
Read more in the article: “The Mutating Virus and Its Message to Mankind” in The Straits Times

December 2021

Tan Ming Hui and Manoj Harjani, Associate Research Fellow and Research Fellow at RSIS, wrote that governments in Southeast Asia must embrace an ‘antifragile’ approach that prioritises adaptability to changing circumstances over a simple recovery to the status quo.
Read more in the article: “Endemic COVID-19: Can S-E Asia stay on track despite Omicron?” in The Straits Times

Han Fook Kwang, Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that travel during the pandemic is a journey of emotional highs and uncertainty.
Read more in the article: “Lessons from travelling in a COVID-19-stricken world” in The Straits Times

November 2021

Amalina Anuar, Research Analyst with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies, wrote that the Biden administration has not pressured firms to share their intellectual property and technical know-how, contributing to vaccine inequality.
Read more in the article: “How a Reliance on Market Forces Undermines US Attempts at Vaccine Diplomacy” in South China Morning Post

October 2021

Barry Desker, Distinguished Fellow at RSIS, wrote that strategies to make Southeast Asia more resilient and adaptable to three key global trends – maintaining global trade connectivity, accelerated digitalisation, sustainability, are an important part of the virtual ASEAN Summit.
Read more in the article: “Rebuilding ASEAN Economies in a Post-COVID-19 World” in The Straits Times

August 2021

Han Fook Kwang, Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that taking a consistent middle path looks like the best strategy as a clearer picture emerges of how different countries fared.
Read more in the article: “There’s No Magic Bullet in COVID-19 War” in The Straits Times

Han Fook Kwang, Senior Fellow at RSIS, wrote that Singaporeans should try to live as normally as possible in the endemic phase of COVID-19 because it is the only way to restore some normalcy to the livelihoods and the economy.
Read more in the article: “COVID-19: Time to Have New Mindset in Endemic Phase” in The Straits Times

July 2021

Lina Gong, Research Fellow with the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Programme at RSIS, wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted humanitarian efforts, but China and India are seizing the opportunity to ramp up their efforts in remote humanitarian aid.
Read more in the article: “The Rise of China and India’s Remote Humanitarian Aid” in East Asia Forum

April 2021

Adhi Priamarizki and Sigit S. Nugroho, Visiting Fellow and Research Associate respectively with the Indonesia Programme at RSIS, wrote that although it remains unclear how Indonesia’s Defence Ministry and the Indonesian Military will define and pursue “rational” modernisation efforts, the two institutions should prepare and develop such plans before handing them over to the next government.
Read more in the article “TNI Involvement in COVID-19 Management: Lessons Learned” in The Jakarta Post

March 2021

Tan Ming Hui, associate research fellow with the Policy Studies Group at RSIS, noted that more Singapore employees will be allowed to return to the workplace from April 5. Rather than a return to the traditional office, however, the announcement signals a shift to a more flexible, hybrid working model, she wrote.
Read more in the article “What would Our Future Workplace Look Like?” in TODAY

Shawn Ho, associate research fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS, and Jeeyoon Chung, project associate at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, wrote that Southeast Asian states and NGOs can play a significant role in engaging North Korea via humanitarian assistance programs.
Read more in the article “Strengthening Southeast Asia-North Korea Engagement in the Post-COVID-19 Era” in The Diplomat

Xue Gong, assistant professor with the China Programme at RSIS, wrote that with the Belt and Road Initiative, the flagship of its economic diplomacy, China has offered enticing funding to bridge the world’s infrastructure gaps. While some governments have pushed back against sometimes controversial financing deals, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a greater threat to the initiative.
Read more in the article “The Belt and Road and the Pandemic: Impact on Southeast Asia amid the US-China Rivalry” in AsiaGlobal Online

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, shared that the Stories of a Pandemic (Soap) Awards has just announced its final list of winners, bringing the year-long project to a close. In all, 158 writers, photographers and artists whose work from January last year were recognised, as they tell the story of what it was like to live through the country’s gravest crisis since independence.
Read more in the article “Important for All to Know the COVID-19 Stories Unfolding in the Community” in The Straits Times

February 2021

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that to benefit directly from the inflow of funds, find creative solutions, including tax and financial measures, to make the super rich pay for the stability and security they seek here.
Read more in the article “Find Ways to Profit from Safe-haven Singapore” in The Straits Times

January 2021

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, said in his commentary that instead of viewing the pandemic as a single unfortunate event, it is more useful to see it both as a symptom and a magnifier of underlying problems that the world needs to address.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 Magnifies Underlying Problems That Need Fixing” in The Straits Times

Richard Borsuk, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that in the battle against COVID-19, there is welcome news from Indonesia, as a massive vaccination campaign has started. But this will not be the silver bullet some hope for, and it is unlikely to give the pandemic-battered economy a quick shot in the arm.
Read more in the article “Vaccination Drive Poses Big Test of Indonesia’s State Capacity” in The Straits Times

Mely Caballero-Anthony, professor of international relations and head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that as the fight to contain COVID-19 continues, the Southeast Asian story of pandemic preparedness and response provides useful insights on what can be done better to avoid some of the serious policy missteps in the future.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 in Southeast Asia: Regional Pandemic Preparedness Matters” in Brookings

Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that the Singapore Parliament heard on Monday (Jan 4) that the TraceTogether programme continues to be essential to contact tracing. Although a year has passed since COVID-19 became a global crisis, the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel remains distant.
Read more in the article “Why Data, Including those from TraceTogether, is Vital in Policing and Keeping Singapore Safe” in TODAY

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, explored the problem of whether to get vaccinated as an individual, and from a country’s perspective. The logical decision for an individual might be to wait and see what happens next, but for a country, getting the population vaccinated would be like giving the entire country a giant booster shot – it will be able to open up its economy and borders, and get back to normal life ahead of others.
Read more in the article “To Vaccinate Or Not: Calculations are Different If You Think From the Country’s Perspective” in The Straits Times

December 2020

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that vaccines are now available is a relief, but in the haste to get back to the “good old days”, we risk failing to address yet again their troubling aspects.
Read more in the article “Why the Pre-Covid Normal is Not Good Enough” in The Straits Times

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, assistant professor and deputy head with the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that given the general uncertainties and the looming possibility of a new wave of the virus, it remains crucial that ASEAN members work together and embrace an open economic system in order to help the region weather the crisis. Inward-looking and protectionist stances will only make matters worse.
Read more in the article “ASEAN’s Perspective on Economic Recovery” in Brookings

Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that the archipelagic geography and high maritime traffic in Southeast Asia make border security a constant challenge. This challenge provides a conducive environment for the clandestine movement of people and goods. Illicit maritime activities are a longstanding problem in the region and might worsen over time. COVID-19 could affect maritime security measures such as coastal surveillance as states re-direct national resources to fight the pandemic.
Read more in the article “Combatting Terrorism Amid The Pandemic“in The ASEAN Post

Richard Borsuk, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that some Indonesians believe Jokowi still wants to at least start construction of a new capital while in office. But ideally he should focus instead on helping build Indonesia back better for the post-Covid-19 period, making it cleaner (environmentally and ethically), expanding the strengths of its cultural and religious diversity, and improving its connections with the world. Indonesia needs institution-building more than a new capital.
Read more in the article “To Build Back Better, Indonesia Must Get on Top of Coronavirus” in The Straits Times

November 2020

V. Arianti, associate research fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, and Muh Taufiqurrohman, senior researcher at the Centre for Radicalism and Deradicalisation Studies, Indonesia, wrote that by choking off the flow of donations from sympathizers, the pandemic has forced Islamic State-affiliated groups to tighten their belts.
Read more in the article “The Impact of COVID-19 on Terrorist Financing in Indonesia” in The Diplomat

October 2020

Jose Ma. Luis P. Montesclaros and Mely Caballero-Anthony, associate research fellow and head of Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies respectively at RSIS, pointed out that Wuhan and Singapore have shown that lockdowns of densely populated urban centres are effective if done right.
Read more in the article “Lessons from COVID: Tackling Disease with a City-by-City Approach” in Lowy Institute

Raffaello Pantucci, senior fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that more time spent locked down and online is allowing people to seek out chilling ideas – and act violently on them.
Read more in the article “How the Pandemic is Making Extremism Worse” in Raffaello Pantucci

S. Nanthini and Christopher Chen, research analyst and associate research fellow respectively with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote that an inclusive health-disaster response, one which takes into account the particular needs and vulnerabilities of each community, would be vital for the long-term eradication of COVID-19.
Read more in the article “State Responses to the Refugee Situation during COVID-19: Rohingyas in Myanmar and Bangladesh” in International Detention Coalition 

Terri-Anne Teo and Yasmine Wong, research fellow and senior analyst respectively with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, consider how recent manifestations of pandemic-era xenophobia and social collaboration in Singapore can be understood in terms of ontological security.
Read more in the article “Two Faces of Ontological (in)Security: Xenophobia and Cooperation in Singapore” in Academia 

Jefferson Ng and Dedi Dinarto, senior analyst and research analyst respectively with the Indonesia Programme at RSIS, wrote that reopening business and official travel between both countries is a first step to resuming more bilateral travel and business activity in a COVID-19 world.
Read more in the article “Why the Singapore-Indonesia Reciprocal Green Lane is Necessary” in Channel NewsAsia Online

Shawn Ho, associate research fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS, noted that from an ASEAN perspective, the hope is certainly that the New Southern Policy (NSP) will outlast COVID-19. ASEAN would wish for the NSP to continue regardless of who becomes the next Korean President and regardless of how long COVID-19 lasts.
Read more in the article “Sustaining the New Southern Policy amid COVID-19: An ASEAN Perspective” in ASEAN-Korea Centre

Benjamin Ho Tze Ern, assistant professor with the China Programme at RSIS, wrote in a post COVID-19 era, as China continues to seek greater prestige, status, and influence on the world stage, it is also likely to be more paranoid, sensitive, and susceptible to external forces on its domestic front.
Read more in the article “China’s Strategic Objectives in a Post-COVID-19 World” in National Defense University Press

Christopher H Lim, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS and Tan Ming Hui, associate research fellow with the Policy Studies Group at RSIS, wrote that cities have been synonymous with development, but climate change and the current COVID-19 pandemic have revealed the systemic vulnerabilities of urban areas. To secure a more sustainable future, a rethinking of development strategy and planning beyond the traditional economic- and city-centric world is essential, especially in the Global South.
Read more in the article “Post-COVID-19, Will Urbanization be a Thing of the Past?” in Asia Global Online

Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, assistant professor and deputy head of Centre for Multilateralism Studies, wrote that ASEAN was quick to present a united front as the coronavirus pandemic began to wreak havoc on regional economies. Apart from collaboration in health and medicine, however, the 10 members have been inconsistent – even confrontational – in matters where cooperation would be the best course of action.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and ASEAN Cooperation: The State of Play and Ways Forward” in Asia Global Online

Han Fook Kwang,  senior fellow at RSIS, noted that the start of COVID-19 saw people fixated on cleanliness but, sadly, that was just a momentary phase. When people adopt a zero-tolerance approach, the problem will look completely different, and the right solutions will eventually be found.
Read more in the article “Time for Zero-tolerance Approach to Public Hygiene” in The Straits Times

September 2020

Margareth Sembiring, associate research fellow with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, considered the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for climate action in Southeast Asia and argued that more ambitious measures are needed to meet the targets set in the Paris Agreement within a shortening time window.
Read more in the article “The Same Old Normal for Climate Action in Post-Pandemic Southeast Asia” in The National Bureau of Asian Research

Tan Ming Hui, associate research fellow with the Policy Studies Group at RSIS, wrote that while the promotion and normalising of lifelong learning is critical to prepare the society for job disruptions, one must also place equal emphasis on revamping and updating education models to avoid a disconnect with the realities of the future.
Read more in the article “Aligning the Future of Learning with the Future of Work” in TODAY

August 2020

Jasminder Singh and Muhammad Haziq Jani, senior analysts with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research and Studies of Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme respectively at RSIS, wrote that the Jolo city bombing is just the latest evidence that the Philippines needs a new approach to its terrorism problem.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and Terrorism in the Southern Philippines: More Trouble Ahead” in The Diplomat

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that it is more important now to look out for, share and listen closely to the different storytellers among us. They always have something to say which matters to your own story.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: A Dose of Storytelling is Good for You” in The Straits Times

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that the ongoing COVID-19 battle calls for inspiring leadership guided by a clear sense of moral purpose.
Read more in the article “Towards A Fair and Just Singapore in Brave New Post-COVID-19 World” in The Straits Times

July 2020

Jefferson Ng, senior analyst with the Indonesia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote how Indonesia’s restructured COVID-19 task force has a clear economic bias, and the downside risks remain high. Indonesia will be able to pull off a credible economic recovery programme in late 2020 and 2021, but it first needs to bring the virus situation under control and effectively roll out existing assistance schemes to help both the public health sector and ordinary Indonesians.
Read more in the article “Indonesia’s COVID-19 Response Pivots to Support Economic Recovery” in The Diplomat

Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that cyber operations could be on the rise in the post-COVID-19 reality. Smaller states, in particular, must do more to defend themselves amid entrenched geopolitical tensions.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and Future of Cyber Conflict” in The Diplomat

Iftekharul Bashar and Kenneth Yeo Yaoren, associate research fellow and research analyst respectively with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that as COVID-19 places extraordinary burdens on governments, deficits in state-led support are creating opportunities for extremist networks to win over hearts and minds. The exploitation of various humanitarian crises around the world by extremists has significant long-term security implications.
Read more in the article “Combating Extremist Charities During COVID-19” in East Asia Forum

Wu Shang-su, research fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS, wrote that organisation and mobilisation are the key elements to Vietnam’s low-cost model of fighting the pandemic. These strategies are also used for Vietnam’s deterrence of its northern neighbour.
Read more in the article “Vietnam’s Pandemic Countermeasure: An Essential Element of Deterrence” in Australian Institute of International Affairs

Wendy He, research analyst with the Military Studies Programme and Haridas Ramasamy, independent researcher and graduate student at RSIS, wrote that COVID-19 has called into question the practice of regionalism in Southeast Asia. The seemingly slow and reactive responses by ASEAN member states when the virus first hit Thailand on 13 January have led many to wonder if this regional multilateral organisation is up to the task of dealing with the pandemic. How should we assess ASEAN’s response to the global health crisis?
Read more in the article “Coping with COVID-19 the ASEAN Way” in East Asia Forum

Tamara Nair and Alan Chong, research fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) and associate professor respectively at RSIS, wrote that we are living today in a globalised surveillance culture. It is widely legitimised by national authorities as our collective saviour, pending the creation of a vaccine against COVID-19. We blindly embrace it as the price of joining the modern world.
Read more in the article “Hyper-surveillance under COVID-19” in East Asia Forum

Mohammad Alami Musa, head of the Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies Programme at RSIS, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of religious life, given its huge communal and collective dimensions. How should the embrace of religion be reshaped for a future with a real threat of mass infections like this pandemic? The answers point to more individualism, and a new state-religion relationship.
Read more in the article “Will Religion Post-COVID-19 be More Personal, Less Communal?” in The Straits Times

June 2020

Alistair D. B. Cook, senior fellow and coordinator of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Programme, and Christopher Chen, associate research fellow, both from the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, discussed how COVID-19 is severely impacting the humanitarian system. It has forced countries to focus on containing the pandemic with national lockdown measures – hindering humanitarian action and denying aid to many affected communities in the Asia Pacific, for example.
Read more in the article “Establishing Humanitarian Lanes During COVID-19” in East Asia Forum

Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that growing deployments of police robots show how they can play a key role in supporting citizens.
Read more in the article “Robots can Deliver Smart Policing in the Post COVID-19 Reality” in Smart Cities World

Nah Liang Tuang, research fellow with the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote that if the COVID-19 situation worsens and Kim Jung-en is forced to focus on containing the spread of the virus rather than engaging in coercive strategies against Washington and Seoul, there could be hope for preserving stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Read more in the article “Will COVID-19 Temper Pyongyang’s Belligerence?” in East Asia Forum

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that the Middle East is at a crossroads. The coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout confronts regional leaders with a stark choice: dial down tensions to open the door toward cooperation in tackling existential challenges or risk ever more aggravated political and economic threats enhanced by a potential wave of social protest.
Read more in the article “Confronting a Pandemic of Crises, Few Middle Eastern Leaders Step Up” in Inside Arabia

Adam Garfinkle, distinguished visiting fellow at RSIS, explained what the world gets wrong about the small, economic powerhouse (Singapore) — and its response to the pandemic.
Read more in the article “Misunderstanding Singapore” in The Bulwark

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that while tapping the national reserves might be justified, the money has to be put to good use.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: Make Sure the $93b is Well Spent” in The Straits Times

May 2020

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic for Gulf states has done far more than play havoc with their revenue base and fiscal household. It has propelled massive structural change to the top of their agenda in ways that economic diversification plans had not accounted for.
Read more in the article “Will Gulf States Learn from Success in Handling Pandemic?” in The Korea Times

Jennifer Yang Hui, associate research fellow at the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that crowdsourcing during the COVID-19 pandemic not only encourages innovation but could potentially build public trust, enabling leaders to demonstrate that they value and desire citizen input.
Read more in the article “Seeking Wisdom of the Crowd: Innovation and Trust-building in a Pandemic – Analysis” in Eurasia Review

Wendy He and Ian Li, research analysts at the Military Studies Programme, RSIS, wrote that coronavirus arrived in Southeast Asia much earlier than the rest of the world. With the first case in Thailand reported on 13 January 2020, regional governments had ample notice. However, Southeast Asian governments failed to take advantage of this and deal with the widespread circulation of unfounded rumours and misinformation relating to the virus.
Read more in the article “The ‘Crisis’ in Coronavirus Crisis Communications: Southeast Asia and the Contest of Narratives” in RUSI

Farish A Noor, associate professor at RSIS, wrote that state-mandated closures of learning institutions have brought conventional learning to a halt in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. The need to ensure continuity of teaching and learning has propelled institutions of all levels of education to shift from brick-and-mortar classroom learning to virtual classes – but how will this affect universities at large?
Read more in the article “Teaching in the Age of the ‘New Normal’” in ISIS Malaysia

Christopher H. Lim, senior fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, and Victor Savage, visiting senior fellow, also at RSIS, wrote that Graham Allison’s “Thucydides trap” thesis has to be modified from military warfare to an economic paradigm where the levers of capitalism count more. They highlighted that the trap is not a trigger for war but only the pre-condition for hegemonic conflict.
Read more in the article “US-China Competition: It’s the Economy, Thucydides” in Asia Global Online

Amresh Gunasingham, associate editor at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that as there is increased viability of bioterrorism, enhanced surveillance, a robust public health infrastructure and most crucially, a willingness to heed the advice of front-line experts, are all needed as effective countermeasures.
Read more in the article “Has COVID-19 Increased the Risk of Bioterrorism?” in TODAY

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote in his commentary that going by the details of the three phases announced last week, the authorities here have taken a much more cautious and conservative approach compared with many other countries.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: How Soon and How Fast to Reopen Economy?” in The Straits Times

Mely Caballero-Anthony, head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, co-wrote a paper on how in the aftermath of the pandemic, the obstacles to collective action are likely to be even more daunting, across a range of global challenges.
Read the chapter by Mely here “COVID-19 and Global Governance: Waking Up to a Safe New World“. The full paper is available here “Challenges of Global Governance Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Frederick Kliem, visiting fellow at the Centre for Multilateralism Studies at RSIS, wrote that ASEAN has done reasonably well compared to the European Union, despite the latter’s substantially larger resources. ASEAN should build on its response to COVID-19 so that history will note the disaster as a driver of stronger cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Read more in the article “Leveraging ASEAN to Respond to COVID-19” in East Asia Forum

Tiola, senior analyst at the Indonesia Programme within the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote that the future development of the roles of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and its government will depend on the TNI leadership at all levels.
Read more in the article “New Joint Command Faces First Test Under COVID-19” in The Jakarta Post

Ahmad Saiful Rijal Bin Hassan, associate research fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote about how Ramadan is different during this crisis but it does not prevent them from celebrating the spirit of Ramadan and sharing the joy of happiness with their non-Muslim friends.
Read more in the article “Fostering Ramadan Spirit Amidst COVID-19” in Eurasia Review

Phidel Vineles, senior analyst with the Science and Technology Studies Programme at RSIS, wrote that there are several areas of cooperation where ASEAN member states can work together in addressing the coronavirus pandemic: boosting intra-ASEAN trade, establishing an emergency fund, building an effective communication and engagement response, establishing early warning programme, and designing ASEAN smart city projects for pandemic preparedness.
Read more in the article “How ASEAN Should Respond as One Community to COVID-19 and Its Aftermath” in All Asia Affairs

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote about how while COVID-19 and its economic fallout may be Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s most immediate challenge, equally urgent is repairing strained relations with the US and ensuring competitiveness with Iran, as the two rivals compete for China’s favour.
Read more in the article “Saudi Arabia’s Problems: Coronavirus, the Economy, and Geopolitics” in BESA Center

Abdul Basit, research fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote about how the Afghan government should continue their cooperation efforts with the Taliban.
Read more in the article “Coronavirus can Still Be an Opportunity for Peace in Afghanistan” in Aljazeera

Mohammed Sinan Siyech, senior analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote in his commentary on how the COVID-19 pandemic has had a multi-dimensional impact across the world, including in conflict theatres. He explores strategies that terror outfits might employ vis-à-vis the insurgency in Kashmir.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and the Insurgency in Kashmir” in Reliefweb

Benjamin Ang, senior fellow and deputy head of Centre of Excellence for National Security, and Eugene Tan, associate research fellow under the same centre, discussed Singapore’s multi-faceted tech approach to managing COVID-19. The speakers discussed the “ecosystem” of COVID-19 services and how various tools can assist human tracers and the public at large.
Read more in the article “Honolulu International Forum on COVID-19 Recovery: Re-energizing Hawaii with Regional Insights featuring Benjamin Ang” in Pacific Forum

Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman, research fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that dismantling surveillance technologies after the pandemic has passed will not be so easy – it’s akin to demobilising an army after the battle, hoping that war (or a pandemic, in this case) will never recur.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and the Acceleration of State Surveillance” in Lowy Institute

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that New York governor Andrew Cuomo has become the articulate, compassionate political face of government competence in fighting a pandemic.
Read more in the article “An Outbreak Anywhere is an Outbreak Everywhere” in The Globalist

Wendy He, research analyst at the Military Studies Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, shared her thoughts on how the European Union (EU) counter disinformation and misleading narratives and this is intensifying into what has come to be known as an “infodemic” – a dangerous surge of false, misleading information within the EU.
Read more in the article “‘The Battle of Narratives’: Coronavirus and the EU Infodemic” in RUSI

Sarah Teo, research fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme at RSIS, wrote that as Sino-US ties worsened during this pandemic, what does this mean for ASEAN?
Read more in the article “How the COVID-19 Pandemic Deepens the Challenge of Sino-US Rivalry for ASEAN” in The Politburo

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote about how this pandemic would be the time for baby boomers to contribute and build their stories to tell their grandchildren.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: A Defining Moment for Baby Boomers” in The Straits Times

Dymples Leong, senior analyst with Centre of Excellence for National Security at RSIS, wrote that Telegram is a useful tool for governments to provide updated public health and safety messages to the public.
Read more in the article “Commentary: Telegram, the Powerful COVID-19 Choice of Communications by Many Governments” in Channel NewsAsia Online

Christopher Lim, senior fellow, and Tamara Nair, research fellow, both with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, wrote how the pandemic has caused a shortage of drugs that may lead to another global health crisis.
Read more in the article “Collateral Crisis: How the Pandemic is Triggering a Shortage of Drugs” in Asia Global Online

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that there are first indications are that the global coronavirus pandemic is entrenching long-drawn Middle Eastern geopolitical, political, ethnic, and sectarian battle lines rather than serving as a vehicle to build bridges and boost confidence.
Read more in the article “Coronavirus Threatens to Drive Wedge into US-Gulf Relations” in BESA Center

April 2020

Joseph Chinyong Liow, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Tan Kah Kee Chair in Comparative and International Politics, and research adviser at RSIS, wrote that turning the response to COVID-19 into a simplistic contest of political systems is unproductive and ultimately self-defeating against a common threat.
Read more in the article “The Pyrrhic Victory of Pandemic Politics” in The Straits Times

Kenneth Yeo, research analyst in the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that a united front among Abu Sayyaf Group factions could be a challenge for the Philippine military that has already been stretched thin by the pandemic.
Read more in the article “Are Philippine Militants Looking to Take Advantage of COVID-19?” in The Diplomat

Jefferson Ng, senior analyst at the Indonesia Programme, Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, wrote that the key takeaway is that Indonesia’s policy response to COVID-19 has been constrained by a policy triangle between public health, socioeconomic considerations, and central-regional administrative strain, resulting in a very difficult balancing act.
Read more in the article “Can Indonesia’s Fight Against COVID-19 Overcome Troubled Central-regional Coordination?” in New Mandala

Raffaello Pantucci, senior fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that COVID-19 is an opportunity for state actors and terrorists to advance their objectives.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 is Fuel to the Flames of Security Threats” in The Straits Times

Raffaello Pantucci, senior fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote about how the COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to evolve terrorism.
Read more in the article “After the Coronavirus, Terrorism Won’t Be the Same” in Foreign Policy

Mely Caballero-Anthony, professor of international relations and head of the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies at RSIS, highlighted how it is important to focus on the current situation and to work together, putting aside the nuclear arms race.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and N. Korea’s Nuclear Weapons: Averting Catastrophe” in The Korea Times

Abdul Basit, research fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote that the longer the pandemic lasts and the more time governments take to recover from its repercussions, the higher the chances for terrorists to push their agendas.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: A Game Changer for Terrorist Groups?” in TODAY

Han Fook Kwang, senior fellow at RSIS, discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weakest points in every country, including Singapore. He added that the problems of any one group – the poor, aged or vulnerable – will infect the entire society.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 Shows Why Tackling Inequality Benefits Everyone” in The Straits Times

Raffaello Pantucci, senior fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, co-wrote with Kabir Taneja how terrorists are leveraging the pandemic in their cause for terror.
Read more in the article “Beware of Terrorists Offering COVID-19 Aid” in Observer Research Foundation

Rajesh Basrur, visiting professor in the South Asia Programme at RSIS, wrote that the scientific community is critical to the battle against COVID-19. But to strengthen its efforts, we need to go beyond current institutional limitations.
Read more in the article “COVID-19: Transnational Cooperation and the Epistemic Community” in Takshashila Institution 

Muhammad Saiful Alam Shah Bin Sudiman, associate research fellow in the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, wrote a commentary on how turning to God for help during a pandemic is not unusual as it has been the practice of religion adherents for many generations.
Read more in the article “In Love with God: Beyond the Prayer Mat” in Eurasia Review

Benjamin Ang, senior fellow and deputy head of Centre of Excellence for National Security, RSIS, said that teleconferencing software Zoom is not the only platform targeted by hackers. He listed a few ways to stay safe online, such as using latest software versions, and setting up passwords for video and teleconference chat groups.
Read more in the article “Zoom in on Ways to Keep Online Lessons Safe” in The Straits Times

Wu Shang-Su, research fellow with the Regional Security Architecture Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, wrote about how the cross-strait relationship between Taiwan and China has defrosted with mercy flights and exports.
Read more in the article “Taiwan and China Attempt Civility in Coronavirus Crisis” in Asia Nikkei

Eugene Mark, associate research fellow with the Malaysia Programme in the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, said that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government must balance relief for Malaysians’ financial pain against tackling the deeper weaknesses of the economy and the country’s fiscal position.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 Slaps a Stress Test on the Malaysian Economy” in Channel NewsAsia Online

James M. Dorsey, senior fellow at RSIS, wrote that the failures of the Pakistani and Egyptian responses to the coronavirus crisis demonstrated that neither ultra-conservative science-rejecting worldviews nor self-serving autocratic policies aimed at regime enhancement produced initial prevention and mitigation strategies that could have blunted the impact of the disease.
Read more in the article “Responses to Coronavirus Expose Governments’ Fault Lines” in BESA Center

Johan Saravanamuttu, adjunct senior fellow with the Malaysia Programme at RSIS, wrote that for the countries of Southeast Asia, addressing the ascendancy of China has been de rigueur for some time now. While it is still not clear how the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 will impact China in the long term, Malaysia–China relations will remain largely unchanged.
Read more in the article “Malaysia–China Relations in the Time of COVID-19” in East Asia Forum

March 2020

Jefferson Ng, senior analyst at the Indonesia Programme, Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS, said that with skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, a lockdown might be in Jakarta’s future.
Read more in the article “Assessing a Potential Coronavirus Lockdown in Indonesia” in The Diplomat

Bernard Loo, senior fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS, and Adrian Kuah, Director of the Futures Office, NUS, wrote about German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s address to the nation on March 18 about the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the problems that arise when one uses the language of war in dealing with a pandemic. While using the language of war to mobilise society and its resources, one shouldn’t go overboard with it lest it becomes actual warmongering.
Read more in the article “COVID-19 and the Language of War” in TODAY

Nur Aziemah Azman, associate research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) at RSIS, wrote that the Islamic State’s narrative on the coronavirus pandemic reinforces anti-China and anti-Shiite sentiments.
Read more in the article “‘Divine Retribution’: The Islamic State’s COVID-19 Propaganda” in The Diplomat

Chew Soon Beng, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, and Wong Kuo Yheu Keith, who is pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at NTU’s Nanyang Centre for Public Administration, said there is no easy cure to the impending global recession and Singapore would need drastic measures to ride out the storm but doing more to save jobs is the correct first initiative.
Read more in the article “Helping Singapore Businesses and Workers Weather COVID-19 and Beyond” in TODAY 

Farish A. Noor, associate professor at RSIS and coordinator of its doctoral programme, writes about how the Muslim missionary movement Tablighi Jama’at places emphasis on social welfare. He shares how engaging followers positively will get them to self-regulate their movements, and help to contain the virus pandemic.
Read more in the article “Why the Tabligh Jama’at is Constantly on the Move” in The Straits Times

Henrick Tsjeng, an associate research fellow with the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at RSIS spoke about how military assets or the broader ASEAN defence cooperation could be used for controlling the current pandemic.
Read more in the article “Pandemic Control: A New Area for ASEAN Defense Cooperation?” in The Diplomat

Senior analyst Zi Yang said there has been a surprising solidarity between Middle-Eastern states and China in the face of the COVID-19 situation – such as through message of support and aid donations, which he said are very much influenced by economic considerations of course.
Read more in the article “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Relations Between China and the Middle East” in The Asia Dialogue

James M Dorsey, a senior fellow at RSIS, said that there is little indication that Middle Eastern rulers are learning the lessons of the Coronavirus’ devastating effect.
Read more in the article “Coronavirus: The Middle East’s Lessons not Learnt and Missed Opportunities” in Modern Diplomacy

Dymples Leong, a senior analyst at CENS discussed the importance to battle against misinformation on the COVID-19 situation, especially on Tik Tok, Generation Z’s favorite social media platform.
Read more in the article “Battling COVID-19, One TikTok Challenge at a Time” in The Diplomat

Han Fook Kwang, a senior fellow at RSIS, said it’s not just about keeping your own body virus-free but protecting others around you.
Read more in the article “Coronavirus: Stop Just One Infection, and 3,000 People will be Safe” in The Straits Times

James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at RSIS, said that as the new coronavirus spreads, so does its likely political fallout. For authoritarians and autocrats, the fallout is likely to be a mixed bag.
Read more in the article “Long-term Political Fallout of Coronavirus” in The Korea Times

Zi Yang, a senior analyst at RSIS, discussed in an article on how the spread of the COVID-19 disease in prisons revealed flaws in China’s epidemic countermeasures.
Read more in the article “Cracks in the System: COVID-19 in Chinese Prisons” in The Diplomat

Ji Xianbai, a research fellow at RSIS, opined that in the face of the public health-cum-economic crisis induced by the coronavirus, it appears that the leading global economic institutions have collectively fell short of providing stimulus to the underperforming global economy.
Read more in the article “Global Economic Institutions Fall Short of Cushioning COVID-19 Shocks” in CGTN Online

Han Fook Kwang, a senior fellow at RSIS, said some problems the outbreak has thrown up have nothing to do with the bug but with how people relate to one another.
Read more in the article “How the Human Race might Stump a Coronavirus” in The Straits Times

February 2020

Lee Hui Ying, a senior analyst at RSIS, discussed the vulnerabilities as a small state, and how the current pandemic has impacted the city-state.
Read more in the article “Singapore and Coronavirus: Small State, Global Crisis” in The Diplomat

Friedrich Wu, an adjunct associate professor with RSIS spoke about how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the economy. Exacerbated by the China-US trade war earlier, Singapore’s GDP is expected to drop, seeing the fall in tourist arrivals, among other factors.
Read more in the article “Coronavirus’ Fallout for Hong Kong and Singapore” in The Straits Times

Farish A. Noor, associate professor at RSIS, drew on his students’ work on the how fear has driven our perception, and spoke about how this has led to panic and divisiveness.
Read more in the article “The Virus Scare as a Mirror to Ourselves and Our Society” in The Straits Times

RSIS research analyst Kalicharan Veera Singam viewed the COVID-19 pandemic as a test of the abilities of governments and discussed the impact on economies, with China’s interconnectedness to the global economy.
Read more in the article “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Political and Economic Risk Assessment” in All Asia Affairs