Asian Studies Commons^™

Taliban 2.0 And Geopolitical Security Concerns In South Asia’S Neighbourhood, Masom Jan Masomy, Anup Shekhar Chakraborty

Asian Review

The emergence of Taliban 2.0 has raised significant geopolitical security concerns in the South Asia region, particularly in the neighbouring countries of India and Pakistan. The effectiveness of the peace deal between the United States and the Taliban appears to be limited, as it has not produced the intended outcomes as initially stated. The objective was to establish a period of uninterrupted peace across Afghanistan. The rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan was facilitated by a military coup, which subsequently led to the withdrawal of United States and NATO forces from the region. The government led by Ashraf Ghani, with …

A Causal Discovery Exploration Of Determinants Of Social Isolation, Barry Nuqoba, Kenneth Choo, Yi Wen Tan, William Tov

ROSA Research Briefs

In this report, we explore the potential causes of social isolation among older adults in Singapore using causal discovery. We found an inferred causal relationship between perceived helpfulness and social isolation, where older adults who perceived themselves as helpful were less likely to perceive themselves as socially isolated. Our study also found that perceived isolation and loneliness may be distinct concepts among older adults in Singapore, with loneliness being more likely to precede social isolation. Policy recommendations include promoting a sense of helpfulness through programs such as volunteering to reduce social isolation.

The Kathina Robe Offering Festival In Myanmar: Unveiling Social Dynamics And Cultural Identity, May Zin Nyunt

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research paper examines the Kathina Robe Offering Festival in Myanmar, a major cultural and religious event that has plays an important role in building social cohesion, preserving cultural identity, and perpetuating Buddhist beliefs. Anchored in the Theravada Buddhist practices of generosity (dana), merit-making, and rejoicing, the Kathina Festival is a significant expression of communal and religious values in Myanmar's diverse society. This study aims to identify the multi-faceted role played by the Kathina festival in urban and regional perspectives, and it explains how it is used to create community cohesiveness in Yangon, or how local cultural nuances differ from …

Strategic Diplomacy: The Singapore Case, Country Report For The Project On ‘Strategic Diplomacy For 21st Century Defence And Statecraft’, Evelyn Goh, Wee-Kiat Lim

CCX Research

How does Singapore conduct strategic diplomacy despite being a small and constrained state? This report first identifies the major long-term drivers affecting Singapore’s security, both at the domestic level (rapidly ageing population, immigrant assimilation, and growing societal fault-lines) and at the international or systemic level (changing global order, power of technology, slow collective action on climate change). Then it analyses how Singapore strategists deal with two of their most prominent problem-sets: (i) positioning Singapore in relation to the US-China rivalry and the changing international order; and (ii) tackling climate change as a collective action problem. Both problem-sets illustrate how Singapore …

The Demand For Thai Language Skills In Thai-Chinese Economic And Trade Relations: A Case Study Of Yunnan Province, Yunheng Yuan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aims to analyze the demand for Thai language skills in economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and Yunnan Province, examine the current status of Thai language training programs in universities and colleges in Yunnan Province, and evaluate whether these programs adequately meet the demand for Thai language skills in the development of economic and trade cooperation. Through research methods like field observation, questionnaires, interviews, and document research, it was found that the economic and trade relations between Thailand and Yunnan Province continue to improve. Meanwhile, the demand for Thai language skills in Yunnan Province significantly increases. However, there …

Geopolitical Dynamics And Bilateral Relations: A Comparative Study Of China-Vietnam And China-Philippines Amid The South China Sea Tensions, Liuru Wei

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The South China Sea dispute is a geopolitical issue with complicated characteristics such as territorial dispute, resources contention, and involvement of regional powers and great powers. As disputing states, both Vietnam and the Philippines face maritime disputes with China, but they have different policies and bilateral relations with China. To explore the causes of these differences, this study develops a dual-factor analytical framework based on geopolitical theory and realist theory. Geopolitical theory emphasizes how geographical location, national interests, domestic politics, and historical factors shape state policy choices, while realist theory explains state behavior through the dynamics of power struggles, strategic …

Institutional Hedging Policies And Strategies Of Asean Under China-Us Rivalry, Rongheng Lu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

With the intensification of the China-US rivalry, as a representative of the collective interests of Southeast Asian countries, ASEAN plays a central role in the regional architecture and it faces a series of structural risks and pressures, raising concerns about its ability to maintain centrality and regional stability. In recent years, scholars have noticed that the regional group presented the signs of hedging, especially the ASEAN. However, there are relatively few studies on ASEAN’s hedging, and current research on this topic remains incomplete, with a lack of consensus on its definition, motivations, and mechanisms. This study aims to analyse the …

Sacred Celebrations: A Study Of Nats Rituals At Taungbyone Festival In Mandalay, La Wunn Phyu Phyu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

AbstractThis thesis studies the spiritual rituals and Nat worship associated with the Taungbyone Nat festival, examining the long-standing coexistence of Theravada Buddhism with ancestor worship in Myanmar. More specifically, it examines the Taungbyone Nat festival, a communal ritual that highlights these beliefs. This study features the strengthened relationship between the Nat spirits and the indigenous people who participate in the belief of Nats. Furthermore, it also demonstrates the importance of community participation in ritual activities and explores the festival atmosphere encourages a shared sense of identity and social connection.The research identifies the historical evolution of Nat worship, particularly its longstanding …

Partnership In Rural Development Between Cambodia And South Korea: A Case Study Of Prey Romeat Village In Cambodia, Chan Jun Park

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Cambodia’s macroeconomic growth since the 1990s has not been paralleled by proportional improvements in rural livelihoods, where the majority of the population continues to experience poverty and development stagnation. Compounding this challenge is the nation’s historical reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA), which has fostered structural aid dependency and weakened local initiative. This thesis investigates the Saemaul Undong Model Village Project (SMU project), a rural development project implemented in partnership between Cambodia and South Korea through the Korea Saemaul Undong Center (KSUC), as a potential alternative to conventional donor-driven aid models. The research examines the case of Prey Romeat village …

The Last Tributary Mission From Siam To China: The Decline Of The Chinese Tributary System And The Rise Of The British Treaty Port System In Siam During The King Mongkut’S Reign, Yifei Xu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Focusing on the historical turning point marked by Siam’s termination of its tributary connections to the Qing China since its last mission dispatched in 1852-53, this study investigates the structural transformation of Sino-Siamese relations under the impact of British colonial order in the mid-nineteenth century, revealing its disintegration during the rise of the modern international order enforced through British colonialism in the Asian maritime space. By clarifying the role of paternalism within the Sino-Siamese tributary framework, examining Britain’s claims brewed from its East India Company’s long-term engagement with China within the Canton trade system, and analyzing the historical shift of …

Border Brides From Southeast Asia To China : Is The Hidden Trafficking Crime Being Rationalized, Xi Chen

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Along the border between China and the Peninsula of Southeast Asia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam are the three countries most closely linked to China, not only for geopolitical relations, but also for the similarities between different economies, societies and ethnic cultures. With the wave of globalization comes a huge number of economic opportunities and the mobility of people from other countries and ethnicities to pursue economic benefits first and foremost. There are limited opportunities for legitimate and recognized jobs through official procedures, especially in a country where the demographic dividend is a major advantage, and where human capital is not …

Semiotic Resources And Ideological Construction In Southeast Asian Femvertising, Qian Zhang

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Femvertising, the practice of integrating feminist messaging into advertising, has emerged as a powerful strategy for challenging gender stereotypes and promoting women's empowerment. However, its adaptation in Southeast Asia poses unique challenges due to the region's diverse cultural and religious norms. This research investigates how semiotic resources in Femvertising campaigns from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore construct empowerment narratives while addressing local cultural contexts. Combining a systematic literature review with social semiotic analysis, this study explores the visual and linguistic elements in Femvertising campaigns, highlighting their dual role in challenging stereotypes and reinforcing consumerist ideologies. Findings reveal that while these campaigns …

From Ritual To Festival: The Commodification And Transformation Of Nyepi Day In Bali, Yu-Ru Chang

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study explores the transformation of Bali’s Nyepi Day practices through the lens of cultural commodification. Nyepi, as the Balinese Day of Silence, is rooted in four core prohibitions—no fire (Amati Geni), no travel (Amati Lelungan), no work (Amati Karya), and no entertainment (Amati Lelanguan)—and is traditionally observed as a day of spiritual purification. However, its increasing commodification through tourism packages and hotel promotions has raised concerns from religious councils and local authorities regarding the erosion of its sacred meaning. Among the related rituals, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, held on the eve of Nyepi, has undergone significant transformation: demon-like effigies once …

Living With Pets In Urban Lifestyle : A Case Study Of Bangkok Metropolitan, Minggomutt Jaroenkornburi

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study explores pet ownership in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand. Urbanization and its consequences on dwellers’ way of life are principally the key factors influencing new attitudes towards pets. The concept of pet humanization, which regards pets as emotional companions or family members rather than utilitarian animals, is used to explain this phenomenon. By reviewing Singapore pet control regulations, the research found that the restricted pets in public housing policies have gradually loosened due to public pressure and emotional demand. New policies allowed pets in residents’ urban lifestyles. This phenomenon similarly happened in Bangkok. This study conducted documentary analysis and …

Key Drivers Of Ev Market Growth : Insight From Asean Countries, Yuan Su

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aims to analyse the key drivers influencing electric vehicle (EV) market development in ASEAN, by applying the PESTEL framework to analyze political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. The case studies of Thailand and Indonesia are used to examine their different EV development trajectories. Field observations in Bangkok, Thailand, and Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia, supplement secondary data analysis by providing detailed insights on infrastructure deployment, consumer behavior, and operational challenges. The findings reveal that political and economic factors dominate early-stage EV market growth, while technological and social factors play an increasing role in long-term market expansion. Southeast …

“I’M Jackson Wang From China”: Global Celebrities As China’S Messengers Of Nationalism, Keira Vogel

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

This paper examines the rise of nationalist expressions among globally recognized Chinese celebrities, such as Jackson Wang, Fan Bingbing, and Jackie Chan. Global Chinese celebrities, defined here as individuals born in China who have risen to international prominence, used to appear generally apolitical in the public eye, but can now more often be observed expressing nationalism, despite having access to uncensored information about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In this paper, nationalism refers to expressions of pride in one’s nation, often linked to support for the government and its policies. Here, the term carries a less negative connotation than it …

The Hindu Mahasabha: How Humanitarian Relief Became An Agent Of Hindu Nationalism, Sanjna Kaul

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

Humanitarianism is deeply linked with the politics of religion, and in South Asia, it has played a vital role in the spread of Hindu nationalism. Prior to British colonialism, South Asian humanitarianism was guided by spiritual traditions of service and duty, and relief typically took the form of religious donations. The only audience of those small-scale humanitarian actions were the giver’s interpersonal community and the gods. However, with the shift to British rule, humanitarian work in the Indian subcontinent became located within the state and donned broader political motivations. Once the audience of humanitarianism also included the ruling British state, …

Historical Evolution Of The Late 20th-Century Maritime Claims, The Concept Of The Nine-Dash Line, And The Dispute In The South China Sea, Kamil Nowak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study discusses the origins and development of the South China Sea dispute. It briefly analyzes the overlapping maritime claims, their justifications and legal aspects, and key clashes between the actors across the second half of the 20th century. It uses a historical perspective to assess the present-day conflict. The study discusses the impact of international agreements, national policies, claimants' domestic factors, and external influences connected to the geopolitical situation of the period to determine how they influenced the dispute. The analysis reveals that amidst more pressing global events, the South China Sea issue was frequently overlooked by the international …

One Party Democracy: Explaining The Ldp’S Electoral Dominance In Japan, James Carroll

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

Two of the essential features of a democracy are free elections and political parties. Although frequent transitions of power between parties are common in most established democracies, one notable exception is Japan. Since its formation in 1955, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has dominated Japanese elections and politics and has ultimately shaped much of Japan’s modern history and government. With the notable exceptions of 1993-1994 and 2009-2012, the party has either been the majority party or the largest party in the governing coalition. The LDP is often described as a center-right party, although it is also accurate to describe it …

Chinese Fintech Goes Global: Political Challenges And Business Strategies, Yujia He

Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce Faculty Publications

Fintech (the application of digital technology to financial services) has witnessed unprecedented growth, bringing significant implications for the financial system and sustainable development.1 The Financial Stability Board, an international body that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system, defines fintech as “technologically enabled financial innovation that could result in new business models, applications, processes, or products with an associated material effect on financial markets and institutions and the provision of financial services.”2 The use of technology in finance is certainly not new—consider the growth of electronic banking and high-frequency trading in the early 2000s. In the past two …

Coattailing For Regime Continuity?: Unraveling Duterte's Legacy In Marcos Jr.'S 2022 Electoral Victory, Gabrielle Ann S. Mendoza, Imelda B. Deinla, Cristine Lian C. Domingo, Jurel K. Yap

Ateneo School of Government Publications

The electoral victory of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been attributed to a range of factors such as misinformation, patronage, and populism. We argue that Marcos’ electoral victory should not be treated as an isolated instantaneous event, but rather a result of a shift in the country's political narrative due to the legacy of his predecessor. The shift to illiberal populism is tied to the public's continued support for Duterte's flagship policies as well as in the proliferation of populist rhetoric on social media. Using a non-probability survey of 1500 Filipinos, we find that support for President Duterte and his …

Research On The Soft Power Of Thai Traditional Food Culture Under The Process Of Globalization, Lu Han

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research explores the role of Thai traditional food culture as a form of soft power in the context of globalization. According to Joseph S. Nye, Soft power operates through the resources of culture, political ideals, and foreign policies. Influenced by factors such as history, geography, climate, and social development, Thai traditional food culture has integrated the characteristics of multiple cultures with its inclusive and innovative ideas to form a unique culture. Through globalization, Thai food culture has gained widespread popularity. This research analyzes the mechanisms by which Thai food culture promotes Thailand’s soft power, including nation branding, gastro-diplomacy, tourism, …

Childlessness And Sibling Positioning In Upward Intergenerational Support: Insights From Singapore, Dahye Kim, Christine Ho, Bussarawan Teerawichitchainan

Research Collection School Of Economics

Objective: This brief report aims to explore the role of child-lessness and its interaction with sibling positioning (i.e., birth order and gender) in upward intergenerational support within the context of Asian familial and patrilineal values. Background: Despite the increasing rates of childlessness in Asia, little is known about how childless individuals deviate from or adhere to the patrilineal gendered practices of supporting their older parents. Singapore, a rapidly aging nation that emphasises Confucian familism values and patrilineal practices in guiding its welfare policies, provides an ideal setting for this research investigation. Method: We analysed a sample of 475 Singaporeans aged …

Impact Of A Covid-19 Related Lockdown On The Experience Of Informal Caregiving In Singapore, Vicky Mengqi Qin, Abhijit Visaria, Rahul Malhotra

ROSA Journal Articles and Publications

Introduction: Lockdowns, while limiting COVID-19 transmission, can affect provision of care by informal caregivers and their caregiving experience. We assessed, among informal caregivers in Singapore, (a) the perceived impact of a 2-month (April to May 2020) nationwide lockdown on their care provision, (b) correlates of different perceptions of the impact of the lockdown on care provision, and (c) association of different perceptions of the impact with negative and positive experiences of caregiving. Methods: In the August 2020 wave of the Singapore Life Panel (SLP; nationally representative, longitudinal monthly survey of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 50-70 years at baseline), …

Research On The Industrial Chain Network-Driven Innovation Model Of China's Audio-Visual Industry Park, Yang Chen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation explores the model through which Chinese audio-visual industry parks drive innovation leveraging industrial chain networks, with Xing Guang Movie and Television Park as the core case study. It also integrates analyses of several other representative Chinese audio-visual industry parks. Based on these case analyses, it identifies critical elements essential for successful innovation within audio-visual industry parks driven by industrial chain networks, thereby providing a realistic foundation for the theoretical framework of the thesis.

Drawing on innovation theory, network theory, industrial chain network theory, and collaborative capability theory, this study abstracts the model driving innovation through industrial chain networks …

Navigating Sexual Consent In Japan, Samara Mizutani Cesar

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Employing an exploratory sequential research design, including focus groups and an online survey, this thesis explores the factors influencing how Japanese people navigate the gray zones of sexual consent. This study not only addresses gaps in the literature on sexual consent but also provides a preliminary understanding of Japanese individuals’ perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences in ambiguous sexual interactions, which is particularly meaningful given Japan’s recent legal revisions and changing sociocultural landscape. Findings indicated the impact of traditional sexual scripts on consent perceptions, with gender and relationship norms contributing to the dismissal of sexual assaults within specific relationships. It was …

Expropriation Of Shares Via The Corporate Constitution, Stephen Bull

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Company constitutions sometimes include powers to effect compulsory share acquisitions from members. Where these are introduced into the constitution after incorporation, the amendment, like all constitutional alterations, must be able to satisfy the common law “bona fide test” in order to be valid. The content of this test has been much debated since the first cases a century ago, and differences in view have emerged from the English and Australian courts. While there is no local case law on such expropriations per se, the High Court recently confirmed for the first time the applicability in Singapore of the common law …

Singapore’S Emerging Regulatory Approach To Stablecoins, Rachel Phang

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The Monetary Authority of Singapore's vision to develop "an innovative and responsible digital asset ecosystem" has placed stablecoins firmly on the regulatory agenda. Stablecoins, as cryptoassets designed to maintain a stable value, are regarded as having the potential to serve as a tenable medium of exchange for the digital asset ecosystem - so long as they are well-regulated and securely backed. Both this vision of a flourishing digital asset ecosystem, as well as the specter of the instability wrought by the recent algorithmic stablecoin collapse, speak to the need for sound regulation of stablecoins. This article therefore seeks to critically …

Netflix As A Transverse Transnational Media In Southeast Asia: Exploring The Philippine Context, Lady Aileen Ambion Orsal

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This thesis examines how Netflix as a transnational Internet TV disrupted the media flow in Southeast Asia. As subscription to streaming platforms grew exponentially, the limited linear flow of contents in traditional TV was transformed into a more personalized viewing experience. Consumers binge-watching on a subscription video on demand service were given the agency to view diverse contents at a time and on a gadget they prefer while also being offered recommendations from the platform’s curated list. As Netflix expanded to over 190 countries around the world, it has employed localization strategies to provide culturally authentic contents through co-production with …

The Influence Of Media Usage On The Outcome Of Social Movement Campaigns In Southeast Asia, Rothsethamony Seng

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Does the use of media strategies help social movements or mass protest movements in Southeast Asia achieve their goals? The prominent study in this area argues that social media, in particular, has done more harm than good for grassroots movements. Tufekci (2017) argues that social media provides little help compared to the regime. I argue that social media helps the movement through three important areas, including (1) amplifying the messages of the movements to shape public opinions and counter propaganda and misleading information from the government, (2) facilitating and mobilizing protestors to coordinate virtual or physical protests, sustaining the momentum, …