“Climate Disinformation Can Impact Indigenous People’s Work – Report“
On 8 August 2025, Asia Centre’s researcher Lai Wen-Ling discussed with Kiripost on “Climate Disinformation Can Impact Indigenous People’s Work – Report,” highlighting how false climate narratives in Cambodia are undermining Indigenous communities’ ability to respond to climate change. The report identified four forms of disinformation, such as, state-driven messaging, false solutions, greenwashing, and deforestation denial, which suppress indigenous voices and hinder action. Journalists and civil society representatives at the roundtable discussion echoed the concerns, urging more accurate media reporting to protect Indigenous rights and promote inclusive climate dialogue.
“Malaysia’s Hosting Role in Ceasefire Praised as Timely, Though Real Leverage Came from U.S., Says Analyst“
On 29 July 2025, Asia Centre’s Dr. James Gomez conversed with Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah from TNS News on “Malaysia’s Hosting Role in Ceasefire Praised as Timely, Though Real Leverage Came from U.S., Says Analyst,” assessing Malaysia’s role in facilitating the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire. While praising Malaysia’s diplomatic hosting under ASEAN Chairmanship, Dr Gomez emphasized that real leverage came from U.S. trade pressure, not ASEAN initiative. He viewed the Malaysian prime minister’s role as largely symbolic, noting ASEAN’s limited influence in hard security matters. Still, he acknowledged the value of Malaysia’s visibility and the temporary calm the ceasefire brings, even if lasting peace remains uncertain.
“The Father, The daughter and the conservative elite: Thailand has been caught in another battle in the clash between the country’s titans“
On 31 May 2025, Asia Centre’s Dr. James Gomez spoke with HAARETZ’s Yishai Halper, on “The Father, The daughter and the conservative elite: Thailand has been caught in another battle in the clash between the country’s titans,”.
“ASEAN Summit: Old Habits, New Challenges — Gomez Questions Bloc’s Relevance Amid Myanmar Stalemate“
On 31 May 2025, Asia Centre’s Dr. James Gomez spoke with TNS News’ Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah on “Despite lofty declarations, Dr. James Gomez warns ASEAN’s rigid structure and weak Myanmar stance threaten its future relevance,” offering a critical review of the 46th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s chairmanship. Dr Gomez argued that ASEAN’s outdated consensus-based model has become a barrier to decisive action, particularly on the ongoing Myanmar crisis, where the bloc once again failed to present concrete enforcement mechanisms. Despite these concerns, Dr James Gomez welcomed the likely admission of Timor-Leste by October 2025, calling it a small but hopeful development that could bring fresh perspectives to a bloc in urgent need of reform.
“Eroding Electoral Integrity in Southeast Asia“
On 10 March 2025, Asia Centre’s Dr. James Gomez spoke with The Diplomat’s Luke Hunt on “Eroding Electoral Integrity: Reasons for Democratic Backsliding in Southeast Asia,” following his role as guest editor for a special edition of the Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia.
Covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, Dr James Gomez explained how ruling elites are reshaping electoral systems to maintain power, often relying on misinformation, disinformation, and foreign interference. He also pointed to growing socio-economic pressures, such as youth unemployment, weak education systems, and overreliance on tourism, warning that these challenges, combined with authoritarian responses to public dissent, are accelerating democratic backsliding across the region.