EU-ASEAN Relations in Light of the War in Ukraine

Download The EU and ASEAN have set to resume negotiations aiming at an inter-regional FTA. However, this process will be undertaken in the context of the geopolitical and geoeconomic situation in the Indo-Pacific. Deep existing issues such as conflicting values also have an impact on the negotiation process. Moreover, the war in Ukraine have increased the need for the EU to have a presence in the region. The policy paper “EU-ASEAN Relations in Light of the War in Ukraine” assesses these issues against both regions’ aim of striking a deal on trade as a foundation for deeper cooperation and develops…

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Foreign Interference Laws in Southeast Asia: Deepening the Shrinkage of Civic Space

Download Foreign Interference Laws in Southeast Asia: Deepening the Shrinkage of Civic Space reviews developments in laws that seek to curb the role of international actors and their support for CSOs that work on democracy and human rights issues. To set the context, the report examines the rhetoric of ‘foreign interference’, the characteristics of ‘foreign interference laws’ being introduced in both democratic and non-democratic countries and how authoritarian regimes’ use of such laws impacts the operation of both INGOs and national CSOs. Focusing on the emerging trends in Southeast Asia, the report reviews the laws’ in the region and how…

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What has changed in the Malaysian media landscape since the 2018 General Election

Andrew Ong is the editor at Malaysiakini, the most read news website in Malaysia. He works on legislation, policy and environment. In his spare time, he explores data and makes automation tools for his colleagues.This podcast episode was recorded on 18 October 2022 as part of the “Media Freedom in Southeast Asia” series hosted by Asia Centre in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Southeast and East Asia.  

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Quality Journalism: What are the key challenges that the media are facing in Cambodia?

Sao Phal Niseiy is an Editor-in-Chief of Cambodianess and a Deputy Chief Editor at Thmey Thmey, Phnom Penh-based media. He primarily covers foreign affairs and climate-related issues.This podcast episode was recorded on 7 October 2022 as part of the “Media Freedom in Southeast Asia” series hosted by Asia Centre in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Southeast and East Asia.   

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What are the current challenges that the media are facing in Thailand?

Noppatjak Attanon is an Editor-in-Chief for workpointTODAY, a Thailand-based online news publisher with over 10 million followers. He is currently leading a team of more than 20 journalists, covering issues on politics, economics, business, world affairs and human rights. He has also worked with BBC Thai in London.This podcast episode was recorded on 18 October 2022 as part of the “Media Freedom in Southeast Asia” series hosted by Asia Centre in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Southeast and East Asia. 

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How has the shift in the media ecosystem affected media freedom in the Philippines?

Marites Vitug is an Author and Editor-at-large at Rappler with over 40 years of experience in journalism. She has published a number of books on justice and political affairs in the Philippines. Marites is currently working on her book project on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 6 year administration and the Philippines-China relations.This podcast episode was recorded on 29 September 2022 as part of the “Media Freedom in Southeast Asia” series hosted by Asia Centre in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Southeast and East Asia. 

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Legal and non-legal measures: Are these approaches effective to tackle disinformation in Indonesia

Indonesia's media landscape is growing and is becoming chaotic with a wide range of actors involved. What are the key issues surrounding disinformation in Indonesia? What are legal and non-legal approaches taken by the Indonesian government to counter this uncontrollable information flow? Hear from an Indonesian journalist with nearly 40 years of experience, Endy Bayuni, a former Chief Editor of The Jakarta Post and a co-founder and Executive Director of the International Association of Religion Journalists with nearly 4 decades of experience in reporting. In 2020, he became a member of Facebook's Oversight Board.This podcast episode was recorded on 26…

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POFMA and FICA: How are these two laws impacting independent media outlets in Singapore

Singapore’s parliament has passed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (FICA). How are these two laws impacting independent media outlets in Singapore? Hear from an Independent Journalist and Social Activist, Kirsten Han.Kirsten Han is an Independent Journalist and Social Activist. She is also a member of the Transformative Justice Collective and currently runs We, The Citizens, a newsletter which covers issues in Singapore from a rights-based perspective. Subscribe to We, The Citizens.This podcast episode was recorded on 28 September 2022 as part of the “Media Freedom in Southeast Asia” series hosted…

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Youth and Disinformation in Malaysia: Strengthening Electoral Integrity

Download Full Report Youth and Disinformation in Malaysia: Strengthening Electoral Integrity identifies the potential risks from disinformation that youths are likely to face in the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held latest by September 2023. A review of media reports and studies that referenced the last 5 general elections, revealed 5 recurring patterns of disinformation clustering around: sexual orientation and promiscuity; corruption; electoral integrity; women politicians and foreign interference. To date, legal and non-legal measures remain largely ineffective against political disinformation. Provisions in existing laws are vague and place authority in the hands of the government who can use…

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Internet Freedoms in Thailand

Download Full Report Internet Freedoms in Thailand reviews and analyses legislation that impacts internet freedoms in Thailand. These include provisions in the Constitution, Penal Code, the Computer Crime Act, the Cybersecurity Act, and the Emergency Decree. As this report shows, many provisions under these laws contain vague language enabling wide interpretation, impose harsh punishment, and give far-reaching power to the authorities. Today, internet freedoms in Thailand remain under threat, a product of continuous restrictions accelerated since the 2014 coup. These laws are used to justify removing or blocking content criticising the monarchy and establishment, prosecuting internet users, and harassing activists,…

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