Commentary

While consequences are vital, caning risks lasting shame rather than teaching accountability. Discipline must be viewed as a spectrum. The focus should shift to restorative practices and dialogue, ensuring that the consequence promotes growth instead of fear.

An academic argues Indonesia's foreign policy lacks proper consultation. Major decisions are announced first, followed by explanations rather than deliberation. This pattern weakens national accountability and risks eroding diplomatic credibility in the region.

Stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz face missile fears and isolation due to geopolitical crises. Furthermore, workers globally endure poor conditions, financial insecurity, and risks from unregulated shadow fleets.

Workplaces often reward visibility over true merit, disadvantaging quiet high-performers. This structural bias means leaders must improve their ability to recognize genuine substance and outcomes, rather than just who is the loudest or most visible contributor in meetings.

ASEAN's digital economy requires a unified Finternet infrastructure to overcome fragmentation in payments and supply chains. Vietnam is pioneering this with blockchain platforms, urging neighbors to build interoperable systems for regional integration and resilience.

Addvalue's proposed Nasdaq spinoff is premature. This move risks creating a holding company discount, potentially undervaluing its IDRS unit. It would be better for Addvalue to keep the division within the group and focus on combined growth in Singapore instead.

Europe's response to energy shocks is flawed; cutting fuel taxes is counterproductive. Instead of subsidies, Europe must strengthen its Emissions Trading System (ETS). This efficient mechanism discourages emissions and funds the green transition without draining public finances.

Japan faces an impossible foreign policy dilemma due to the Iran war and Hormuz closure. It must balance its vital US security alliance against potential Iranian retaliation, requiring a difficult choice between alignment and neutrality.

European lawmakers should reject the US trade deal. It violates core WTO principles of non-discrimination, undermining global stability. History shows that protectionism breeds conflict, making adherence to international law vital for Europe's standing.