Posts From Peter Hays
Duterte leverages popularity to push for constitutional change
The Congress of the Philippines has begun formal proceedings on changing the government of the Philippines into a federal system. The move is extremely divisive and is interpreted as a power grab. Its success will depend on Duterte’s political capital.
How governments manage security risk with facial recognition technology
Facial recognition technology has the potential to reduce security costs, but carries its own risks and may entrench discrimination.
Targeted sanctions on Myanmar would dash hopes of investment surge
Peter is a London based analyst. He specializes in trade and regulation in the Asia Pacific region. He holds a MSc in Economy, Risk and Society from the London School of Economics and a BA in International Studies from American University.
Modi’s consolidation of power comes with opportunities for reform
Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014 the BJP has rapidly consolidated power, giving him the ability to enact substantial reforms.
India’s Aadhaar programme and the future of biometrics
India’s biometric identification programme, Aadhaar, has gone from an optional program to a mandatory one and is collecting more data than ever expected.
The impact of Chinese investments in Malaysia
For countries like Malaysia, chinese investments in infrastructure offer clear benefits but also come with costs, both economic and strategic.
Automation will make countries with a youth bulge more volatile
Automation is on track to disrupt the status quo everywhere, but nations with a youth bulge will be more affected than others.
Significant Barriers Remain for Asia’s RCEP deal
India’s commerce secretary claims “enough political will [exists] to expedite the conclusion” of RCEP. Yet many barriers, both economic & political remain.
Corruption allegations take center stage in Malaysian general election campaign
The return of Mahathir Mohamad may be a key factor in uniting the opposition and reviving allegations of corruption against current PM Najib Razak.
Vietnam and the Philippines dive back into contested waters
Both Vietnam and the Philippines restarted drilling and exploring for oil in contested waters in the South China Sea – risking the ire of China.