In August 2018, a 23-kilogram industrial device containing iridium-192, a radioactive material, went missing during transport in Malaysia. Whilst Malaysian authorities have attempted to calm public concerns, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned of the dangers that a missing radiological source presents. With a black market for such…
The September 2018 kidnapping of three Indonesian fishermen has raised concerns that the Abu Sayyaf Group has resumed its kidnap for ransom activities in the Sulu and Celebes seas after 18 months of relative inactivity, writes Rob Attwell.
Recent abductions in Cambodia and the Philippines have highlighted the links between loan sharks, organised criminal groups, casinos and the threat of kidnap-for-ransom targeting foreign nationals in Southeast Asia, writes Rob Attwell.
Following an opposition win at the 23 September general elections, concerns about rising authoritarianism and corruption under incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, are likely to drop off media headlines. Yet, there remain important concerns regarding political instability and corruption, particularly for the tourism industry, writes Rob Attwell.
Violent civil unrest, including malicious damage, in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands Region earlier this year highlights how foreign energy firms can be used as well-positioned pawns in conflicts between local landowners and the central authorities, writes Rob Attwell.
The May 2018 suicide bomb attacks on three churches and a police station in Surabaya raised concerns over the prevalence of Islamist militancy in Indonesia, and the extent to which Indonesia’s prisons - and prisoners – have come to shape and cultivate this threat, writes Rob Attwell.
Numerous recent scandals and violent incidents revolving around religious intolerance and social media raise concerns for companies operating in India, especially regarding reputation management and staff safety.
Despite tightening its control of cryptocurrencies over the past year, the Chinese government appears to have endorsed blockchain technology as a core component of the country’s future economy.
Numerous protests against proposed legislation governing special economic zones show that Vietnamese anti-Chinese nationalism remains a potent political force, posing a risk to Chinese investments in the country, as well as the long-term stability of the Vietnamese government, writes Rob Attwell.
With President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly referred to as the Iran Deal, and summit with North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, in Singapore, the US leader has shown a significant lack of consistency on the issue of nuclear proliferation. The president’s apparent preference for “going it alone” has…
Following the kidnapping of six Indian contractors in May, Saif Islam highlights some of the common sense security measures organisations should employ when operating in Afghanistan.
Malaysia’s shock election result hinged on Mahathir’s revival as an unlikely reformer, but is he all bark and no bite? Rebecca Lawrence examines whether Mahathir can really deliver on the promises that paved the way to his stunning victory, and what it means for investors going forwards.