The Trumpian approach to critical minerals – evident from the United States' interactions with Ukraine – may force Southeast Asia to choose sides. The region needs to look at diversifying its technical partners in the energy sector.
Last December's launch of Malaysia's first national EV could spur local component production, but this could be constrained by market conditions while the country's old supply chain, in which the carmaker remains heavily invested, will endure.
In India, current frameworks for defining urban areas relies on the subjectivity of bureaucracy and archaic metrics such as the distribution of the male workforce. A more accurate definition will enable better targeting of resources.
With the sustainability agenda facing crosswinds, companies might conclude that sustainable business should take a backseat. But that is misguided. Firms that thrive will stay true to core values while showing how critical sustainability is to the bottom line.