Op-Ed Contributor

Teo Soh Lung volunteered at a nursing home during the recent presidential election, where she observed challenges faced by elderly residents in voting. They suggested that voting for nursing home residents should not be compulsory and proposed giving voting rights to prisoners instead.

In an analysis by labour rights activist Roy Ngerng, Bangladesh's contemplation of raising the garment sector's minimum wage is emphasized. Historically, wage increases in the country have correlated with reduced unemployment and boosted productivity. Ngerng argues that higher wages inspire workers to join the workforce, resulting in enhanced consumer confidence and business growth. Countries paying higher wages also tend to witness better productivity, innovation, exports, and profits. On the flip side, stagnant or low wages can hamper growth. Many advocate for a wage increase, seeing it as beneficial for both the workforce and the overall economy.

Bangladesh's garment sector is considering a raise in its minimum wage. Trade unions advocate for a wage increase to Tk23,000 (US$210), reflecting the basic living standard cost determined by the Bangladesh Institute for Labour Studies. Roy Ngerng argues in this commentary that by raising its minimum wage faster, Bangladesh's economy can catch up with other countries it once matched.

Amidst ASEAN's vast institutional landscape, its ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) battles systemic challenges, striving for human rights relevance. While recent efforts signal progress, the broader ASEAN perspective remains largely unmoved. A genuine regional human rights mechanism is the need of the hour, says Simone Galimberti.

While BRICS expands its global influence, ASEAN faces pivotal choices. Balancing regional responsibilities with global ambitions, Southeast Asia's bloc must navigate geopolitical currents without upending delicate power dynamics, says Simone Galimberti.