Launched in 1992, ""Regional Outlook"" is an annual publication of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, published every January. Designed for the busy executive, professional, diplomat, journalist, or interested observer, ""Regional Outlook"" aims to provide a succinct analysis of current political and economic trends shaping the region, and the outlook for the forthcoming two years. This forward-looking book contains focused political commentaries and economic forecasts on all ten countries in Southeast Asia, as well as a select number of topical pieces of significance to the region.

Launched in 1992, ""Regional Outlook"" is an annual publication of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, published every January. Designed for the busy executive, professional, diplomat, journalist, or interested observer, ""Regional Outlook"" aims to provide a succinct analysis of current political and economic trends shaping the region, and the outlook for the forthcoming two years. This forward-looking book contains focused political commentaries and economic forecasts on all ten countries in Southeast Asia, as well as a select number of topical pieces of significance to the region.

Since 1957, Malaysia's economic development has been an account of growth, transformation, and of structural change. More than 75 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) comes from the manufacturing and services sectors. However, Malaysia is stuck in a middle-income trap and is facing challenges on the economic and political front. In June 2010, Prime Minister Najib Razak unveiled the 10th Malaysian Plan (2011-15) to chart the development of Malaysia from a middle- to high-income nation. This publication represents a policy-oriented stocktake and evaluation by academics, policy-makers, and business people on Malaysia's achievements, present work-in-progress endeavours, and some of the future challenges facing the nation in its pursuit to achieve a developed high-income country status.

Water has been dubbed the "oil of the 21st century" because of its increasing global scarcity. In Southeast Asia, water resources have been strained by the greater demand from different sectors such as agriculture, industry and domestic users. This situation is only likely to worsen in the future if active measures are not taken now. Is there a standard framework that can be adopted to promote cooperation in the use of water among countries? Could clearer institutions in river basins provide the backdrop for a more effective water management strategy in Southeast Asia? Does private sector involvement or privatization resolve some of the "public good" woes of water management? How does a sense of security and ownership enhance sustainability measures in a country? How have civil groups been able to promote effective water management in a country? How have water shortages been overcome in a predominantly urban city state? How have water pollution problems been resolved? Is there a potential for water conflicts in the years to come? What are some of the issues involved in sustainable watershed management? This publication draws from regional and country studies of the Mekong Basin, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines to understand the political and socio-economic dynamics involved in water management. It is a must read for anyone interested in water management issues in the region, understanding the past and present and also looking to future trends.

Launched in 1992, Regional Outlook is an annual publication of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, published every January. Designed for the busy executive, professional, diplomat, journalist, or interested observer, Regional Outlook aims to provide a succinct analysis of current political and economic trends shaping the region, and the outlook for the forthcoming two years. This forward-looking book contains focused political commentaries and economic forecasts on all ten countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as a select number of topical pieces of significance to the region.

Launched in 1992, ""Regional Outlook"" is an annual publication of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, published every January. Designed for the busy executive, professional, diplomat, journalist, or interested observer, ""Regional Outlook"" aims to provide a succinct analysis of current political and economic trends shaping the region, and the outlook for the forthcoming two years. This forward-looking book contains focused political commentaries and economic forecasts on all ten countries in Southeast Asia, as well as a select number of topical pieces of significance to the region.

Batam's economic transformation has been accompanied by a marked degradation of its natural environment. Enforcement to protect the environment has often been inadequate on many fronts, exacerbated by population increases. Though regulations exist for the provision of public amenities like wastewater and sewerage treatment, existing facilities are run-down and ill-equipped to cope with the present demands. The capacity of reservoirs to meet the present demand for water is also strained because of the large population base, with illegal intrusion and squatters further threatening supplies. Economic and environmental imperatives can be reconciled if more emphasis and resources are put into enforcing regulations and protecting the environment.