The Pacific Corridor
Issue 10
Editor’s Note
by Danica Jane Guieb, Lead Editor - Pacific Corridor Desk
Across Southeast Asia, the politics of choice, culture, and identity are playing out in deeply human terms.
In the Philippines, Arianne De Guzman examines the country’s escalating teenage pregnancy crisis—an issue entangled with poverty, sexual violence, and the contested space for comprehensive sexuality education. Her piece confronts how cultural and religious gatekeeping continue to limit reproductive rights, with economic and social costs that extend beyond national borders.
Vietnam, as Tri Vo reports, is in the midst of a cinematic resurgence. Domestic blockbusters are capturing audiences at home and abroad, signalling a growing confidence in cultural expression. Yet the industry’s uneven quality and structural weaknesses show that soft power ambitions require more than box office momentum.
Singapore’s 60th year of independence, explored here through the lens of civic participation and self-image, reflects a society balancing national narrative with calls for more open debate. From foreign policy positions to parliamentary engagement, the city-state’s evolving political maturity is as much about public dialogue as it is about statecraft. In reading these accounts, it becomes evident that ASEAN’s relevance is shaped not by rhetoric alone, but by the practical capacity of its members to reconcile competing interests at home and abroad. The question is whether such incremental measures, rooted in policy detail and social reality, might over time build into a strategic coherence resilient enough to meet the volatility of the years ahead.
Singapore 🇸🇬
Majulah Singapura! Reflections on Singapore’s Freedom
by Nurul Aini, in Singapore
This year marks the 60th year of Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. This celebration includes a parade consisting of a marching contingent and a melodious and vibrant show that represents Singapore’s diverse social landscape. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Johor’s Regent Tunku Ismail and Malaysia’s DPM Zahid Hamidi attended the parade at the invitation of PM Lawrence Wong, which reflects the ASEAN value of honor for one another’s sovereignty and deep regional ties.
The parade’s live telecast was also extended to green spaces like The Meadow, with exciting on-site pre-show segments. In the heartlands on 10th August, military tanks and vehicles made pitstops at various areas where citizens could snap photos while interacting with personnel.
Now, Singapore’s curated image of perfection entails its own “image problem.” In Singapore’s social fabric, anything short of perfection is often regarded as a source of collective shame, a perception that can engender defensiveness rather than candid self-reflection. Yet, as a community, Singaporeans have demonstrated a capacity to navigate these cultural pressures with resilience and resolve.
Singapore found itself navigating global scrutiny over its interpretation of freedom of speech, while domestically confronting divergent levels of understanding and sharply differing opinions among its citizens. The conflict in Gaza prompted vigorous debate on social media, with some groups actively urging the government to take a definitive stance on the issue. Gradually, donations were raised for Gaza. Meanwhile, people of different backgrounds convened in book clubs to understand concepts pertinent to the issue while entrepreneurs spotlighted the cause in their own ways. More can of course be done, and such a drive for awareness and advocacy can also be extended to understand our ASEAN neighbors. Nonetheless, these still demonstrate our effort to work toward being a more compassionate and empathetic society with on-the-ground advocacy grounded by knowledge.
Meanwhile, the 2025 General Elections also saw increased critical political engagement among youths and more acceptance for the opposition, even though that did not necessarily translate into votes. There were, however, close contests, paving the way for the presence of more opposition voices in Parliament in the future. Arguably, increased engagement with alternative opinion signifies that Singaporeans are charting their way into political maturity.
Additionally, as Parliament is set to open in September, parliament tracker reports, though still limited in scope in Singapore, allow transparency and guidance on how we can understand the work that happens there. This also promotes political accountability.
Through continued engagement between people and the government, and between the people themselves, Singapore charts its way into embodying the meaning of deliberative and functional democracy. We hope that Singapore also becomes a space where more honest conversations are held with productive curiosity, cultural sensitivity, knowledge and empathy. Although confronting lived realities may be difficult, many young Singaporeans do not wish to abandon the nation only because its mask of perfection occasionally falls.
In turn, we hope that the nation does not leave us behind as it trudges forward into the next 50 years and beyond.
Aini is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature at Nanyang Technological University. She has experience working in youth groups, contributing to the planning and management of outreach activities
Vietnam 🇻🇳
Absolute (Vietnamese) Cinema: Triumphs and Tribulations of Vietnam’s Film Industry
by Tri Vo, in Ho Chi Minh City
In the bustling movie theaters of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, a new national confidence is flickering across the big screens.
Vietnamese cinema, long overshadowed by its regional neighbors and international giants like the US, China, and South Korea, is experiencing a remarkable ascent. The country’s film industry is churning out a string of blockbusters that have captivated the nation and are now beginning to make their mark abroad, something few Vietnamese films endeavored to do in years past. The latest hit, a gripping period detective horror thriller titled Thám Tử Kiên (Detective Kien), dominated the summer domestic box office and was shown across the globe, appearing even in the extremely competitive US market. More than just a fluke, the film is the continuation of a string of hits, such as Mai and Nhà Bà Nữ, that prove the growing maturity of Vietnam’s film industry.
Gone are the days of low-budget productions dominating Vietnam’s silver screens; many of today's films boast slick cinematography and sophisticated production values that can stand proudly alongside international offerings. More importantly, filmmakers have tapped into a rich repository of local lore and history that resonates deeply with the Vietnamese audience. Many local filmmakers have also shown a rising willingness to tackle socially contentious topics such as LGBTQ representation and gang violence, something that had long remained taboo. This indicates an industry more confident in crafting works that transcend the ingrained stodginess that has held back Vietnam’s artistic growth.
Yet, the silver lining of recent successes cannot entirely outshine the prevailing problems hobbling the industry. For every Detective Kien or Mai, there is an equal probability of box office flops. Indeed, the seemingly blockbuster year of 2024 also saw a string of dismal commercial and critical failures, proving that the country’s filmmakers still have a long way to go to truly transfigure Vietnam into a global cinematic powerhouse. Juvenile and incoherent screenplays, melodramatic acting, and unimpressive visual effects are just some of the most glaring problems dragging the further progress of Vietnam’s cinematic journey.
Although the overall picture is one of exhilarating highs and, sometimes, disconcerting lows, Vietnam’s cinema has demonstrated its capacity to stand tall against ASEAN's dominant cinematic pillars, such as Thailand and Indonesia. In the end, the advance of Vietnam’s cinema is more than just an economic success story; it's the emergence of a vibrant new source of cultural soft power, one that is ready to challenge the established local players to capture the hearts and minds of audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond. And in such a dizzying leap, other ASEAN film industries can glean from both the successes and pitfalls inherent in so tortuous the path of a country striving to attain the lofty heights of the cinematic arts.
Tri has experience in management consulting and strategy, having worked with institutions such as the UNDP, The Asia Group, and ARC Group. He has provided strategic, legal, and operational insights to clients in sectors including manufacturing, energy, and technology. He holds both academic and professional experience related to Southeast and East Asia, with a focus on regional development and policy.
The Philippines 🇵🇭
Too Young to Decide, Too Young for Motherhood
by Arianne De Guzman, in Bulacan
The Philippines is facing a worsening crisis of teenage pregnancies. Data from the Commission on Population and Development shows that around 200,000 women become mothers every year, while most of them are around 12-15 years old. According to Humanium, an International Child Sponsorship Non-Government Organization (NGO), the Philippines remains one of the countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Asia, ranking 2nd in Southeast Asia.
Records indicate that live births in the 10 to 14 age group rose from 2,311 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023, revealing a 6.6% increase in 4 years. In 2023, 17 women under 20 gave birth five or more times, while 38 women under 15 also experienced repeated pregnancies, with an 8-year-old becoming the youngest mother.
For many teenage mothers, the path to adulthood can be shadowed by structural barriers that risk narrowing their horizons and entrenching poverty, though such outcomes are far from predetermined. But why does teenage pregnancy keep happening?
The repetition of teenage pregnancies can be attributed to restricted access and stigmatization of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). According to reports, CSE remains poorly implemented, especially in rural areas and faith-based schools. In the Philippines, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) remains a sensitive topic, shaped by deep-seated cultural traditions and religious beliefs. The ascendancy of Catholicism has brought beliefs that shape behavior and attitudes toward sexuality education and the use of contraception, which also fueled arguments for limiting or restricting discussions on reproductive health. A survey conducted by the DKT Philippines Education shows that only 13% of women of reproductive age were cognizant of contraceptives.
In addition, studies suggest that the probability of becoming a teenage mother intertwines with poverty as most are from low-income communities that have limited access to social services such as education and reproductive health care. Sexual violence also contributes to the issue. In 2023, according to the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 99% of teenage pregnancies are associated with statutory rape, with most perpetrators being older men. As per the Save the Children PH, the issue of choice and protection are also hindered; most are unable to seek help, often stripped of power to decide, because of fear of shame and judgment. Stigma, moral gatekeeping, and patchy implementation of comprehensive sexuality education perpetuate ignorance and vulnerability.
The Philippines may not be ready for this, but Filipino children need age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and developmentally relevant education about their bodies, relationships, rights, and choices. Rigid culture and religiosity not only deprive them of the opportunity to make informed decisions about their futures but also violate their freedom to choose and their right to information and protection.
The problem of teenage pregnancy transcends the Philippine borders. According to UNICEF, the highest adolescent pregnancy rates across the Southeast Asia region are seen in Laos (94%), Cambodia (57%), Thailand (50%), and Indonesia (48%). With these records, ASEAN must strengthen its Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint, with a focus on youth empowerment and reproductive health access. It is important to note that teenage pregnancy is a multidimensional issue and that its implications go beyond individuals. Each lost educational opportunity derails a career path, which may result in weakening each member state’s economic potential.
Arianne has worked in legal research at the Philippines Department of Justice and in policy research at De La Salle University’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, supporting projects on systemic reform. She holds a degree in Political Science from Colegio de San Juan de Letran and is pursuing a master’s in Sociology at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She is also involved in youth development and grassroots advocacy through the Rotaract Club of Santa Maria.
Editorial Deadline 12/08/2025 11:59 PM (UTC +8)
