nep-sea New Economics Papers
on South East Asia
Issue of 2024–12–16
thirteen papers chosen by
Kavita Iyengar, Asian Development Bank


  1. Living Wage Update Report: Urban Banten Province and West Java Province Indonesia, 2024 By Lykke E. Andersen; Marcelo Delajara; Agnes Medinaceli; Richard Anker; Martha Anker
  2. Living Income and Living Wage Update Report: Rural Central Sulawesi, Indonesia June 2024 By Lykke E. Andersen; Marcelo Delajara; Agnes Medinaceli; Richard Anker; Martha Anker
  3. Public-Private Partnership: Physical, Social, and Human Infrastructure in the Philippines By Ernesto M. Pernia; Marianne C. Sales
  4. "The Impact of Moderation Analysis Between Effective Project Governance and Project Performance Management in Malaysia's Construction Industry " By Fauzan Choon bin Abdullah
  5. Ảnh hưởng của dịch vụ du lịch thông minh đến sự hài lòng của du khách tại điểm đến Cần Thơ, Việt Nam By Giao, Ha Nam Khanh; Anh, Huỳnh Diệp Trâm; Hòa, Lê Văn; , Le Thai Son
  6. Maharlika Investment Fund: Still Beyond Repair By Ma. Joy V. Abrenica; Luzeta C. Adorna; Patricia T. Coseteng; Emmanuel S. de Dios; Marian S. de los Angeles; Noel B. Del Castillo; Benjamin A. Endriga; Laarni C. Escresa; Jonna P. Estudillo; Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista; Aleli D. Kraft; Alice A. Lee; Adrian R. Mendoza; Ernesto M. Pernia; Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan; Renato E. Reside, Jr.; Anthony G. Sabarillo; Orville Jose C. Solon; Gerard P. Suanes; Elizabeth Tan; Mariel Jances Nhayin P. Yamashita
  7. The Influence of Working Capital on Profitability: Evidence of Listed Companies in Thailand Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) By Apichat Pongsupatt; Tharinee Pongsupatt
  8. Terminating to Renegotiate? Strategic Exit from International Investment Treaties By Huikuri, Tuuli-Anna
  9. Tobin's q Revisited: A Theoretical and Empirical Framework for Accurate Business Valuation By Piyapas Tharavanij
  10. Research on Innovative Development of Miao Embroidery Intangible Cultural Heritage in Guizhou, China Based on Digital Design By Zhang Na
  11. Service Accessibility and Corresponding Impact on Livelihood Strategies: A Study on Rural Bangladesh By Al Mujtabe, Abdullah; Rahman, Shohanur; Sheikh, Limon; Adri, Neelopal; Waliullah,
  12. Examining Self-Assessment of Student Teachers’ Self-Directed Learning: A Case Study at Battambang Teacher Education College, Cambodia By Bou, Da; Sran, Louth; Teu, Samruom; Tep, Chhivrath; Kheuy, Sinoeurn; Vy, Savuth; Dul, Vanny
  13. Determinant of Brand Happiness and Self-Green Brand Congruity as Moderator: A Conceptual Paper By Tong Su; Liping Zhang; Liping Zhang

  1. By: Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute)
    Abstract: This report provides updated estimates of family living expenses and living wage for three urban districts: South Tangerang in the province of Banten, and Garut and Subang in the province of West Java, in Indonesia. The update for 2024 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the. original Anker living wage study carried out in November 2023 (Pantja Pramudya et al., 2023).
    Keywords: Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Indonesia
    JEL: J30 J50 J80
    Date: 2024–06
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:240416
  2. By: Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute)
    Abstract: This report provides updated estimates of living income (family living expenses) and living wage for rural Central Sulawesi, a major cocoa producing area in Indonesia. The update for June 2024 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the original Anker living wage study carried out in October 2022 (Kadarusman et al., 2022).
    Keywords: Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Indonesia
    JEL: J30 J50 J80
    Date: 2024–06
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:240448
  3. By: Ernesto M. Pernia (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Marianne C. Sales (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman)
    Abstract: Partnership between the public and private sectors, the main constituents of the economy, is not only logical but seems like a natural institutional arrangement. It can be a symbiotic relationship which brings about mutually beneficial processes and outcomes that redound to the economy and society-at-large. Among the three types of infrastructures, human is evidently the most vital and of the highest priority, followed by social infrastructure which directly undergirds human development that begins in the womb, and physical infrastructure required to buttress the country’s social and economic growth sustainably. This essay discusses physical infrastructure at length followed by human capital and social infrastructure.
    Date: 2023–05
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phs:dpaper:202301
  4. By: Fauzan Choon bin Abdullah (Wawasan Open University, Penang, Malaysia Author-2-Name: Logaiswari Indiran Author-2-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Management , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai Johor, Malaysia Author-3-Name: Anbalagan Krishnan Author-3-Workplace-Name: Wawasan Open University, Penang, Malaysia Author-4-Name: Saranya Nair Pavithran Author-4-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Management , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai Johor, Malaysia Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:)
    Abstract: " Objective - The building sector is essential to Malaysia's economic expansion. Despite its significance, large construction companies usually experience delays and project failure, affecting 95% of homebuyers due to 580 delayed projects in 2022. By February 28, 2023, 581 projects had been reported as delayed. Methodology/Technique - This study experimentally examines the relationship between effective project governance and project performance in 390 Malaysian construction companies, using a framework based on agency theory and assessed with partial least squares structured equation modeling. Finding - Benefit management serves as a mediator between project performance and effective project governance, and top management support has a positive moderating influence. Novelty - The study highlights the importance of preventive measures, enhancing team and project manager roles, and forming strategic alliances for improved project governance. Type of Paper - Empirical"
    Keywords: Effective project governance; project management risk; benefit management; top management support; project performance.
    JEL: H60 H61 M10 M11
    Date: 2024–09–30
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:gjbssr652
  5. By: Giao, Ha Nam Khanh; Anh, Huỳnh Diệp Trâm; Hòa, Lê Văn; , Le Thai Son
    Abstract: Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu là phân tích ảnh hưởng của dịch vụ du lịch thông minh đến sự hài lòng của du khách tại điểm đến Cần Thơ, Việt Nam. Nghiên cứu được thực hiện dựa trên cơ sở mô hình nghiên cứu E-Servqual được vận dụng trong bối cảnh đánh giá chất lượng dịch vụ du lịch thông minh tại điểm đến Cần Thơ, Việt Nam kết hợp với 400 phiếu trả lời hợp lệ của du khách nội địa và quốc tế đã từng đi du lịch tại Cần Thơ. Kết quả phân tích dữ liệu từ phần mềm SPSS.20 và SmartPLS cho thấy các thành phần của dịch vụ du lịch thông minh bao gồm: (1) Dịch vụ tham quan, (2) Dịch vụ lưu trú, (3) Dịch vụ vận chuyển, (4) Dịch vụ ăn uống và (5) Dịch vụ mua sắm sẽ tác động mạnh đến chất lượng dịch vụ du lịch thông minh, sau đó sẽ tạo nên sự hài lòng của du khách khi đi du lịch ở Cần Thơ. Từ đó, gợi ý các hàm ý quản trị nhằm nâng cao chất lượng dịch vụ thông minh và sự hài lòng của du khách trong bối cảnh công nghệ và khái niệm thông minh được tích hợp vào tất cả các khía cạnh của du lịch và dịch vụ du lịch.
    Date: 2024–10–16
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:g3952
  6. By: Ma. Joy V. Abrenica (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Luzeta C. Adorna (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Patricia T. Coseteng (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Emmanuel S. de Dios (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Marian S. de los Angeles (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Noel B. Del Castillo (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Benjamin A. Endriga (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Laarni C. Escresa (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Jonna P. Estudillo (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Aleli D. Kraft (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Alice A. Lee (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Adrian R. Mendoza (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Ernesto M. Pernia (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Jan Carlo B. Punongbayan (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Renato E. Reside, Jr. (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Anthony G. Sabarillo (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Orville Jose C. Solon (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Gerard P. Suanes (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Elizabeth Tan (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman); Mariel Jances Nhayin P. Yamashita (School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman)
    Abstract: The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). Originally proposed as a sovereign wealth fund, the MIF later on morphed into what can be called a sovereign investment fund (SIF): a state-owned investment fund that aims to reap returns from financial investments as well as economic returns from developmental projects like infrastructure. We find that the MIF violates fundamental principles of economics and finance and poses serious risks to the economy and the public sector — notwithstanding its proponents’ good intentions. First, the raison d’être of the Maharlika Investment Fund remains unclear even as it has already hurdled both houses of Congress. Second, due to its confused goals, the MIF bill does not adequately articulate and take account of several implications of the fund’s dual-bottom line objective. Third, the manner of funding the Maharlika Investment Fund poses huge risks to our already strained public coffers and is vulnerable to moral hazard. Fourth, red flags abound in the MIC’s governance structure. Fifth, with elevated global economic headwinds and uncertainties, it is unlikely that MIF will be able to “crowd-in†investments and eke out returns that are large enough for the fund to grow substantially to finance development projects. Sixth, the preoccupation with this defective proposal has diverted attention from more vital and urgent national agenda that the administration itself has rightly identified, notably the need to reform the retirement and pension system for military and uniformed personnel. In view of the foregoing, we call upon President Marcos to seriously reconsider the final approval of the Maharlika Investment Fund bill, and present before the public a clear and solid rationale for setting it up in the first place. We also call on our former and present colleagues who are now part of the Marcos economic team to reconsider their position on Maharlika and advise the President accordingly, in line with their best appreciation of their discipline and the reservations expressed by the rest of the economics profession of the country.
    Keywords: strategic investment fund; Philippines; economic development
    JEL: G23 G32 H50 H54 H63
    Date: 2023–06
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phs:dpaper:202302
  7. By: Apichat Pongsupatt (Department of Finance, Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University); Tharinee Pongsupatt (Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Administration, Kasetsart University)
    Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between working capital management and profitability on the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) in Thailand?s capital market. The general objective of MAI is compatible to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) which is to act as a capital market for various businesses, but this market is focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovation. From existing literature reviews, we select five factors including receivables collection period, inventory conversion period, payable deferral period, cash conversion cycle and current ratio as explanatory variables. At the time, firm size and debt ratio are assigned as controllable variables. While return on invested capital (ROIC), a dependent variable is employed as proxy for profitability. This study uses secondary data collected from annual financial statements of companies in MAI index for the period of 10 years from 2014-2023. After examining the data, only 826 samples are qualified under the criteria. The multiple regression model is implemented for statistical testing at the significant level 0.05. The results indicate a negative significant relationship between the receivable collection period and payable deferral period with profitability. This model is supported with R2 of 0.144. We also observe that all types of MAI firms can increase their profitability by shortening the receivable collection period and curtailing the payable deferral period. The findings in this study can assist investors or managers to comprehend the effect of specific determinants to the SME?s profitability in Thailand.
    Keywords: Working Capital Management; Cash Conversion Cycle; Receivable Collection Period; Inventory Conversion Period; Payable Deferral Period; Return on Invested Capital; Thailand MAI Index
    JEL: L25 M41 Y10
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iefpro:14716372
  8. By: Huikuri, Tuuli-Anna
    Abstract: How can dissatisfied parties adjust the terms of international cooperation in asymmetric agreements? While powerful states can often effectively demand renegotiation, others may struggle to convince their partners to redistribute the gains from cooperation. Strategic exit, whereby a dissatisfied state conducts unilateral exit from an agreement to initiate new negotiations, may become an attractive option in such situations. This paper investigates the prevalence of strategic exit in the international investment treaty regime, where backlash against investment dispute settlement has led some governments to exit from their bilateral investment treaties. I present evidence from two theory-building case studies of investment treaty terminations and renegotiations by Ecuador and Indonesia, including elite interviews with key policymakers. I show that while exit has successfully led to some new negotiations, dissatisfied governments have been unlikely to exit treaties only for the purposes of catalyzing reform. Rather, exit becomes attractive when domestic political benefits mitigate the international reputational costs of exit. The strategic benefit of terminations for catalyzing new negotiations, although not necessarily sought after by the withdrawing state, more likely emerges as a secondary benefit of exit. The theoretical insights from the investment treaty regime can also inform renegotiation dynamics in other international regimes.
    Date: 2024–07–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:ascmh
  9. By: Piyapas Tharavanij (College of Management, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand Author-2-Name: Author-2-Workplace-Name: Author-3-Name: Author-3-Workplace-Name: Author-4-Name: Author-4-Workplace-Name: Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:)
    Abstract: " Objective - This study revisits Tobin's q by offering a theoretically derived empirical model based on the Ohlson framework, aiming to correct the misapplications found in existing literature. Methodology/Technique - While Tobin's q has been extensively used as a measure of firm value, the traditional empirical models often assume a linear relationship with variables such as growth, leverage, and profitability. Finding - This paper demonstrates that even in a basic model, such as the Gordon growth model, this linearity does not hold. In fact, this paper shows that a linear relationship will hold only under restricted conditions and only with certain explanatory variables. Novelty - By introducing a theoretically sound equation for Tobin's q, this study highlights the limitations of current empirical methods and provides a new perspective for firm valuation research. The results contribute significantly to improving the accuracy of business valuation models, particularly in settings with varying capital structures and market dynamics. Type of Paper - Theoretical"
    Keywords: Tobin's q; Ohlson model; Firm value; Valuation
    JEL: G12 G19
    Date: 2024–09–30
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:gjbssr653
  10. By: Zhang Na (City University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Author-2-Name: Sharul Azim Sharudin Author-2-Workplace-Name: City University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Author-3-Name: Author-3-Workplace-Name: Author-4-Name: Author-4-Workplace-Name: Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:)
    Abstract: "Objective - Miao embroidery is vital to Miao culture, representing their national identity through its patterns and colours. However, in the face of globalization and the digital age, there is an urgent need to combine tradition with modern technology to innovate and preserve Miao embroidery. Methodology - In this study, we explored the artistic characteristics of Miao embroidery by digital means and used computer design tools to refine the pattern elements and colour genes. Research methods combine qualitative and quantitative analysis, including phenomenology, ethnographic research, content analysis, questionnaires, image and colour analysis, etc. Findings - Through computer graphics software, pattern colour extraction, and innovation are realized, the integration of traditional culture and modern design is promoted, and a new way is provided for the digital protection and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. Novelty - The research enhances the vitality and influence of Miao embroidery in global cultural diversity and includes case studies and practices of digitized intangible cultural heritage. Type of Paper - Empirical"
    Keywords: Guizhou Miao embroidery; cultural innovation; qualitative and quantitative analysis; digitized intangible cultural heritage
    JEL: O10 O19 O33
    Date: 2024–09–30
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:jber250
  11. By: Al Mujtabe, Abdullah; Rahman, Shohanur; Sheikh, Limon; Adri, Neelopal; Waliullah,
    Abstract: Agriculture based economy makes the rural areas important in south-east Asia. Lack of accessibility to certain services were observed in countries like, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India etc. As a result, rural-urban migration became a regular practice. Though spatial dimension of accessibility was studied, non-spatial dimension was mostly unexplored for access to education, healthcare, food and modern agricultural services. So, with ten villages of Bangladesh as study area, 452 questionnaire surveys, 22 FGDs and 27 KIIs were conducted to understand the problems behind lack of access to these services. Different statistical tests, and qualitative comparison suggested that non-farm activities were more sustainable for households, and provided more access to services than fully farmingbased households. Some services were available, but inaccessible to the local people due to mismanagement. Livelihood diversification through collaboration of community and women empowerment could be the sustainable solutions for ensuring proper service accessibility in developing countries.
    Date: 2024–11–13
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:3789u
  12. By: Bou, Da; Sran, Louth; Teu, Samruom; Tep, Chhivrath; Kheuy, Sinoeurn; Vy, Savuth; Dul, Vanny
    Abstract: This case study, a collaborative investigation into the self-assessment of student teachers' self-directed learning in the Battambang Teacher Education College (BTEC) teacher education program, provides valuable insights. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data was collected through surveys and open-ended questions with 187 BTEC student teachers. The findings revealed that student teachers actively engaged in reflective self-assessment practices, enabling them to identify improvement areas and develop personalized learning strategies. However, limited time, lack of mentorship, and inadequate institutional support could have helped their ability to fully direct their learning. The study provides practical recommendations to BTEC program administrators on enhancing the support and resources offered to student teachers, such as increasing mentorship opportunities and improving institutional support, to promote their autonomous learning and professional development. These recommendations are designed to be actionable and can be implemented to improve the BTEC teacher education program. The collaborative research contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve teacher education and equip future educators to meet the evolving demands of the modern classroom, making the audience feel included and part of the solution.
    Date: 2024–11–03
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:uq8t3
  13. By: Tong Su (College of Economics and Management, Baoding University, China // Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia); Liping Zhang (Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia // College of Economics and Management, Baoding University); Liping Zhang (College of Antiquities and Museums, Baoding University)
    Abstract: As the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices continues to rise in the modern business landscape, understanding their impact on consumer behavior has become a key focus of marketing research. This conceptual paper proposes a framework that examines the determinants of brand happiness within the context of ESG initiatives, with a specific emphasis on Self-Green Brand Congruity (SGBC) as a moderating factor. Building on the foundations of Self-Congruity Theory and the emerging relevance of ESG, this study predicts that brands that align their sustainability efforts with consumer values are more likely to foster positive emotional responses, such as brand happiness. Furthermore, it is proposed that SGBC enhances the strength of the relationship between ESG practices and brand happiness, particularly among consumers with a strong ESG identity. Based on this conceptual framework, research propositions are developed to guide future empirical investigations.
    Keywords: Brand Happiness, Self-Green Brand Congruity (SGBC), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Conceptual paper
    JEL: M31
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iefpro:14716496

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