Institutional Change in Southeast Asia

This book examines the institutional changes taking place in, and challenges facing, the region since 1997. It also describes various differences in the reform process between countries in the region. Sjöholm and Tongzon argue that the economies of southeast Asia need to reform their institutions if the previous rapid development is to continue. The institutional weaknesses have been addressed to different degrees and with different success in the affected countries. Against the backdrop of southeast Asia's importance in the world economy, it is hardly possible to overestimate the need to understand this process of change.

Jose Tongzon is Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, National University of Singapore, and specializes in trade and development with a focus on the economies of Southeast Asia. Fredrik Sjöholm is Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and works mainly in international economics and development economics.

Acknowledgements List of Figures and Tables List of Contributors Abbreviations Introduction 1. Institutional Transition and Transition Cost: A Methodological Consideration 2. Educational Reforms and Challenges in Southeast Asia 3. Technological Governance in ASEAN - Failings in Technology Transfer and Domestic Research 4. Interest Rate Policy and Its Implication on the Banking Restructuring Programs in Indonesia 5. Crisis, Social Sector and Income Distribution in Singapore and Thailand 6. Effects of a Crisis? Institutional Adjustment and Pro-poor Growth in Thailand Pernilla 7. Singapore's Extra-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements and their Implications for ASEAN 8. Prospects for Asian Monetary Cooperation: Pipedream or Possible Reality?