This survey, conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, offers a compelling snapshot of the political sentiments of Southeast Asian youth. Focusing on undergraduates aged 18 to 24 in six key nations – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines – the study reveals a stark contrast in perspectives regarding their respective countries’ political landscapes. Singaporean and Vietnamese youth emerge as significantly more optimistic about their nations’ political conditions than their counterparts in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This divergence in opinion highlights the varying degrees of satisfaction and trust in political systems and governance across the region, potentially reflecting the unique political histories and current socio-political climates of each nation.
The data clearly illustrates the gap in positive sentiment. While over 72% of Singaporean respondents and nearly 68% of Vietnamese respondents viewed their political situations favorably, describing them as either “very good” or “good,” the corresponding figures for Indonesia and Thailand were substantially lower, at approximately 15% and 16% respectively. Malaysia and the Philippines occupied a middle ground, with roughly 32% and 26% of respondents expressing positive views about their political climates. This stratification suggests a correlation between political stability, economic prosperity, and youth optimism. Singapore and Vietnam, known for their relatively stable political environments and strong economic growth, exhibit considerably higher levels of youth satisfaction compared to nations grappling with political transitions, economic challenges, or social unrest.
Beyond the overall political assessment, the survey delved into specific areas of governance. The findings consistently placed Singaporean and Vietnamese youth at the forefront of optimism, not only regarding their political systems but also concerning law enforcement, economic conditions, and their governments’ economic agendas. This comprehensive positive outlook suggests a deep-seated confidence in the effectiveness and direction of their respective governments. It also hints at a potentially stronger sense of national unity and shared purpose in these two nations compared to the others surveyed. Further research could explore the underlying factors contributing to this widespread sense of optimism and its implications for future political engagement and social development.
The focus on undergraduates as the target demographic for this study is strategically significant. University campuses have historically served as breeding grounds for political activism and social movements, particularly in Southeast Asia. Student movements have played pivotal roles in shaping political discourse and driving regime change in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. By focusing on this demographic, the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute aims to capture the pulse of youth political engagement and understand the factors that motivate or discourage their participation in political processes. This approach recognizes the potential of university students as agents of change and their influence on the future political trajectories of their respective countries.
The Youth and Civic Engagement in Southeast Asia survey represents the first phase of a larger, three-year project aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of youth perspectives on political and social issues across the region. As the inaugural survey, it lays the groundwork for future research that will expand the scope of analysis to include all ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This broadened perspective will provide a more comprehensive picture of youth sentiment across the diverse political and socio-economic landscapes of Southeast Asia. Furthermore, future iterations of the survey intend to address critical nuances such as rural-urban disparities and differences between degree-holding and non-degree-holding youth, providing a more granular understanding of the factors shaping political attitudes and civic engagement within specific demographic groups.
By focusing on youth perspectives, this research initiative seeks to shed light on the future of political participation and democratic development in Southeast Asia. Understanding the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of the next generation of leaders and citizens is crucial for shaping policies and fostering inclusive governance. The findings of this survey and subsequent research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations working to promote democratic values, good governance, and sustainable development in the region. The widening of the study to encompass the whole of ASEAN, along with addressing the rural-urban and educational disparities, promises a richer and more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics shaping youth civic engagement in Southeast Asia.
