Southeast Asian Context Research Articles

Transformational Leadership Dimensions and Job-Based Psychological Ownership as Facilitators in International Intrapreneurship of Family Firms

  R esearch Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of transformational leadership dimensions (TL) and job-based psychological ownership (PO) on nonfamily employee international intrapreneurship in family firms (FFs).   Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a sample of 246 key role nonfamily employees at 118 family-owned export and import SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The data are analysed using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: The article identifies four dimensions of TL and international intrapreneurship in which both concepts are interlinked. Job-based PO plays a significant role in the TL dimensions' effects on international intrapreneurship.   Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The article establishes the mechanism by which TL constructs influence nonfamily employee international intrapreneurship actions by examining the mediating role of employee job-based PO in FFs.   Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context : FFs need to develop the architecture and mechanisms for enabling nonfamily employees' international intrapreneurship to be committed to TL constructs and job-based PO.   Research limitation & implications: This article contributes to international business theory by interpreting the export trading results of FFs using entrepreneurship theory. However, each stage of FFs international business requires a unique set of resources. As a result, it is necessary to incorporate theoretical perspectives from both domains to explain each internationalisation stage of FFs adequately.  

The Impact of Achievement Motivation on Organizational Capabilities and Firm Performance in the Creative Industry Context

Research Aims: This paper aims to validate achievement motivation (AM) as a possible cause of the issues faced in the Indonesian creative industry context and establish a possible relationship between variables comprising organizational capabilities and organizational performance.   Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper is a confirmatory study that uses a quantitative approach utilizing an online survey/questionnaire. The study examines 214 valid respondent survey answers from invited respondents from the Indonesian creative industry via email and social media platforms.   Research Findings: This paper provides empirical validation of the hypotheses that AM is positively related with organizational capabilities and that those capabilities are positively related to firm performance (FP). This paper confirms past research findings regarding the relationships between the variables.   Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This paper extends the research on AM to the organizational level and analyzes its relationships with organizational capabilities and FP in an integrated fashion.   Managerial Implications in the South East Asian Context: This paper reveals AM as the possible true cause of the issues faced by the creative industry in Indonesia. Managers and government actors seeking to improve the industry should consider the AM of the workforce.   Research Limitations & Implications:   The limitations of this study are that the resulting analysis is limited to affirming past research on the variables and that this is a cross-sectional study with a specific research context; which implies that the results of this study only represent the condition at the specific point in time the research is conducted.

­The Effect of Work-based Benefits and Demand on Engagement and Well-being as Mediated by Work-University Facilitation and Conflict Among Working Students in Indonesia

Research Aims: This study uses a depletion and enrichment model to examine the effect of role  conflict whereby work-based benefits and demands on a person’s first role (workers) influence facilitation  and conflict on their second role (university student), and influence the students’ engagement  and well-being. Design/methodology/approach: This research tested whether facilitation and conflict acted as mediators  between benefits and demands with engagement and well-being. The hypotheses were tested  using 290 respondents (63.4% were female with an average age of 23.4 years) who were working  while studying. Research Findings: The results suggested that benefits were associated positively with facilitation;  demands were associated with more conflict; and facilitation was associated with engagement and  well-being. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study supports the enrichment model that the first role  will energize and facilitate students in the second role, and influences engagement and well-being.  Whereas in the depletion model, demands have a positive influence on conflict, but do not have a  negative impact on the engagement and well-being. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: This study shed lights on understanding  that working while studying has its own benefits. The experience at work can become an asset to  carry as students enter the full-time job market while accelerating their launch into full-time career. Research limitation & implications: Due to time constraints, the researchers only examined the  relationship between variables, while previous research tested the dimensions contained in the variables.  Most respondents come from universities located in Java and less is known about the experiences  of working students in other islands.

Digital Leadership as a Resource to Enhance Managers’ Psychological Well-Being in COVID-19 Pandemic Situation in Indonesia

Research Aims: The digitalization of work forced by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to excessive job demands that might reduce psychological well-being. Hence, this study aims to explore the relationship between digital leadership and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 1,899 managers participated in this study. A logistic regression analysis was performed to test for associations between well-being and digital leadership skills. Research Findings: The results show that as a unidimensional variable, digital leadership is a strong predictor of psychological well-being. However, as a multidimensional variable, the digital leadership – skill dimension has significant and positive effects on psychological well-being, whereas the digital leadership – attitude, competences, and behavior dimension does not have a significant effect on psychological well-being. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: As a multidimensional variable, digital leadership has a partial effect in determining psychological well-being. Managerial Implication in the Southeast Asian context: Improving digital leadership does not guarantee that psychological well-being will improve. However, specifically improving the digital leadership – skill dimension will considerably influence the likelihood of having high psychological well-being. Research Limitation & Implications: The slightly low, but still acceptable, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient on the digital leadership – attitudes, competences, and behavior dimension scale may improve on adding more items. Since t he study participants were from one organization and one country, future studies could include several organizations and countries to enrich the findings .  

Categorizing Taxpayers: A Mixed-Method Study on Small Business Tax Compliance in the Philippines

R esearch Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the underlying reasons behind the management’s tax compliance and non-compliance decisions.   Design/methodology/approach: This study employed a mixed-method research approach in which the scale observations of taxpayers’ tax compliance practices and the taxpayers' lived experiences and perspectives about tax where integrated. The quantitative approach utilized binary logistic regression, and the qualitative approach used thematic and joint-result analyses. Research Findings: The integration of the two research methods revealed three distinct types of taxpayers: impulsive, reflective, and active. The result indicates that the taxpayer's compliance behavior may have an effect on the sustainability of the country's firms, implying that the taxpayer's compliance behavior may manifest in management practices and governance. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The study's development adds to the body of knowledge of the three types of taxpayers who rationalize their tax compliance and non-compliance . These taxpayers’ characteristics are a meta-inference of the effect of tax filing experience and tax morale, and the taxpayers’ emerged attitudes substantiated by their perspective on tax. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian context : Tax evasion may be a symptom of a larger issue with public finance, law enforcement, organizational architecture, or an organization's ethical standards. A complying owner or management exhibits ethical ideals in their business practices. Taxpayers' ability and willingness to comply with tax regulations will afford management with more opportunities to attract more investors and partners because of ethical and good governance practices. Research limitations and implications : The mixed-method approach elucidates why taxpayers have diverse motivations for tax compliance. This study adds to the literature a new perspective on tax compliance.

Core health-components, contextual factors and program elements of community-based interventions in Southeast Asia \u2013 a realist synthesis regarding hypertension and diabetes

BackgroundIn Southeast Asia, diabetes and hypertension are on the rise and have become major causes of death. Community-based interventions can achieve the required behavioural change for better prevention. The aims of this review are 1) to assess the core health-components of community-based interventions and 2) to assess which contextual factors and program elements affect their impact in Southeast Asia.MethodsA realist review was conducted, combining empirical evidence with theoretical understanding. Documents published between 2009 and 2019 were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and PsycINFO and local databases. Documents were included if they reported on community-based interventions aimed at hypertension and/or diabetes in Southeast Asian context; and had a health-related outcome; and/or described contextual factors and/or program elements.ResultsWe retrieved 67 scientific documents and 12 grey literature documents. We identified twelve core health-components: community health workers, family support, educational activities, comprehensive programs, physical exercise, telehealth, peer support, empowerment, activities to achieve self-efficacy, lifestyle advice, activities aimed at establishing trust, and storytelling. In addition, we found ten contextual factors and program elements that may affect the impact: implementation problems, organized in groups, cultural sensitivity, synergy, access, family health/worker support, gender, involvement of stakeholders, and referral and education services when giving lifestyle advice.ConclusionsWe identified a considerable number of core health-components, contextual influences and program elements of community-based interventions to improve diabetes and hypertension prevention. The main innovative outcomes were, that telehealth can substitute primary healthcare in rural areas, storytelling is a useful context-adaptable component, and comprehensive interventions can improve health-related outcomes. This extends the understanding of promising core health-components, including which elements and in what Southeast Asian context.

The influence of perceived risks on millennials' intention to use m-payment for mobile shopping in Bangkok

PurposeBooming mobile shopping has resulted in an increase use of m-payment. Although m-payment is still in its infancy in Thailand, it has started to affect the daily lives of Thai people. This study aims to understand the role of perceive risks in influencing millennials' intention to use m-payment for mobile shopping.Design/methodology/approachThe sample covers 250 millennials in Bangkok who were surveyed between February to May 2019. Purposive sampling and convenient sampling were applied to collect data. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied for statistical analysis. Further, mediation effect of attitude was studied.FindingsThe results showed that only perceived time risk significantly but negatively affect millennials' attitude towards using m-payment. Moreover, mediation test confirms that the relationship between perceived time risk and intention to use m-payment is mediated by attitude.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, limited number of respondents cannot be a representative of millennials as a whole. Second, the study is limited to a general study, in which the results of m-payment might not be effectual to explain other scenarios (e.g. offline setting) and the market situation in another cultural context.Practical implicationsIt is important that business practitioners should formulate less complicated system under the most decent transaction time to elicit positive attitude towards m-payment. Also, message should emphasize on the time being saved and simplicity of the m-payment.Originality/valueSince the study of how perceived risks influence millennials intention to m-payment remains insufficient in Southeast Asian context especially in Thailand, this paper contributes to the updating of empirical findings to the existing literatures.

Water Literacy in the Southeast Asian Context: Are We There Yet?

The water situation in Southeast Asia has changed from one of relative abundance to one of relative scarcity. Conventional water management that strategized around the provision of adequate water supply to users has limited sustainability. Though nations in this region have adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Plan into their water management framework, successful outcomes are limited thus far. Water literacy has a growing importance for improving water sustainability, especially in developing countries. A literature search was employed to extract data on the different dimensions of water literacy in Southeast Asia including the sources and consumption patterns, water governance and management, and sociodemographic elements as well as the various aspects of water related challenges faced. Results from the review and analysis show that a large proportion of Southeast Asian populations are not part of a water sustainable society, and this presents a major hurdle for the countries to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030. Therefore, active cognitive engagement through the creation of a water literate environment is critical for breaking the chain of water illiteracy and to achieve long-term water sustainability in Southeast Asia countries. Overall, this paper provides a critical analysis on lessons learnt from the region that can be mirrored in other parts of the world.

ARE ENTREPRENEURS BORN OR MADE? A LOOK AT ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING EDUCATION WITHIN VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Manuscript Type: Research Article Research Aims: The research studies the contextual stimuli (business knowledge and environment) toward entrepreneurial self-efficacy and locus of control that influence entrepreneurial intention. Design/methodology/approach: The survey involved vocational high school students in Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia, and collected 101 responses. The research applies a quantitative method of 2-steps Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Research Findings: Results confirms that business knowledge influences entrepreneurial intention mediated by entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Environment influences entrepreneurial intention mediated by locus of control only if students participate in entrepreneurial marketing education. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The findings contributed to entrepreneurship literature by showing the role of entrepreneurial marketing education in enhancing student’s locus of control, which enables student’s environment to determine entrepreneurial intention. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian context: Research highlights important, yet, less discussed context regarding young-age entrepreneurial intention in vocational high school level. Research also demonstrates the significance of integrating entrepreneurial marketing education into school’s curriculum or supplementary curriculum. Research limitations and implications: This study is limited to vocational high school student context. Research on a more mature respondent context may produce different result

Beyond price and income: Preferences and food values in peri-urban Viet Nam

Sub-optimal diets are one of the most important risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease. Developing a better understanding of the drivers of food choice, including the role of individual preferences, is important to address this issue. The objective of this mixed methods research was to identify the relative importance of preferences for different food quality attributes (e.g. nutrition, food safety, price and convenience) that might influence shopping habits and food choice in the context of a rapidly changing peri-urban food environment in Hanoi Province, Viet Nam. A total of 264 women were randomly selected and interviewed using Best-Worst Scaling to elicit preferences among food quality attributes for different food groups (leafy green vegetables, fruits, instant foods, snack foods). A subset of these respondents (n = 40) participated in focus group discussions in order to explore their preferences and food values in more detail. The food quality attributes considered to be most important varied by food group with nutrition and food safety (both immediate and future health) ranking highest for leafy green vegetables and fruits, convenience for instant foods, and taste for snack foods. Price was considered least important across all food groups. Focus group discussions reinforced these results with additional insights particularly regarding trade-offs between nutrition, food safety, convenience, and price. This research demonstrates the feasibility of identifying important drivers of consumption in a South East Asian context using Best-Worst Scaling. These results could help inform the design of behavior change interventions and guide food system policies that seek to shift consumer choices towards healthier diets.

Thalassemia major in a 49‐year‐old Thai female: Gross and X‐ray examination of dry bone

AbstractObjectiveWe present a clinically diagnosed case of beta thalassemia major in a deceased 49‐year‐old Thai female for comparison with paleopathological cases and consideration of age‐related changes of anemic skeletal lesions.MethodsDry bone and radiographic descriptions of pathological changes are provided and compared to clinically documented features of thalassemia.ResultsThe limb bones in this case exhibit extreme “ballooning” (widening), cortical rarefaction (cortex thinning due to osteoporosis), and varus deformity of the proximal humeri. In the cranium, reduction and coarsening of the trabeculae due to marrow hyperplasia, and radiographic “hair‐on‐end” appearance are evident. This individual did not present with severe porotic hyperostosis or cribra orbitalia but exhibited diploic expansion.SignificanceThis case study provides a rare opportunity for a detailed examination of the bone changes present in a fatal homozygote with severe anemia. The case also enables discussion of thalassemia in the wider Southeast Asian context, as major gene variations are known to impact bone metabolism and possibly cause the development of macroscopically observable traits. The absence of observable cribra orbitalia or severe porotic hyperostosis in such an extreme case calls for careful consideration of age‐related skeletal changes in the diagnosis of genetic anemias (and anemia in general).LimitationsThe individual received blood transfusion treatment that likely prolonged her life‐impacting skeletal progression.Suggestions for future researchDescriptions of different anatomical cases of thalassemia, particularly when accompanied with detailed clinical documentation, would further enable the development of more rigorous diagnostic protocols that accommodate skeletal variation in disease expression.

The Antecedents of Calling: A Career Construction Perspective

"Research Aims: This study aims to examine the moderating role of leader autonomy support (LAS) in the indirect relationship between cognitive flexibility and calling through job crafting. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through an online survey from employees who have been working at a private company for a minimum of one year. Using a convenience sampling method, data were collected from a total of 140 respondents. Data were analysed in SPSS using a moderated mediation model. Research Findings: The results showed that LAS moderated the indirect effect of cognitive flexibility on calling through job crafting. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study illustrates the complex relationship between cognitive flexibility, job crafting, and LAS as the antecedents of calling by drawing on career construction theory (CCT), while simultaneously emphasising the importance of situational factors (i.e., LAS) in finding a calling, especially for employees. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: Companies are expected to put more effort into understanding the role of individual and situational factors in their employees' journey toward finding a calling. Specifically, leaders' support for employees' job crafting should be strengthened to facilitate employees in discerning their work as a calling. Research limitations & implications: This study has limitations regarding the data collection, as it only uses a cross-sectional design. Additionally, this study only examines the antecedents of calling through employees' perception."

Developing Innovation Ecosystem between Cross-Sector Industry Players through Human Resource Quality Improvement

"Research Aims: This study aimed to analyze the effect of workforce agility on innovative behavior, the effect of digital literacy and psychological conditions on workforce agility, and the role of digital literacy and psychological conditions as moderator variabels on the relationship between workforce agility and innovative behavior. Design/methodology/approach: The type of data collected was primary data using an online questionnaire. The sampling method was purposive sampling technique. The collected data were then processed and analyzed using SEM-PLS. Research Findings: The results of this study indicated that workforce agility had a positive effect on innovative behavior. Digital literacy and psychological conditions also had positive effect on workforce agility. However, only psychological conditions had a moderating effect on the relationship between workforce agility and innovative behavior. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The results of this study illustrates how workforce agility affects innovative behavior. The use of digital technology through good digital literacy will further encourage the creation of industrial innovations. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: Organisations should build massive collaboration among various industry players in all sectors, by encouraging workforce agility in order to create industrial innovations. Research limitation & implications: This study has uneven number of samples in each industry. Future studies can consider sampling where each industrial sector can have sufficient sample similarity so comparisons can be made."

Visual Packaging and Perceived Emotional Value: A Study on Islamic Branded Cosmetics

"Research Aims: This study aims to examine the effect of visual packaging and perceived emotional value on purchase intention of Islamic-branded cosmetics. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data were collected from an online survey of selected respondents. By using the purposive sampling technique, the respondents were limited to those who knew of or have used Islamic-branded cosmetics. The data were analysed using the PLS-SEM method. Research Findings: Altogether, this study's sample comprised 257 respondents and found that visual packaging of Islamic-branded cosmetics positively affects perceived emotional value and attitude. However, the results also indicate that visual packaging exerts no significant effect on purchase intention. Moreover, this study also found that perceived emotional value and attitude strongly affected consumers' purchase intention with Islamic-branded cosmetics. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Most studies on halal or Islamic-branded cosmetics have focussed on religiosity, ingredients and safety, but little attention has been paid to packaging. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by examining visual packaging's effect on perceived emotional value, attitudes and purchase intention. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian Context: Managers of Islamic-branded cosmetics in Indonesia should consider developing strategies to make their packaging visually attractive. The managers also are encouraged to focus on creating emotional value in Islamic-branded cosmetics packaging. Research Limitations and Implications: This study has a limitation in terms of questionnaire distribution. Most of the respondents in this study are students under 20 years old, and most are from Java island."

Export Performance of SMEs in Emerging Markets: The Role of Market Orientation, Learning and Trust

"Research Aims: This study investigates the mediating role of trust in explaining the effect of learning orientation and market orientation on the export performance of small and medium enterprise (SME) exporters in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Survey data from 193 Malaysian SME exporters were used to test a series of hypothesised relationships. The sample was derived from the directory of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, which consists of Malaysian wholly owned cross-industry manufacturing SMEs with 10-200 full-time employees. The instrument was developed using existing scales, and the research model was estimated using partial least square structural equation modelling. Research Findings: The findings reveal that trust is directly related to export performance. Learning creates dynamism in firms' processes and enables the utilisation of information in a way that allows firms to respond to the variability of customers' needs. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to theoretical development by highlighting the role of learning in the relationship between market orientation and trust between SME exporters and foreign importers. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian Context: Managers of small businesses in Southeast Asia should not be disconcerted by the smallness and limited resources of their firms. In an environment characterised by rapid market changes, SMEs must rely on dynamic capabilities to develop their competencies and leverage foreign partner resources. Research Limitations & Implications: First, the responses were mainly obtained from exporters. This is in contrast to a dyadic relationship, which concerns interactions between partners: exporters and importers. Second, this study is limited by its context, which is the manufacturing sector."

Entering the Global Market: The Role of Work Autonomy and Individual Global Mindset as Antecedents of Innovative Work Behavior in Defining Employee Task Performance

"Research Aims: This study aims to highlights the role of innovative work behavior (IWB) in determining task performance. The main antecedents of IWB, namely work autonomy and individual global mindset, are discussed, as well as how these two key factors will detemine the degree of individual innovative behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling methods to collect primary data and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the hypothetical model and analyse the data. Research Findings: As many as 309 points of data were received; following screening and selection protocols, the final dataset consisted of 284 responses from employees in innovation center units of a leading ICT company in Indonesia. Findings of this study indicate a positive effect of work autonomy, individual global mindset, and task performance with regard to the mediating effect of IWB. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes in defining the positive effects of work autonomy and individual global mindset on IWB and closing the gap regarding the role of IWB in mediating the effect of work autonomy and individual global mindset upon task performance. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian Context: As the local market is no longer sufficient to achieve further growth, competing firms need to enter the international or global market; this can be achieved through improved performance resulting from highly innovative behavior. Research Limitations & Implications: Limitations include the limited response rate due to the work-from-home policy during the pandemic, as well as generalizability issues. The current study invite further exploration in terms of the possibilities to elaborate more antecedents for innovative work behavior."

Efficiency Measurement on the Effectiveness of Train and Wagon Maintenance: A Data Envelopment Analysis Perspective

"Research Aims: This research aimed to analyse the efficiency measurement on the effectiveness of train and wagon maintenance in three Decision Making Units (DMU) of Balai Yasa of Indonesian Railways Company (KAI). It focused on both output and input orientations and the effectiveness of production. Design: The research methodology was descriptive and quantitative, employing data envelopment analysis (DEA) and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The input variables were maintenance costs, spare parts inventory and people operating hours, while the output variable was OEE. A stepwise approach with backward method steps was used to examine the relationship between effectiveness and efficiency. Findings: The results showed that DMU 2 was efficient, while DMUs 1 and 3 were not yet efficient. This indicated that the more effective an organisation is, the more efficient it is. DMU 2 has the highest effectiveness value at 86.19%, while DMUs 1 and 3 had values of less than 85%, indicating the need for improvement in their production departments. Theoretical Contribution: A stepwise approach uses a forward method, adding revenue variables that have not been implemented in previous studies. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian Context: Efficacy and revenue have a significant impact on organisational efficiency, which means that if the revenue is high and the organisation is effective, organisational efficiency will be high. Research Limitation and Implications: This research is limited to DMUs, and its focus is on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the train and wagon maintenance program in Java. The scope can be expanded to Sumatra and/or a comparison with other Southeast Asian countries by considering the characteristic differences of their operations and economies."

Urban megaprojects and water justice in Southeast Asia: Between global economies and community transitions

Within the Southeast Asian context, urban megaprojects are often delivered in aquatic or semi-aquatic contexts, transforming local hydrological systems used for sanitation, agriculture, sustenance, resource use and cultural purposes by the local populations. This paper addresses a key knowledge gap on the impacts of urban megaprojects on water security and water-related human rights in Southeast Asia through a literature review, field observations and digital earth observation. Three case studies in Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar were used to develop a picture of urban megaproject impacts on urban water landscapes and the human rights of local communities. The paper adapts recent human rights frameworks developed specifically for megaproject life cycles and applies them to the selected urban megaproject case studies. The seven stages in the megaproject life cycle are linked with specific accountability measures for duty bearers. Current challenges and opportunities for the global urban development community are developed in relation to water justice and megaprojects. Further the question of a just urban transition is developed to mediate between megaproject proponents and local communities in the Global South.

A life cycle analysis techno-economic assessment framework for evaluating future technology pathways – The residential air-conditioning example

Clarity on cost and environmental benefits of individual technologies evaluated in a systemic and systematic manner is necessary in communicating the results at the policy level so as to enable effective decisions. Yet, the highly complex nature of many energy modelling tools makes it difficult for non-specialists to interpret and make sense of their results. An integrated life cycle analysis and techno-economic assessment framework is proposed in this study, as a first step towards developing an alternative and potentially more intuitive energy systems modelling tool. The residential air-conditioning sector in the Southeast Asian context is used as an example to demonstrate the advantages of the modelling methodology in profiling future technology pathways. The use of best available R32 technology can lead to cumulative savings of 2195 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in the region by 2050; while the best available R407C technology has an average cost of $40.85 per tonne of greenhouse gas abatement. In addition, our modelling tool is capable of profiling energy outlooks for emerging economies and will be further integrated with hourly energy analysis frameworks in the next steps of development.

The Charmed Circle: Mobility, Identity and Memory around Mount Mayon (Philippines) and Gunung Awu (Indonesia) Volcanoes

Volcanoes are surrounded by villages, towns, and polities that are constantly shifting location to benefit from the rich soils generated in the aftermath of eruptions, while, at the same time, avoiding the worst of their destructive potential. We explore the attraction of volcanoes in a Southeast Asian context through a comparative examination of the communities surrounding Mount Mayon in the Bicol peninsula of the Philippines and Gunung Awu on the island of Sangihe Besar in Indonesia. These volcanoes influence the location of settlements, forms of community identity, and the expression of cultural memories. We argue that risk awareness programmes that disregard the extent to which a volcano is embedded within the physical and mental fabric of a society and fail to connect to local historical cultural memory are likely to have little lasting effect on reducing people’s vulnerability.