About Lensa Siswa
Lensa Siswa is a biweekly opinion series by AMEU’s US research department, featuring well-researched analyses on key topics such as Malaysian-US relations, public policy, and international political economics. Each piece is carefully crafted through a structured process of topic selection, research, drafting, and editorial review to ensure insightful and relevant commentary. By addressing pressing issues and emerging trends, Lensa Siswa aims to spark meaningful discussions that bridge perspectives between Malaysia, the US, and the global landscape.
Our Objectives:
- Foster Informed Discussion – Provide a platform for well-reasoned analyses on policy debates and global conversations, encouraging thoughtful engagement among students, academics, and professionals.
- Develop Analytical & Writing Skills – Equip members with the ability to research, critique, and articulate complex topics effectively while drawing from data, historical contexts, and comparative perspectives, fostering a well-rounded approach to contemporary issues.
- Bridge Malaysia & the US – Provide nuanced perspectives on Malaysian and US policies, trends, and challenges, reinforcing cross-border understanding and dialogue.
Steering the Tide: Malaysia’s Strategic Dance with a Potential
Author: Alif Marson (AMEU)
Published: September 2024
Kamala Harris is leading in the polls for the U.S. presidency, and Malaysia’s delicate dance on the global stage hangs in the balance. And with that shift comes both anticipation and anxiety. For Malaysia, a nation delicately balancing its economic and strategic partnerships with both China and the U.S., this potential change in leadership is no mere political sideshow.
It is a turning point that could shape the trajectory of our nation’s foreign policy, economy, and security. Harris brings with her a vision of progressive trade and social inclusion that, while aspirational, comes with expectations that could shake the core of how Malaysia navigates its place in the world. Suddenly, our neutral stance is under the microscope, and every decision has more weight.
Click here to view the paper!
Author: Alif Marson (AMEU)
Published: October 2024
A post set off a firestorm on Malaysia’s corner of X (formerly known as Twitter), branding KL a “soulless city”. The controversy sparked when Irish and German travel TikTokers expressed their disappointment with the city, describing it as “more American than Malaysian”. Their reason? The presence of global chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s, which they claimed overshadowed the city’s local culture.
Click here to view the paper!
‘They/Them’ Breaks Grammar—And That’s Exactly the Point
Co-authors: Aizat Hazlee (AMEU Writer), Alif Masron, Henry Tan, Elena (AMEU Editors)
Published: October 2024
English has experienced significant changes throughout history. The archaic pronouns “thou” and “thee” were substituted with the inclusive “you.” Although simple, that change was a conscious attempt to simplify communication and consider the evolving social
of the time. An increasingly difficult linguistic problem is the rise in the use of singular gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them.”
Click here to view the paper!