Southeast Asian countries are trying to improve migrant management, mitigate abuse, and redress forced labour in supply chains. In this photo, Thai and migrant workers attend a rally marking International Labor Day 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, on 1 May 2025 | Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto/NurPhoto via AFP.
In this paper published by NYSEAN Partner ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Lee Hwok Aun asserts that the economic landscape of Southeast Asia—with higher-income labor-receiving countries alongside lower-income labor-sending neighbors—is conducive to mutually beneficial labor migration.
Lee Hwok Aun is Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
