Regional Outlook was first launched in 1992. Designed for the busy executive, professional, diplomat, journalist, and interested observer under severe time constraint, this annual offers a succinct analysis of economic and political trends in the countries of Southeast Asia and the outlook for the prospective two years.

In this endeavour, it is impossible not to be overtaken by events. An analysis such as this serves best when it indicates patterns of development, offers some insight into the unfolding complex dynamics and puts its finger on emerging issues and areas of change. This should provide the necessary background for the reader to interpret new information and data. In 1995 political and security concerns over Korea, Taiwan, and the South China Sea territorial disputes as well as the direction of U.S.-China relations cast some shadow on the economic dynamism of the region.

This year's Regional Outlook has been written by a team from within the Institute and without. We thank Daljit Singh, Liak Teng Kiat, Nick Freeman, Asad Latif, Linda Y.C. Lim, Mya Than, Sorpong Peou, Leonard Sebastian, Naimah Talib, and Tin Maung Maung Than for their contributions.