Lauren Mai

Program Manager and Research Associate, Southeast Asia Program
Lauren Mai

Lauren Mai is a program manager and research associate for the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. She holds a BA in international relations (specializing in foreign policy and the Asia Pacific) and a BA in political science from Boston University. Prior to joining CSIS in 2023, Lauren spent two years at the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, specializing in private-public sector engagement. Her research interests and expertise include U.S.-ASEAN relations, Vietnam, renewable energy, and climate policy.

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Southeast Asia Radio

Domestic Politics Updates in Malaysia with Asrul Sani

This week, Greg is joined by Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani to discuss the latest updates from Malaysian domestic politics in the aftermath of a “corporate mafia” political scandal. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest, from Myanmar’s leadership changes to tech investments in Thailand.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, Lauren Mai, and Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani — April 9, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Border War, Scam Centers, and Cambodian Politics

This week, Greg is joined by Sophal Ear to discuss Cambodian domestic politics and the Hun Manet government’s push against scam centers. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest in the region, from government turmoil in Malaysia to airstrikes in Myanmar. 

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, Lauren Mai, and Japhet Quitzon — March 13, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia Reacts to the Iran War

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a joint statement on March 4 calling for an immediate ceasefire following the U.S.-Israeli surprise strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Blog Post by Lauren Mai and Gregory B. Poling — March 5, 2026

The Latest on Southeast Asia: Myanmar Election Aftermath

Myanmar state media on January 30 reported that, as expected, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) ran away with the regime’s carefully choreographed elections.

Blog Post by Gregory B. Poling and Lauren Mai — February 5, 2026

Chinese Energy Investments in Southeast Asia

With the Trump administration revoking Biden-era programs to support energy transitions in Southeast Asia, there is a widening funding gap that China is poised to fill.

Report by Lauren Mai and Andreyka Natalegawa — December 17, 2025

Southeast Asia Radio

Energy Transitions and Climate Developments in Southeast Asia with Jenny Schuch-Page

Greg and Elina are joined by Jenny Schuch-Page to discuss regional energy transitions and climate developments after COP 30. Japhet and Lauren cover the latest from the region, from SCS naval drills to multifaceted cooperation from unlikely partners.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Lauren Mai, and Japhet Quitzon — December 4, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Southeast Asia Radio

Trump at ASEAN with Brian Eyler and Prashanth Parameswaran

Greg and Elina are joined by Prashanth Parameswaran and Brian Eyler to discuss recent summits across the Indo-Pacific, including the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

Podcast Episode by Gregory B. Poling, Japhet Quitzon, and Lauren Mai — October 30, 2025

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio