Vol. 2 No. 2 (2021): (October 2021)

This issue has been available online since 31st October 2021 as part of the regular October 2021 edition. It features five articles authored by eight scholars from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia—offering critical reflections on governance, public service, and institutional transformation in the context of the Global South.

The issue explores strategies undertaken by the Indonesian government in the aviation sector following the COVID-19 pandemic (SDG 9, Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure; SDG 8, Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products), highlighting efforts to restore connectivity and resilience in the transport industry. Another contribution examines women’s representation in urban local government in Bangladesh, focusing on Narayanganj City Corporation (SDG 5, Target 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership; SDG 11, Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation).

A study from Cambodia evaluates the quality of public service delivery through online vehicle registration systems (SDG 16, Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions; SDG 9, Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology). A comparative analysis also addresses the policy landscape surrounding non-government-based cryptocurrencies in Thailand and Argentina (SDG 8, Target 8.10: Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions; SDG 17, Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on access to science, technology and innovation).

The issue concludes with an assessment of regional government policy transformation in Indonesia during the post-pandemic “new normal” period (SDG 3, Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks; SDG 8, Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances), reflecting on the dual imperative of economic recovery and public health governance.

By addressing key dimensions of institutional adaptation, gender inclusion, digital service delivery, and regulatory innovation, this issue offers valuable insights for scholars and policymakers navigating governance challenges in the aftermath of global disruption.