About | Derwin Pereira Musings

Derwin Pereira

17 posts

If journalism is the first draft of history, it was a desire to write the second draft that brought Derwin Pereira from journalism to political consultancy, which probes trends, events and personalities more deeply that journalism could allow. An award-winning journalist at The Straits Times, Derwin rose to the position of Bureau Chief in Indonesia and then the United States. Some of the key personalities he has interviewed include all Indonesian presidents since the fall of Suharto, former US President George W Bush and former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

While building intimate contacts in the antechambers of Indonesia’s political and corporate corridors of power, Derwin realised that he could do so much more than write for a general audience. He could instead advise clients on how to benefit from the drivers of change in Southeast Asia and Indonesia. This led to the genesis of Pereira International in 2010.

Derwin’s insights on regional affairs have since been sought after by many Asian leaders. He maintains those relationships to this day, allowing him to stay up to date on policy matters and giving him exclusive access to vital information.

Derwin, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, specialises in strategic communications and business consultancy in Asia providing clients with expert advice and consultancy.

Apart from leading a team that produces research papers on market trends and political developments, Derwin is at the forefront of Asia-related programmes such as the CSIS-Derwin Pereira Southeast Asia Dialogue at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS and is a member of the Advisory Board for Southeast Asia Studies at CSIS. He has also established a Derwin Pereira scholarship programme at the business school of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

Combining academic knowledge, journalistic practice and a consultant’s keen eye for the elusive political or economic detail, Derwin continues to work on the second draft of history.

LLife

4 minute read

My parents, your parents, our parents

byDerwin Pereira
May 24, 2023

My parents will be celebrating 63 years of marriage next month. That coming milestone made me think. What…

PPolitical

6 minute read

Cambodia’s new world

byDerwin Pereira
May 15, 2023

The ongoing political transition in Cam- bodia has implications for the strate- gic future of a small state…

PPolitical

6 minute read

The Thailand behind the latest news

byDerwin Pereira
April 10, 2023

Thailand’s general election in May draws political attention to its record as a Southeast Asian success story. It…

LLife

2 minute read

Aunt Celine, Forever

byDerwin Pereira
March 27, 2023

Aunt Celine, from my father’s side of the family, passed away on Saturday (Mar 25). She was 92…

TTravel

A still image from an SIA branding campaign marking the resumption of travel - Photo SIA

7 minute read

Singapore icon of the changing skies

byDerwin Pereira
March 13, 2023

If Singapore Airlines (SIA) is synonymous with Singapore, there is a good reason: Each reflects the other perfectly…

PPolitical

2 minute read

Lawlessness in uniform

byDerwin Pereira
February 5, 2023

The egregious killing of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old black man, after a traffic stop in Memphis led to…

PPolitical

4 minute read

A turning point for Malaysia

byDerwin Pereira
November 28, 2022

FINALLY, after a 24-year wait, Anwar Ibrahim has ascended to the premiership of Malaysia. His victory represents a…

TTravel

3 minute read

A Horror Story

byDerwin Pereira
October 11, 2022

Airport lounges are my fourth home after my residential apartment, Business Class aircraft cabins and five-star hotels given…

LLife

3 minute read

Returning to Australia, remade

byDerwin Pereira
September 17, 2022

Returning to Australia a few years after my last visit, I am amazed at the speed with which…

TTravel

2 minute read

You can Check Out, But Never Leave: The Four Seasons, the best hotel in Jakarta

byDerwin Pereira
August 15, 2022
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I have three loves in my working life. One, obviously, is work itself. The other is flying, which…