David Hutt,

David Hutt is a journalist, researcher and analyst specialising in Southeast Asia and Europe–Southeast Asia relations. For more than a decade, he has reported from and analysed political, economic and geopolitical developments across Southeast asia, building a reputation for clear, independent analysis that connects regional events to the strategic interests of European governments, businesses and institutions.

He has written extensively on regional security, trade, foreign investment, industrial policy, democratic governance, sustainability and the growing competition between major powers in Southeast Asia. Increasingly, his work has focused on how these developments affect European organisations seeking to engage with one of the world's fastest-growing and most strategically important regions.

David has contributed to leading international publications. He is a Research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), an independent think tank. He was the Southeast Asian Columnist at the Diplomat for more than a decade, and covers Europe-Southeast Asia relations for DW, a Germany-based newspaper. He has published articles or op-eds in Radio Free Asia, Nikkei Asia, South China Morning Post. He served as president of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia between 2018 and 2019.

Alongside his journalism, he has produced research and strategic analysis for think tanks, businesses and public institutions, translating complex regional developments into practical intelligence for decision-makers.

Based in Europe while maintaining a strong regional focus, David occupies a unique position between two worlds. He understands the priorities, expectations and policy environment of European organisations while bringing deep knowledge of Southeast Asia's political systems, business environments and regional dynamics. This perspective enables him to explain not only what is happening in Southeast Asia, but why it matters specifically for European stakeholders.

His research places particular emphasis on helping organisations navigate uncertainty. His work combines political analysis with market intelligence, influence mapping and original research to support better strategic decisions.

David's expertise spans all ten ASEAN member states, with particular experience covering Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Myanmar. His analysis regularly examines the evolution of Europe–ASEAN relations, trade policy, investment trends, sustainability regulation, geopolitical competition and the changing balance of influence between Europe, China, the United States and other regional actors.