Malaysia has been ranked second in ASEAN in the GSMA Digital Nations Index 2026, behind Singapore, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital economies as governments across the region accelerate investment in connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital services. The ranking was announced during the closing Read more…
Indonesia has reopened all airports that were temporarily closed due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, restoring air connectivity after a major eruption disrupted thousands of flights and affected more than 340,000 travellers across western Indonesia. According to The Business Times, volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau spread across Jakarta Read more…
Senior officials from across ASEAN convened in Manila on 9 September 2026 to advance preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, while reviewing key issues surrounding ASEAN Community-building and the region’s expanding external relations. The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) brought together ASEAN SOM Leaders or their representatives, Read more…
Thai authorities have arrested 12 South Korean nationals and one Chinese national accused of operating a sophisticated scam call centre from a luxury residence in Samut Prakan province, south of Bangkok, highlighting the increasingly mobile and transnational nature of Southeast Asia’s cybercrime networks. The suspects allegedly entered Thailand from a Read more…
Widespread flooding across the Philippines is adding another layer of pressure to an economy already facing slower growth, weakened infrastructure spending and investor concerns linked to a major public-works corruption scandal. According to The Business Times, recent storms and severe flooding have affected approximately 9.4 million Filipinos, including communities across Read more…
Malaysia Women Chef Association (Persatuan Chef Wanita Malaysia) has been officially recognised by ASEAN Records for bringing together 121 women culinary practitioners to create a 640.87-metre Pulut Semangat heritage trail in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day celebrations. The association achieved the official record title: First and Longest Pulut Semangat Heritage Read more…
HONOR has been officially recognised by ASEAN Records for a landmark achievement in humanoid robotics after its self-developed HONOR Robotics D1 completed a 10-kilometre public road run before taking part in Malaysia’s National Day Parade the following day. The company achieved the official record title: First Humanoid Robot to Complete Read more…
Worsening transboundary haze in Malaysia has renewed debate over whether countries affected by smoke from overseas forest and peatland fires could pursue legal remedies under international law, while also highlighting the limitations of litigation in addressing one of Southeast Asia’s most persistent environmental challenges. A recent letter published by the Read more…
ASEAN is strengthening its position as a compelling destination for businesses seeking long-term growth, resilient supply chains and access to expanding consumer markets, even as tariffs, trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions make global investment decisions increasingly complex. Speaking at the US-ASEAN Strategic Business Forum on September 4, Singapore’s Minister for Read more…
The Philippines is calling for greater harmonisation of halal certification standards across ASEAN, a move that could reduce trade barriers, strengthen consumer confidence and help Southeast Asian businesses gain wider access to rapidly expanding halal markets in the Middle East and beyond. The initiative comes during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Read more…
