Vietnam’s tourism industry continues its remarkable resurgence, welcoming over 9.2 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025—an impressive 21.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Surging Visitor Numbers & Record-Breaking Arrivals May alone saw a record-breaking 1.53 million foreign arrivals, marking the highest May figure Read more…
In a landmark move to strengthen economic ties and facilitate seamless travel, China has officially launched the ASEAN Visa, a multiple-entry business visa designed for nationals of the 10 ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to fostering deeper regional cooperation and enhancing cross-border mobility. Key Features of Read more…
Malaysia has officially overtaken Thailand as Southeast Asia’s most-visited country in the first quarter of 2025, welcoming over 10.1 million foreign tourists. This milestone solidifies Malaysia’s position as a premier travel destination, driven by progressive visa policies, cultural richness, and diverse attractions. Malaysia’s tourism surge is largely attributed to visa-free Read more…
In a landmark initiative to strengthen human capital across Southeast Asia, Malaysia has announced the launch of 65,000 free skills development courses, benefiting an estimated five million ASEAN citizens. This effort, valued at nearly RM2.5 billion, aligns with the 2025 ASEAN Year of Skills, reinforcing the region’s commitment to workforce Read more…
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to assisting Myanmar in achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to its ongoing crisis. In a joint statement, ASEAN leaders emphasized that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) remains the primary framework for addressing Myanmar’s political turmoil and must be Read more…
The 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, held from May 22 to May 27 in Kuala Lumpur, concluded successfully without any security incidents, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring a safe and well-coordinated international event. Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry and other Read more…
In a significant step towards regional energy cooperation, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam have signed a Joint Development Agreement to explore the export of renewable electricity from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore. The agreement, witnessed by the leaders of all three nations on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, underscores ASEAN’s Read more…
The ASEAN-GCC and ASEAN-GCC-China Summits in Kuala Lumpur mark a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the importance of high-level participation, particularly with Kuwait’s Crown Prince leading the GCC delegation. Discussions focus on advancing economic collaboration and exploring a potential ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), following a completed pre-feasibility study. These summits serve as strategic platforms for fostering diplomatic ties and expanding regional engagement under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’
ASEAN has successfully concluded negotiations to upgrade two key trade agreements—the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)—which are set to be signed at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. Malaysia’s Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, emphasized that these agreements will enhance regional trade, supply chain resilience, and economic integration, reinforcing ASEAN’s competitiveness in an evolving global landscape.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – May 16, 2025 Malaysia is set to capitalize on its ASEAN Chairmanship to enhance its position as a regional hub for halal industries. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the importance of utilizing the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to expand Read more…
