Singapore has pledged to strengthen ASEAN centrality and unity, deepen regional economic integration and help transform Southeast Asia into a more effective single market as the republic prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. Speaking during Singapore’s National Day Rally 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the country would Read more…
Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation, international law and peaceful diplomacy in maintaining stability in the South China Sea amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. The commitment was made during the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysian Read more…
Worsening transboundary haze has forced the temporary closure of 591 schools across 10 districts in Sarawak, affecting nearly 200,000 students, as air pollution in parts of the state reached “very unhealthy” levels and renewed concerns over Southeast Asia’s recurring haze challenge. The closures involved 509 primary schools and 82 secondary Read more…
The disruption of global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz has renewed calls for ASEAN to establish a practical and enforceable regional petroleum reserve, as Southeast Asia confronts the risks of relying heavily on external energy supplies during periods of geopolitical instability. In an analysis by energy specialist Jamil Read more…
ASEAN must move beyond discussions on battery technology and accelerate manufacturing, commercialisation, investment and regional standards if Southeast Asia is to establish itself as a competitive force in the rapidly expanding global battery industry. Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang made the call at the Read more…
Thailand is positioning deeper cooperation between ASEAN and BRICS as an important opportunity to strengthen the voice of emerging and developing economies, expand practical economic partnerships and reinforce a more inclusive multilateral system. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow has emphasised the potential for BRICS Read more…
Malaysia and the Philippines are strengthening bilateral security cooperation, with greater emphasis on intelligence sharing, maritime security and combating transnational crime, as both countries seek to reinforce peace and stability across their shared maritime region and the wider ASEAN community. The commitments were discussed during the 9th Malaysia–Philippines Joint Commission Read more…
Hong Kong companies specialising in infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly looking to Malaysia for expansion opportunities, as the country accelerates its transition towards higher-value, sustainable and innovation-driven economic growth. Industry executives say Malaysia’s infrastructure development, expanding technology ecosystem and strategic position between major Southeast Asian markets make it Read more…
ASEAN’s emerging Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is creating a significant opportunity to deepen digital economic cooperation with India, potentially connecting two of Asia’s most dynamic markets through interoperable payments, digital identity, trusted data flows, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. ASEAN substantially concluded negotiations on DEFA in May 2026, establishing the Read more…
The accelerating development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is opening new opportunities for businesses and investors from Malaysia and across ASEAN, as the Chinese island strengthens its position as a strategic gateway connecting China with regional and global markets. With expanding international shipping connections, preferential tax policies and Read more…
