ASEAN’s decision to elevate Türkiye to Dialogue Partner status marks a significant milestone in the bloc’s external relations, opening the door to deeper cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, defence, technology and people-to-people exchanges. The upgraded partnership reflects ASEAN’s growing role as a global diplomatic and economic hub while creating new Read more…
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has officially entered the Indonesian market, marking a significant milestone in its Southeast Asian expansion strategy with the establishment of a dual production base in Malaysia and Indonesia. The move strengthens the company’s regional manufacturing footprint while reinforcing ASEAN’s growing role as a strategic hub Read more…
Bursa Malaysia has reinforced its position as ASEAN’s leading capital market after recording 36 initial public offerings (IPOs) that collectively raised RM5.4 billion during the first half of 2026. The strong performance placed Bursa Malaysia at the top among ASEAN exchanges in both the number of IPOs and total funds Read more…
ASEAN member states and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable urban development, quality housing and inclusive communities through the ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2026. The three-day meeting, hosted by Malaysia in Ipoh, brings together ministers, senior government officials and policymakers to Read more…
Malaysia’s economy is expected to achieve growth at the upper end of its official 4%–5% forecast for 2026, reflecting resilient domestic demand, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and the positive impact of ongoing economic reforms despite continued global uncertainties. According to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the country’s stable financial system, prudent policies Read more…
The confirmed death of popular Thai travel YouTuber Hlun Solo while filming content alone in Georgia has sent shockwaves across Southeast Asia’s creator community, highlighting the often-overlooked risks faced by millions of independent digital creators working without formal organisational support. Beyond the profound personal loss, the tragedy has prompted renewed Read more…
Japan is entering a new chapter in its economic history, shifting away from decades of fiscal restraint and deflation-focused policymaking toward a growth-oriented strategy centred on strategic investment, productivity and long-term competitiveness. While the policy shift is primarily designed to revitalise Japan’s domestic economy, its implications extend far beyond its Read more…
Japan and ASEAN should deepen their strategic partnership in frontier technologies, energy security and sustainable economic development to strengthen the region’s resilience against growing geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties. As global competition intensifies and emerging technologies reshape industries, closer collaboration between Japan and ASEAN is increasingly viewed as essential to securing Read more…
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) has upgraded its economic growth forecast for the ASEAN+3 region, citing robust global demand for semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI)-related technologies, resilient domestic consumption and continued investment across the region. The revised outlook underscores ASEAN+3’s growing role as a critical hub in the global Read more…
Malaysia is reaffirming its commitment to advancing integrity, transparency and good governance across Southeast Asia as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) prepares to host the 22nd ASEAN Parties Against Corruption (ASEAN-PAC) Secretariat Meeting in Melaka from 28 to 30 July 2026. The regional gathering will bring together anti-corruption agencies, international Read more…
