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…
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…
The Philippines is fully prepared to host the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu from May 6 to 8, 2026, marking a significant moment for regional cooperation as ASEAN leaders convene to address key priorities shaping the bloc’s future. The summit will gather heads of state and senior Read more…
Chinese food and beverage (F&B) brands are rapidly expanding across Southeast Asia, fueled by a strong commitment to localisation strategies that adapt products to local cultures, tastes, and price sensitivities. With Southeast Asia’s food market continuing to grow faster than more mature economies, the region has become a critical frontier Read more…
At the heart of MyFintech Week 2025, industry titans and trailblazing startups unveiled transformative models for scaling financial services across Southeast Asia’s diverse and complex landscape. Leaders from CIMB Bank, Ant International, Visa Inc., and Nexea Ventures joined forces to spotlight three distinct strategies that are reshaping regional growth and Read more…
In a landmark celebration of Southeast Asian heritage and diplomacy, six ASEAN member states have come together to host Morocco’s first-ever ASEAN Bazaar and Cultural Festival, marking a vibrant new chapter in regional cultural exchange. Held from August 9 to 11 at the Royal Thai Embassy in Rabat, the festival Read more…
Malaysia is set to host the 58th ASEAN Day celebration today at the Cyber Event Hall in Cyberjaya, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s journey toward inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Themed “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” the event aligns with Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship and underscores Read more…
In a pivotal move that could reshape Southeast Asia’s trade landscape, most ASEAN member states have successfully negotiated softer reciprocal tariffs with the United States, offering a crucial buffer against looming economic headwinds as new rates take effect on August 7. Following months of intense negotiations and strategic concessions in Read more…
The Philippines has solidified its position as a regional leader in trade modernization, ranking second in Southeast Asia in the 2025 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. With a score of 91.4%, the country has surpassed the 90% implementation threshold for the first time since the Read more…
In a bold move to combat rising HIV treatment costs and declining international funding, Malaysia has taken the lead in rallying ASEAN member states toward a unified strategy for affordable and equitable access to life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, speaking at the ASEAN Regional Read more…
