The Philippines and its partners within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are working to strengthen regional trade agreements and energy security frameworks. This move comes as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt global supply chains. Coordinated Response to Global Instability Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced that the economic ministers of … Read more
The Energy Pivot: How Southeast Asia is Navigating the Hormuz Crisis For decades, the energy security of Southeast Asia has relied on a precarious lifeline: the Strait of Hormuz. Though, a continuing chokehold on this critical maritime corridor has forced a dramatic rethink of regional procurement strategies. View this post on Instagram about Strait of … Read more
The Push for Maritime Stability in the South China Sea The quest for a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea has become a cornerstone of regional diplomacy. For decades, ASEAN and China have negotiated a framework to reduce tensions and establish clear rules for maritime behavior. The goal is to … Read more
India Deepens Cultural and Diplomatic Ties in Southeast Asia & Beyond Recent diplomatic engagements led by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, signal a continued focus on strengthening India’s relationships with key partners in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. These efforts span cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and strategic dialogue. Showcasing … Read more
ASEAN at a Crossroads: Myanmar’s Crisis Demands a Reckoning The escalating violence in Myanmar, marked by deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools, is forcing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to confront a fundamental question: can its long-held principles of consensus and non-interference adapt to a crisis demanding decisive action? Recent … Read more
The Philippines is taking steps to better connect education with employment opportunities, highlighted by its participation in the 16th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee (AQRFC) Meeting on February 20. The Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized the need for stronger alignment between basic education, vocational training and higher education to prepare Filipino students for the modern … Read more
Thailand Leads Southeast Asia in AI Adoption, But Concerns Rise Thailand is currently at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption within the ASEAN region, particularly among its youth. However, this rapid integration isn’t without its challenges. A recent report highlights growing concerns regarding responsible AI use, the potential for misuse, and the need for … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted rapidly across Southeast Asia, but fresh research indicates that institutions and governments are struggling to keep pace with its growth. Two regional studies released this week by the ASEAN Foundation highlight a widening gap between AI implementation and the readiness to manage its use. Growing Disparity in AI Readiness … Read more
China’s Expanding Reach: Executions Signal Recent Era of Cross-Border Law Enforcement Beijing is sending a stark message to transnational crime syndicates and the nations that harbor them: harming Chinese citizens will have severe consequences. The recent wave of executions targeting leaders of Myanmar-based scam operations – 16 core members of four criminal groups put to … Read more
Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park, has been recognized among the top tourism companies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region in 2026. Filipino Companies Honored for Tourism Excellence Now in its 30th year of operation, EK received the Best Asean New Tourism Attraction award for its flying … Read more