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
ASEAN at a Crossroads: Navigating Great Power Competition and Internal Fractures Southeast Asia is bracing for a complex year as the Philippines takes the helm of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Stepping into a role originally slated for Myanmar – a nation currently sidelined due to its internal political crisis – the Philippines … Read more
Philippines Takes the Helm: Can ASEAN’s Myanmar Peace Plan Be Revived? The recent “stakeholders’ meeting” hosted by the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, signals a renewed push to address the escalating crisis in Myanmar. While details remain scarce, the initiative – led by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro – highlights the growing frustration with … Read more
The Collectibles Boom: Beyond Toys and Into Investment The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, alongside its companion events, isn’t just a showcase of playthings anymore. It’s a barometer of a rapidly evolving collectibles market, fueled by nostalgia, limited editions, and increasingly, the potential for financial return. This year’s focus on items like signed Cristiano … Read more
Ringgit’s Recent Dip: A Harbinger of Currency Trends in a Turbulent World? The ringgit’s recent decline against the US dollar, triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions following the US action concerning Venezuela, isn’t an isolated event. It’s a symptom of a broader trend: a flight to safety in times of global uncertainty. This dynamic is reshaping … Read more