Philippines looks to Singapore to advance ASEAN digital economy pact
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expects Singapore to take the lead in implementing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) when it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
Malaysia backs Egypt’s bid to boost cooperation with ASEAN
Malaysia also looked forward to Egypt's support for ASEAN in exploring cooperation with the African Union (AU), as the regional grouping continued to expand its relations with other regions to strengthen resilience.
India, ASEAN step up talks to upgrade trade in goods agreement
India and ASEAN signed AITIGA in 2009 to promote trade liberalisation and expand economic ties. However, changes in trade patterns, supply chains and the global economic environment have created a need to update the agreement to reflect current conditions.
ASEAN Bazaar 2026 highlights cultural diversity in New Delhi
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said the bazaar introduced ASEAN countries’ cultures and cuisine to Indian and international visitors, noting that culture and food form an effective way to bring people closer together.
Vietnam calls for stronger dialogue on disarmament, non-proliferation, global arms control
Vietnam stressed the need for international cooperation in controlling small arms and light weapons, tackling the aftermath of landmines and explosive remnants of war, advancing multilateral dialogue on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and governance of emerging technologies, and keeping outer space for peaceful use.
ASEAN Community Vision 2045: From regional commitments to development opportunities for localities
Making effective use of ASEAN cooperation agenda and mechanisms would provide practical support for national, sectoral and local development plans. The growth of each locality and firm also sets the stage for Vietnam to joining and contributing more to ASEAN.
Indonesia seeks US technologies to boost oil output
The country aims to raise crude oil lifting to 612,500 bpd in 2027, from 610,000 bpd in 2026, according to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia.
Bangkok named world's best city for 2026
Bangkok scored 97.68 points, surpassing Paris of France with 97.14 points and Istanbul of Türkiye with 96.67 points, which ranked second and third, respectively, according to the magazine's latest poll.
Thailand: Bangkok faces permanent flooding risk by 2050
By 2050, Gulf sea levels could rise by 20-30cm, potentially submerging one-third of Bangkok, putting an estimated 11 to 12 million people at risk of displacement, Sondhi said.
Singapore steps up AI risk management in financial sector
According to the MAS media release, financial regulators and international organisations are underscoring the need to effectively manage AI-related risks while enabling firms to reap the benefits of the technology.
Lao news agency touts Vietnamese PM’s upcoming visit as boost to "strategic cohesion"
Opening the piece, KPL said few relationships in modern Southeast Asian history have been as close-knit, sincere and enduring as the one between Laos and Vietnam, forged through struggle, sacrifice, trust and deep solidarity between the two peoples.
Vietnam, ASEAN highlight inclusive social development at UN
ASEAN will continue to work closely with the UN under the ASEAN–UN Plan of Action for 2026–2030, helping translate commitments to social development into concrete and sustainable outcomes and bring tangible improvements to people's lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups, Ambassador Do Hung Viet affirmed.
Indonesia expand carbon market incentives
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan outlined three primary sectors open to green investment, including sustainable agriculture through low-emission rice cultivation, waste-to-energy processing, and marine conservation through blue carbon development.
Indonesia, Timor-Leste uphold new economic potential
Addressing the Bali–Timor-Leste Business Forum in Denpasar, Bali, last weekend, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the two sides are well-placed to develop sectors where their respective strengths can complement each other.
Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze
Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup said on October 6 as host of the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) Meeting in 2027, Malaysia would use its chairmanship to translate the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) into concrete action by enhancing data sharing, improving law enforcement and cross-border cooperation.
Singapore outlines priorities for 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said at the recent launch of the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2026 that ASEAN should focus on building up its regional power grid, boosting climate finance and increasing its resilience against climate change impacts.
Malaysia steps up recycling efforts to cut landfill waste
Malaysia is implementing a range of programmes to improve waste management efficiency and expects its recycling rate to surpass 40% by the end of this year.
Thailand launches disaster insurance scheme covering 30 million households
Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the programme represented an important step towards establishing a system of “advance financial protection” to help people proactively cope with losses.
Thailand, Laos push for single inspection plan at border
Under the proposed model, customs authorities and other relevant agencies from Thailand and Laos, and potentially China, would coordinate inspections at a single location. Goods would undergo customs and other procedures only once instead of separate procedures by each side, significantly reducing the time and costs for businesses.
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar join hands to tackle transboundary haze pollution
Thailand, Laos and Myanmar have officially launched a joint action plan to address seasonal haze pollution and forest fires, a serious environmental issue affecting large areas of the Mekong subregion.