5G, AI convergence holds key to transformative growth in ASEAN

A new report from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy has called on ASEAN governments to seize a narrowing window of opportunity to drive transformative economic growth through the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence.

Thailand recalls ambassador, expels Cambodian diplomat following border landmine incident

The measures follow an incident in which an NCO in the Thai army suffered the loss of his right leg after stepping on a landmine in the disputed Huai Bon border region of Ubon Ratchathani province.

ASEAN in 2025: still relevant, but only just

Founded on August 8 1967, in Bangkok, ASEAN has long prided itself on unity in diversity, guided by the principles of non-interference and consensus-based decision-making.

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession: A milestone moment despite deepening dilemmas

Timor-Leste’s road to ASEAN has been a protracted one. After over a decade of evaluations and delays, including a pandemic, ASEAN granted “in-principle” approval in 2022. The final decision was confirmed during the 46th ASEAN Summiit.

ASIA BLOG: The global fallout of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan

There have already been rumblings in Taiwan that self destruction of key infrastructure would be preferential to Chinese takeover.

Biofuel development in Southeast Asia: a region turning greener by the day

Which countries have received Trump's tariff letters? – Statista

US President Donald Trump has delayed his so-called “reciprocal” tariffs once more, with the new deadline set for August 1, Statista reports.

South Asia looks southeast as trade ties strengthen to counterbalance China

This tilt has been most pronounced in India’s expanding economic outreach to Southeast Asia under its "Act East" policy, which has evolved from a diplomatic slogan to a trade and connectivity strategy.

East and Southeast Asia react to Trump’s tariff delay with unease, strategic reassessment

Cynics are even claiming the US president doesn’t want to push his controversial tariffs into the spotlight as the US reels from devastating flash floods in Texas that claimed over 100 lives in recent days.

Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows — Asia in 2025

From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.

Global banking’s new powerhouse: Asia

Asia's level of digital banking infrastructure has enabled it to challenge and even surpass traditional Western players such as Citi and HSBC in key regional markets.

ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe

Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.

UPDATE: Thai prime minister suspended by court over leaked audio – Cambodia regards this as Thai internal issue

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from her duties following a decision by Thailand’s Constitutional Court to accept a petition submitted by a group of senators,

UPDATE: Thailand's Constitutional Court rules to suspend Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

The court has agreed to consider her impeachment over a recent highly controversial audio clip that emerged as part of a territorial spat with neighbouring Cambodia.

ETF investment trends in Asia in 2025

While ETF markets in Asia have historically lagged behind those in North America and Europe in terms of depth and diversity, 2025 is witnessing a decisive maturing of the regional ETF ecosystem.

ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates

In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.

Cambodia-Thailand border flare-up escalates

On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a disputed “no man’s land” along their 800‑km shared frontier. Both sides claimed self‑defence.

What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia

From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.

World Bank cuts Cambodia’s GDP growth forecast to 4% for 2025

The World Bank joins other international financial institutions that have revised their outlook for Cambodia. Just last December, it had forecast 5.5% growth for both 2025 and 2026

COMMENT: What Japan, Southeast Asia and the US can expect from South Korea’s new president

While he has not shied away from criticising Tokyo, Lee has sensibly signalled a willingness to compartmentalise some issues in order to foster cooperation on trade, technology and regional security.