Shivenes Shammugam and Jihyun Kang argue that although ASEAN countries have recognised the importance of methane mitigation, implementation remains uneven but Korea’s experience as an ASEAN dialogue partner could help bridge this gap.
Category Archives: ASEANFocus
ASEAN’s Collective Resilience Agenda: Can It Deliver Under Pressure?
Joanne Lin, Kristina Fong and Melinda Martinus argue that as global crises become increasingly interconnected, ASEAN faces mounting pressure to strengthen energy security, maritime cooperation, and crisis coordination before the next disruption strikes.
Seizing the Middle-Power Moment: ASEAN and Canada at a Convergence
ASEANFocus is privileged to feature H.E. Ambra Dickie, Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador Dickie reflects on the evolution of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations and discusses how both sides can seize the “middle power moment” together, amid a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. She shares Canada’s perspectives on the importance of ASEAN as the region’s leader, the significance of the forthcoming ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the importance of strengthening ASEAN-Canada ties to sustain an inclusive and enduring partnership.
Rethinking Economic Integration as a Strategic Hedge
Kristina Fong emphasises the need for ASEAN Member States to narrow gaps in productive capacities and technological readiness to strengthen economic integration to credibly counter rising geostrategic pressures.
The Importance of Preserving Physical ‘Third Places’ in Southeast Asia
Gauri Sasitharan traces the evolution and decline of physical third places in Southeast Asia and the consequences for communities in the region.
China’s Retaliation Against Japan and the Implications for Southeast Asia
Lye Liang Fook argues that Beijing’s retaliatory measures against Japan could increase pressure on ASEAN countries, making it important for ASEAN to continue emphasising restraint and peaceful dialogue.
Navigating Our Future Together? The Philippine Chairmanship in a Year of Strategic Tension
Joanne Lin and Aries Arugay assess the first quarter of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Who Owes the Nation? Youth, Gender and Conscription in Southeast Asia
Evelyn Li Xinruo explores conscription policies across Southeast Asia and how youth perspectives challenge its legitimacy as a modern tool of defence and nation-building.
The ASEAN Treaty on Extradition: ASEAN’s Commitment to Cross-Border Justice
Yvette Foo argues that while the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition is ambiguous in several areas, it represents ASEAN’s commitment towards strengthening regional capacity on crime prevention and criminal justice.
MSMEs in the ASEAN Economic Community: Connecting the Blueprint to Real-World Action
Miguel Jaime Encarnacion examines the goals, challenges and opportunities faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through principal ASEAN economic instruments, assessments, and domestic policies.