Indira Zahra Aridati argues that although AI offers positive benefits for Southeast Asia’s climate battle, the region should not look at its usage through rose-tinted glasses. Without careful consideration, such systems may inadvertently undermine and be counterintuitive to the very climate goals that they aim to achieve.
Category Archives: ASEANFocus
ASEAN Can Help to Address Brain Drain in Southeast Asia
Melinda Martinus argues that while individual ASEAN member states are ramping up efforts to reverse brain drain, the region can explore a more coordinated approach to tackle this growing challenge.
ASEAN–Korea Relations: Achieving a Resilient Partnership
ASEANFocus+ is privileged to interview His Excellency Lee Jang-keun, the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Ambassador to ASEAN, as ASEAN-ROK relations enter a new phase. Last year, the partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) as both sides celebrated the 35th anniversary of their dialogue relations. This is a testament to the depth and significance of ASEAN-Korea relations amid shifting geostrategic dynamics. As we look ahead, how can ASEAN and the ROK work together to navigate uncertainties, strengthen regional cooperation, and unlock new opportunities? Ambassador Lee shares his insights on these critical questions and the ROK’s vision for deepening its partnership with ASEAN.
Great Power Competition in Technology: Implications for ASEAN
Amid great power tensions, Elina Noor suggests measures that ASEAN can take to proactively shape its technological future, highlighting the importance of a people-centred approach.
Southeast Asia Will Be Challenged by Trump 2.0
Sarang Shidore suggests that deeper intra-ASEAN coordination could help the region cope amidst uncertainties surrounding US foreign policy under Trump 2.0.
Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024: Advancing Regional Economic Integration, Connectivity and Resilience
Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy evaluates how the key achievements of Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship contributed to the region’s resilience and unity.
Roundtable on the Return of Trump and Implications for ASEAN-US Relations
The re-election of Donald Trump as the President of the US for a second term is poised to reshape the trajectory of ASEAN-US relations, bringing significant shifts across multiple domains. In December, ASEANFocus+ sought experts’ insights on how the dynamics of this partnership are expected to evolve, in areas of geopolitics, trade, the South China Sea, technological governance, energy, and environmental cooperation.
Fraud with Danger: The Rise of Cyber Scams in Southeast Asia
Lance Wu investigates the prevalence of cyber scams in the region and the challenges in responding to them while protecting ASEAN’s digital transformation.
Making Carbon Trading Work: Exploring Collaboration between Japan and ASEAN Countries
Julie de los Reyes and Katrina Navallo suggest several strategies to make carbon trading between Japan and ASEAN effective.
The Importance of Being Earnest: Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations in an Evolving World
Yanitha Meena Louis argues that for the ASEAN-India relationship to reach its full potential, it must move beyond surface-level engagement and delve deeper into strategic issues that reflect the dynamic roles of both parties in a constantly evolving world.