ARTICLES

2 Sep 2026

After the Gulf Crisis: Rethinking ASEAN Energy Security through Regional Grid Governance

Kaho Yu|Jinseok Sung

Kaho Yu and Jinseok Sung argue that ASEAN’s energy security is moving beyond oil and gas, as deeper power-grid integration creates new geopolitical, climate, supply-chain and cybersecurity risks that will require stronger regional resilience.

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. announced the landing of the trans-pacific Bifrost cable system in Davao, Philippines. Bifrost is the world’s first subsea cable system directly linking Singapore to the west coast of US via Indonesia. (Photo from Pampanga News Now / Facebook)

20 May 2026

Undersea Cable Risks: Lessons for Southeast Asia

Mae Chow

The possibility of Iran targeting undersea cables in the Middle East has implications for Southeast Asia. The region should adopt strategies to maintain connectivity.

ASEAN Connectivity Infrastructure Southeast Asia

29 Apr 2026

Rethinking Economic Integration as a Strategic Hedge

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

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.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Economic Integration

25 Sep 2025

Operationalising the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030: From Aspirations to Real Action

Denis Hew

Denis Hew analyses the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030, focusing on its ambitious goals and how they can be expanded, while highlighting concerns over its actionability and the broader implications on ASEAN.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Economic Development

17 Sep 2025

Enhancing ASEAN’s Intra-Regional Trade Need Not Require Bells and Whistles

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Kristina Fong discusses how steps to strengthen ASEAN's intra-regional trade need not require re-inventing the wheel but rather concerted efforts in practical measures to reduce trade facilitation frictions.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity Asean Trade ASEANFocus Trade

11 Sep 2025

Why Advancing Intra-ASEAN Student Mobility Can Help Boost ASEAN’s Integration Journey

Melinda Martinus

Melinda Martinus contends that increasing intra-ASEAN student mobility could unlock economic opportunities, strengthen human capital, and foster a shared regional identity, provided the bloc can overcome structural barriers.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Education

21 May 2025

Why the Asia-Pacific Needs a Regional Green Industrial Strategy

Muyi Yang|Christopher Wright

Amid growing geopolitical rivalry and rising protectionism, a network of net-zero industrial parks could act as the Asia-Pacific’s transition landing zones into a greener future.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity Asia Pacific Sustainable Development

4 Oct 2024

Everyone Everywhere All at Once: The Rise of Digital Nomads in Southeast Asia

Lance Wu

Lance Wu explores the growing presence of digital nomads in Southeast Asia, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges they pose to local economies.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Digitalisation

5 Sep 2024

Laos’ Connectivity Drive Paves the Way for ASEAN’s Integration

Melinda Martinus|Joanne Lin

Melinda Martinus and Joanne Lin argue that as ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos has defied scepticism by prioritising connectivity — physical and digital — to foster regional integration.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Laos