ARTICLES

27 Nov 2023

Digging Deeper with DEFA

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

As the first round of negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) approaches, Kristina Fong discusses critical aspects to consider that will make the DEFA successful in bridging the digital divide and facilitating more meaningful digital integration.

6 Nov 2023

Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Southeast Asia

Jassie H. Cheng|Mae Chow

ASEAN is not ready for the onslaught of future cyberattacks against its fast-growing internet market. Intra-regional differences complicate the search for an effective regional cybersecurity response.

ASEAN Cyber Security Technology

Leaders pose for a family photo within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 20, 2023. United Arab Emirates Presidential Court / Handout / Anadolu (Photo by United Arab Emirates Presidentia / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

23 Oct 2023

ASEAN-GCC Summit: The Need to Keep it Going

Joanne Lin

The recent ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council summit underscores a joint goal to link the two dynamic regions. The key is to keep the bloc-to-bloc interactions going.

ASEAN Middle East

18 Oct 2023

The Courteous Charmer: A Hard Look at Japan’s Soft Power in Southeast Asia

Indira Zahra Aridati

Indira Zahra Aridati examines the rise of Japanese soft power across Southeast Asia and its many facets.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations

13 Oct 2023

Is Laos Able to Make a Difference in the Myanmar Crisis?

Joanne Lin

Joanne Lin looks at the crisis in Myanmar and recommends possible strategies for Laos to move the needle on the issue, ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Laos Myanmar

12 Oct 2023

The Rise of the Live Music Industry in Southeast Asia

Neo Hui Yun Rebecca

Neo Hui Yun Rebecca analyses the rising demand for live music shows in Southeast Asia and how regional countries can tap into this opportunity.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation Tourism

11 Oct 2023

India’s Expanding Global Influence Has Limited Reach in ASEAN

Hoang Thi Ha|Eugene R.L. Tan

India is seizing strategic opportunities to emerge as a new global power but its influence in Southeast Asia is not keenly felt yet.

ASEAN ASEAN-India Relations India

10 Oct 2023

Southeast Asia’s Need to Bridge the Climate Financing Gap

Vinod Thomas

As COP 28 approaches, Southeast Asia policymakers see the need for climate adaptation as well as mitigation. But there is an urgent need to encourage multiple sources of finance in this arena.

ASEAN Climate Change

6 Oct 2023

A New Chapter in ASEAN-Japan Relations

Kunihiko Hirabayashi

ASEANFocus is privileged to feature the Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre, Dr Kunihiko Hirabayashi. He provides a perspective on the ASEAN-Japan relationship after 50 years, and how Japan intends to substantiate the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Japan

5 Oct 2023

Changing Political Landscapes and Leadership Transitions in Southeast Asia

Electoral politics have been heating up in Southeast Asia after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippines and Malaysia elected new leaders in 2022. Vietnam underwent a major leadership change after President Nguyen Xuan Phuc tendered his resignation. Voters in Thailand and Cambodia, headed to the ballot box to elect their representatives, while Singapore voted for a new president this year. 2024 will be a fascinating year for Indonesia as the largest democracy in the region will hold its presidential election. ASEANFocus invites experts to assess the changing political landscape and leadership transitions in Southeast Asia, and its implications for society and regional stability.

ASEAN ASEANFocus