ARTICLES

19 Aug 2026

How Do ASEAN Countries Fare in Managing Global Economic Shocks?

Geopolitical conflict, energy disruptions and shifting global supply chains are testing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience. ASEANFocus+ asked regional experts how individual countries are responding and whether ASEAN has the tools to collectively manage the next shock. Their insights highlight the different challenges facing the region, as well as the need for stronger regional coordination, deeper market integration and greater resilience across energy, trade, food and financial systems.

29 Jul 2026

The 2016 South China Sea Award and the Future of a Legally Binding Code of Conduct

Joanne Lin|Huynh Trung Dung

Joanne Lin and Huynh Trung Dung examine what the continuing legal divergence surrounding the recognition of 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award means for ASEAN and China’s pursuit of a legally binding Code of Conduct.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Code of Conduct South China Sea

27 Jul 2026

ASEAN’s Convening Power Meets Its Delivery Test: Lessons From the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Huynh Trung Dung|Joanne Lin|Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Huynh Trung Dung, Joanne Lin and Kristina Fong examine whether ASEAN can convert its convening power and shared commitments into tangible regional outcomes.

ASEAN ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting ASEANFocus

13 Jul 2026

Small States, Big Stakes: ASEAN’s Narrowing Space for Collective Agency

Denis Hew

Denis Hew examines how geopolitical rivalry and economic coercion are reshaping the Indo-Pacific, arguing that ASEAN must deepen regional integration and strengthen its institutions to preserve its collective agency.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Economic Development Regional Cooperation

26 Jun 2026

Türkiye and ASEAN: Turning a Side Story into a Strategy

Mehmet Enes Beşer

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Mehmet Enes Beşer argues that Türkiye and ASEAN should move beyond purely trade-based engagements towards a strategic economic partnership, with deeper cooperation in supply chains, energy, the digital economy, industry and the halal sector.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation

8 Jun 2026

No Longer Poor: Can Laos be Clean, Green and Great?

Anoulak Kittikhoun

Anoulak Kittikhoun argues that as Laos prepares to graduate from the United Nations’ least developed country category, the bigger challenge is no longer escaping poverty but building a future defined by clean space and green growth.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Laos Sustainable Development

21 May 2026

Why Methane Emission Reduction Matters for ASEAN

Shivenes Shammugam|Jihyun Kang

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.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Climate Change Sustainable Development

14 May 2026

ASEAN’s Collective Resilience Agenda: Can It Deliver Under Pressure?

Joanne Lin|Kristina Fong Siew Leng|Melinda Martinus

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.

ASEAN ASEAN Summit ASEANFocus Energy Supply Chains

30 Apr 2026

Seizing the Middle-Power Moment: ASEAN and Canada at a Convergence

Ambra Dickie

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.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Canada

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