ARTICLES

9 Jan 2026

MSMEs in the ASEAN Economic Community: Connecting the Blueprint to Real-World Action

Miguel Jaime Encarnacion

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.

11 Dec 2025

A New Deal for the Mekong

Anoulak Kittikhoun

Anoulak Kittikhoun argues that by treating the Mekong as an interconnected system rather than a patchwork of national interests, ASEAN can help transform the river into a model of regional cooperation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Mekong River Regional Cooperation

26 Mar 2025

ASEAN Can Help to Address Brain Drain in Southeast Asia

Melinda Martinus

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 ASEANFocus Labour Market Regional Cooperation

15 Apr 2024

The State of Southeast Asia Survey

State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: ASEAN’s Rise to Leadership Amid Global Uncertainties

Melinda Martinus

The report card for ASEAN according to the latest State of Southeast Asia Survey is mixed, but in a difficult global climate, the regional organisation is seen to be making progress even as several areas need improvement.

International Relations International Trade Regional Cooperation State of Southeast Asia Survey

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

7 Aug 2023

Is ASEAN Truly for the People?

Joanne Lin

Joanne Lin explores the importance of a people-centred ASEAN and ways that the organisation can enhance engagement with its people, ahead of the 56th ASEAN Day celebrations.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation

17 Jul 2023

Can Indonesia Ensure That ASEAN Remains in the Driver’s Seat?

Joanne Lin

Joanne Lin looks at what the recent ASEAN High-Level Meetings have achieved and if ASEAN can indeed play a regional leadership role under Indonesia’s Chairmanship.

ASEAN ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting ASEANFocus Indonesia Regional Cooperation

3 May 2023

Astrotourism in Southeast Asia

Charmaine Leong

Charmaine Leong explores the rise of Astrotourism in Southeast Asia and its imperative for scientific advancement.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Regional Cooperation Sustainable Development Technology

26 Apr 2023

The Diminishing Role of ASEAN in the Myanmar Crisis

Gwen Robinson

Gwen Robinson looks at the evolving crisis in Myanmar and highlights the diminishing role of ASEAN as the international community runs out of patience.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Myanmar Myanmar Elections Regional Cooperation