A diver swims near a coral reef in the waters of the Seribu Islands off Jakarta, on March 26, 2025. (ANTARA) Indonesia is tightening oversight […]
Author: Sadina Aimee
Correspondent
Vietnam hails economic gains at National Party Congress
Vietnam has 2025 as ASEAN’s strongest economic performer, with GDP growth reaching 8.02% that year and the national economy expanding to around US$514 billion.
Philippines begins ASEAN chairmanship with official visit to Naypyidaw
On January 6, 2026, only five days after the Philippines officially took on the ASEAN chairmanship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro made an official visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital city.
Vietnam aims grassroots cultural and sports development in 2026
Myanmar’s first phase election has drawn criticism from international bodies, most notably the UN and ASEAN, over allegations of detention, of using coercion and intimidation ahead of the election, while violence was reported in several areas.
Indonesia to distribute 720,000 tonnes of rice aid in 2026
Indonesia’s state-run logistics firm Bulog plans to distribute 720,000 tonnes of rice aid in 2026 to 18 million beneficiary households over a four-month period.
Malaysia introduces Asia’s first luxury Umrah cruise
Malaysia has launched IslamiCruise, Asia’s first luxury Umrah cruise in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises. This cruise offering a 15-day halal-certified voyage from Port Klang to Jeddah with regional stopovers.
Thailand–Cambodia GBC ceasefire talks underway
Secretary-level talks under the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) on December 24 in Chanthaburi were widely presented as a step towards de-escalation.