Southeast Asia’s Defence Partnerships Are Expanding Beyond Bilateral Alliances 

On August 30, the Philippines and US marked the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT), reaffirming an alliance that has evolved from a Cold War security pact into an expanded defence partnership. The relationship now covers military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while increasingly coupling the Philippines with wider regional security networks.

Indonesian President’s State of the Nation Address Turns Targets Into Achievements

On August 14, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s 2026 addressed the country through a State of the Nation speech in anticipation of the Independence Day celebration on August 17. The message was simple, that after 21 months in office, his government claimed to be delivering results. He offered a long-list of numbers to support that message: 1,931 trillion Indonesian rupiah (109.7 billion US dollar) in investment, 5.61% economic growth, 121 “transformative” policies, 71,744 renovated schools and tens of millions reached by the flagship Free Nutritious Meals programme.

59th ASEAN Day: Celebrating Southeast Asia Through Cinema

As Southeast Asia increasingly becomes the centre of flashpoints between major global powers, the region is often discussed through the lens of geopolitics, economic growth, or regional diplomacy. But as we celebrate the 59th ASEAN Day—which marks the establishment of the regional bloc that unites 11 member states on August 8, 1967—we celebrate Southeast Asia through its cultural expressions. Beyond official statements and policy debates, the region’s complexities are perhaps best understood through the stories its people choose to tell. Cinema has become one of the most compelling mediums for examining how Southeast Asian societies grapple with history, identity, inequality, faith and the legacies of conflict and colonialism.