ASEAN is one step away from implementing its first digital economy pact, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is set for signing at the 49th Summit in November this year.
Category: Countries
Jakarta hosts Busworld as Southeast Asia eyes greener, smarter transport
The fourth Busworld Southeast Asia is currently taking place from 20–22 May at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Indonesia. Firmly established as the region’s premier bus and coach exhibition, the event unites manufacturers, suppliers, operators and public officials.
EU-ASEAN push to align education with industry needs
Throughout May 12 to 14, ASEAN and the European Union (EU) convened Closing the Gap Workshop 2026 titled “Anchoring Workshop Readiness through Collaboration and Partnership” in Penang, Malaysia. It is part of a joint effort from both regional organisations to forge a more interconnected academic ecosystem.
Strategic Signaling through Simultaneous Military Exercises Around Southeast Asia
On April 20, 2026, the annual Balikatan exercise between the US and the Philippines commenced and will last until May 8.
Philippine president urges ASEAN to revive stalled Myanmar process
On May 8, during the ASEAN Summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to accommodate the Myanmar government by showing recognition to accelerate its normalisation process, stressing that “Myanmar is part of the ASEAN family and it is a tragedy when a family member is left out of the family for whatever reason,” he stated during the summit’s Retreat Session.
Philippine president hosts Cambodia–Thailand talks to ease border tensions
On the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened a trilateral meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aiming to ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Forum of “underserved areas” meets on sidelines of ASEAN summit
As part of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Special Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit took place on May 7 and yielded BIMP-EAGA Vision (BPEV) 2035—a strategic roadmap for the coming decade, envisioning a more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and economically competitive subregion.
ASEAN chair seeks access to Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi amid house arrest
The 2026 ASEAN chair, the government of the Philippines, formally requested a “brief access” to Aung San Suu Kyi on May 6, following a report on her transfer to house arrest.
Southeast Asia’s AI Future Will Be Decided in Its Classrooms, Not Its Boardrooms
Southeast Asia is no longer short of artificial intelligence (AI) language.The region already has frameworks, principles and now a roadmap.
AECC convenes special meeting as Hormuz disruptions rattle supply chains
“ASEAN is stronger when it acts together, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Chair of the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) as well as Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and Industry, at a press briefing following the AECC ministers’ special meeting on April 30.