In the July heat of Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, Yejoon Chung keeps his suit buttoned and his tie straight while other delegates loosen their collars and drift toward the shade. With a public administration master’s degree from Harvard, Chung spends his days connecting Korean startups to the wider world. The paradox he keeps repeating is that the market he most wants Korean companies to enter is also the one they find hardest to read.
Category: Countries
Philippines Balances Myanmar Peace Plan and South China Sea Strategy
The Philippines, as the current chair of the ASEAN will hold an informal consultation dialogue between the bloc and Myanmar’s foreign minister, Tin Maung Swe, on July 12. This marks the first of its kind since the junta seized power back in 2021.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines: Three Paths to Face Energy Price Shocks
The conflict in Iran that erupted in mid-2026 shook the global oil market and forced almost all ASEAN countries to adjust their fuel prices in a short period.
Southeast Asia Is Not In The World Cup, But It’s Not A Talent Problem
As the world’s attention is currently fixed to the largest ever FIFA World Cup tournament in history where 48 national teams are competing, Southeast Asia is also watching closely. The region is home to one of the biggest fanbases in the world, hosting about 300 million people or roughly 10% of the world’s football supporters.
Powerful El Niño emerges, threatening Southeast Asian agriculture and food security
Earlier this June, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that a powerful El Niño has begun to emerge above the Pacific Ocean. Analysts warned that the phenomenon will threaten Southeast Asia with severe drought and critical agricultural shocks.
ASEAN-Russia endorse Kazan Declaration to advance strategic partnership and maximise economic potential
On June 17, ASEAN member states and Russia commenced their commemorative summit to mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation relations, focusing on deepening security, economic and technological ties. The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine President and ASEAN Chair Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vietnam calls for a harmonised fintech ecosystem during 2026 ASEAN Future Forum
Hanoi is currently hosting the 2026 ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) until June 10, gathering government leaders, business delegates as well as, for the first time, political parties and local authorities from across the Southeast Asia region to discuss actionable recommendations for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
ASEAN-South Korea to upgrade FTA with focus on digital trade and critical minerals
On June 8, ASEAN and South Korea officially launched full-scale negotiations to upgrade their 20-year-old free trade agreement (FTA).
A Country In-Between: As EU Membership Stalls, Serbia Looks to ASEAN
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IAI kicks off Work Plan V with fresh focus on Timor-Leste
On June 5, the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force convened its 79th meeting at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. IAI Task Force 2026 Chairperson and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to ASEAN, Noy Choumneanh chaired the gathering.