“In today’s world, economic diplomacy is a national defence by another name,” Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro affirmed during a keynote address at the 2026 Manila Strategy Forum on September 9.
Category: Economy
Indonesian President Prabowo Replaces Finance Minister as KPK Probes Land Corruption
On September 14, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appointed Suahasil Nazara as the new Finance Minister, the same day the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an operation targeting officials linked to the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN).
A ‘High-Risk, High-Reward Scenario’ Unfold for Southeast Asia Amid Fragmenting World Order
Gregory B. Poling, Senior Fellow and Director for the Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at CSIS, formally opens the 2026 Manila Strategy […]
Laos Leverages China Ties, Courting BRI Partners to Invest
Laos has continued to deepen ties with its long-standing partner China while promoting its investment potential in an attempt to realise its National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2026-2030.
Indonesian President Prabowo Calls for Higher Mitigation Spending After Recent Disasters
On September 7, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for a significant increase in the budget for disaster mitigation as the government reviews its preparedness following an earthquake in Flores, volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau and forest and land fires in several provinces.
Laos and Belarus Forge Closer Economic Ties, Mineral Mining Investment Opportunities Explored
Laos and Belarus are set to implement their existing pledges into concrete projects, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on September 4.
Growth, Stability and Synergisation Pledged by Indonesia’s Central Bank Governor Nominee
The sole gubernatorial candidate, Destry Damayanti, presented her vision for leading Bank Indonesia (BI) on August 26, pledging to support economic growth and job creation while firmly maintaining the central bank’s independence.
Singapore National Day Rally Doubles Down on “Trust” to Shield Businesses from Global Turbulence
Singapore’s paramount annual political address, the National Day Rally (NDR), was spearheaded once again by Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong on August 23 at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Headquarters.
Vietnamese Lawmakers Advance Property and Budget Reforms Amid Renewed Nuclear Push
On August 22, Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly is debating proposed changes to real estate regulations, public financial management and the implementation of the Ninh Thuận nuclear power project during its extraordinary session in Hanoi.
Malaysia Increases Defence Spending to Counter Modern Security Challenges
According to statements by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin on August 19, “the need for higher defence spending was driven not only by regional dynamics but also by emerging threats,” pointing to cyberattacks, electromagnetic threats and misinformation campaigns.