On August 14, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivered his second State of the Nation (SONA) address at the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD), outlining his administration’s achievements and priorities ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.
Category: Politics
Thailand Separates US Defence Ties From Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pressure
On August 12, Thailand has rejected reports that it is considering using its longstanding defence cooperation with the US as leverage in negotiations over President Trump’s tariffs, stressing that economic and security relations with Washington will remain separate.
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan Executive Councillors Pledges Policy Continuity
On August 8, Negeri Sembilan’s newly appointed State Executive Council (Exco) members pledged to continue existing programmes and implement manifesto commitments following the state election, which returned Barisan Nasional (BN) as the dominant force in the 36-seat state legislature.
Malaysia Commemorates ASEAN Day, Insists Intra-Regional Trade Boost Vital for Bloc’s Top-Four Economy Ambitions
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a commemorative celebration for the 59th ASEAN Day on August 10 at the federal administrative centre of Putrajaya.
Indonesia Tightens Maritime Security After Following Major Drug Smuggling Cases
On August 9, Indonesia announced plans to strengthen maritime security and inter-agency cooperation after authorities intercepted a foreign vessel carrying nearly 1.3 tonnes of ketamine, highlighting concerns over the country being used as a transit route for transnational drug trafficking.
Vietnam Tightens Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls, Backing ASEAN Non-Proliferation Psuh
On August 8, Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly reviewed a draft law on the prevention and control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), seeking to strengthen the country’s legal framework for preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.
Malaysia to Increase Defence Budget as Military Modernisation Accelerates
Christopher Hubenthal)
On August 7, Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government intends to increase defence spending under Budget 2027 to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF) operational readiness and accelerate its long-term modernisation programme.
Myanmar’s Protracted Crisis Has Become a Defining Test of ASEAN’s Regional Diplomacy
ASEAN’s renewed calls for broader humanitarian access, the unconditional release of detained political figures in Myanmar on August 3 and support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process have once again highlighted the bloc’s reliance on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as its principal framework for engagement. Its continued reaffirmation at successive summits and ministerial meetings has increasingly raised questions over ASEAN’s strategic integrity, credibility and centrality in responding to one of the region’s most enduring security challenges.
Myanmar Junta Leader Seeks Economic Lifeline in Bangkok, $12bn Trade Deal Sealed
On August 6, Thai Prime Minister (PM) Anutin Charnvirakul rolled out the red carpet to welcome Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing, officially commencing the first bilateral engagement between both nations since the 2021 coup.
Beyond Technology: Why Governance Will Shape the Philippines’ Energy Transition
When the Philippine Congress established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) in September 2025 through Republic Act No. 12305, much of the discussion centred on what it meant for the country’s nuclear ambitions. That is understandable. An independent regulator is indispensable for any country considering nuclear power. Yet viewing the legislation solely through the lens of nuclear energy risks overlooking its broader significance.