On July 7, the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development (CPD) announced that the number of registered marriages in the country has continued to fall over the past decade, suggesting that more Filipinos are changing how they build families. Instead of marrying early, many couples are choosing to delay marriage or live together without formalising their relationship.
Category: Society
At the World Cup, Why Does Indonesia Cheer for Other Nations More Than Its Neighbours?
The crowd comments flooded the section. It was on June 26, the day when the Netherlands proceeded to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Something telling happened in the largest Southeast Asian country. Indonesia cheered for the victory over its former colonial ruler as if it were its own. This phenomenon points to an interesting paradox. The World Cup 2026 lacks any Southeast Asian representatives, yet the region is among the top (edging on being fanatic, even) football fans on the entire globe.
Vietnam Seeks to Expand Halal Tourism
Vietnam is looking to strengthen its foothold in the global Halal tourism market, with government officials and industry leaders highlighting new opportunities to attract more Muslim travellers during a conference in the central province of Khanh Hoa on July 8.
Laos Recorded 2.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Early 2026
On July 6, Laos reported strong tourism growth during the first five months of 2026, welcoming more than 2.1 million international visitors, according to a government report presented at the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8% and reaches 47% of the country’s annual target of 4.46 million foreign arrivals.
BINI Named Philippines’ Newest Tourism Ambassador
On July 3, The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Filipino girl group BINI will serve as its newest tourism ambassador, marking a fresh effort to promote domestic travel through the country’s growing entertainment industry.
Indonesia Pushes Inclusive HIV and Tuberculosis Healthcare
On July 5, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for more inclusive healthcare services for people affected by HIV and tuberculosis (TB), warning that stigma, discrimination and fragmented care continue to prevent vulnerable groups from receiving timely treatment.
Cambodian Red Cross Delivers Emergency Aid to 800 Families Amid El Niño Heatwave
On July 3, The Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) distributed emergency assistance to 800 vulnerable households in Thbong Khmum province as Cambodia faces mounting challenges from the 2026 El Niño-driven heatwave.
Laos Records 144 Fire Incidents in First Half of 2026
On July 2, Laos recorded 144 fire incidents across the country during the first half of 2026, leaving eight people dead, two injured and causing property damage valued at more than 319.6 billion Lao kip (14,3 million US dollars), according to the Fire Prevention and Suppression Police Department.
Malaysia Maintains Ban on Overland Fresh Durian Exports to China
On July 2, Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DOA) confirmed a ban on the export of fresh durians to China via overland routes, following clarification from Chinese customs authorities that such shipments fall outside the scope of the current bilateral export protocol.
Indonesia Reinforces Social Protection with Enhanced Job-Loss Insurance
On July 1, Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower reiterated its commitment to strengthening protection for employees, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the Job-Loss Insurance (JKP) programme for workers affected by redundancy.