South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s early March diplomatic tour to Southeast Asia included visits to Singapore and the Philippines, signaling South Korea’s strategic push to deepen engagement with countries in the region.
Category: The Brief
Malaysian Parliament votes down Prime Minister tenure limit bill
Malaysia’s Parliament just voted down a constitutional amendment bill tabled on March 3 aiming to limit the Prime Minister (PM)’s term in office.
Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis
The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.
Laos holds symbolic elections in pivotal political and economic year
On February 22, Laos held general elections for its 10th National Assembly and 5th Provincial People’s Councils, with 60% of its population—equal to 4,764,384 voters—eligible to vote.
Southeast Asian leaders in charm offensive at inaugural BoP meeting
On February 19, Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Trump-initiated Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, D.C., drawing representatives from its 26 full members.
Thailand’s conservative Bhumjaithai Party win defies polls
On February 8, Thais voted in a snap election following the dissolution of parliament announced in December 2025 by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Indonesia sells its economic story at Davos
On 22 January, Prabowo Subianto departed for Davos, Switzerland, following an official meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, to deliver a special address to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 Summit.
Vietnam hails economic gains at National Party Congress
Vietnam has 2025 as ASEAN’s strongest economic performer, with GDP growth reaching 8.02% that year and the national economy expanding to around US$514 billion.
Philippines begins ASEAN chairmanship with official visit to Naypyidaw
On January 6, 2026, only five days after the Philippines officially took on the ASEAN chairmanship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro made an official visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital city.
ASEAN maintains silence amid violations of international norms
On January 3, the United States (US) executed a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of its President, Nicolas Maduro, who will face charges and be tried in the US.