ASEAN observers monitor Thailand–Cambodia border following ceasefire pact

Malaysia’s Defence Attaché to Thailand, Brigadier General Samsul Rizal Musa, led an ASEAN Interim Observer Team in a three-day inspection of the Thailand–Cambodia border to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation

Malaysia blocks rare earth exports to attract downstream investment

Malaysia will prohibit the export of unprocessed rare earth minerals as part of a strategy to retain greater value domestically by drawing investment into downstream industries.

Jimmy Lai becomes a symbol of hope and despair in fallen Hong Kong

Hong Kong is gone. Taiwan and the South China Sea must not, at any cost, follow suit.

ASEAN is going nuclear – it's just a matter of time

Across the ASEAN bloc, energy security, surging data-centre demand and net-zero pledges are nudging governments to revisit their nuclear options.

Indonesia and Malaysia seek peaceful path in Ambalat Sea standoff

The Ambalat region, located in the Sulawesi Sea, has long been contested due to overlapping claims and its strategic importance for oil and gas exploration.

INTERVIEW: Former US official on America's lost authority as Global South acts on Gaza

As Gaza's death toll passes 61,000, nations meeting in Bogotá pledge concrete measures to halt arms flows to Israel. Ex-US official Annelle Sheline, who resigned over Washington's Gaza policy, calls it a turning point for the Global South.

Sinkholes on the rise across Asia: a growing danger beneath the surface

The dramatic rescue of a motorist from a sinkhole on a busy Singapore road has cast new light on an alarming trend across Asia – the increasing frequency and severity of sinkholes swallowing roads, vehicles, and in some cases entire buildings.

The Asian take on recognition of a Palestinian State

Muslim-majority nations or those seeking to expand their influence in the Middle East will support or reaffirm recognition. Meanwhile, countries embedded in US frameworks or enjoying ties with Israel are are expected to remain cautious.

The top three ‘megatrends’ set to transform the Asia Pacific region

The rapid development of technologies such as generative AI and the metaverse is already changing how people in Asia Pacific live, work, socialise and shop.

Recent floods across Asia kill hundreds, leave devastation in their wake

From South and Southeast Asia to Central and East Asia, communities have been grappling with flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outbursts as warming temperatures and shifting monsoon dynamics fuel increasingly erratic weather.

Intel pulls back from Costa Rica in fresh blow to manufacturing hub

Intel Corp will close its chip assembly and testing facility in Costa Rica as part of a global restructuring programme designed to improve operational efficiency, in the latest withdrawal by a multinational manufacturer from the country.

Ceasefire in Cambodia–Thailand border conflict to commence at midnight, July 28

The decision, which brings a halt to five days of escalating violence along the border, was made during a dialogue facilitated by Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN Chair, with co-organisation by the United States and the involvement of China.

ASIA BLOG: If the Thailand-Cambodia conflict escalates, Vietnam won’t stand idle – nor will the US and China

The current flare-up between Thailand and Cambodia feels different from previous disputes. What initially appeared to be a limited skirmish over disputed borderland and nationalist rhetoric now carries the faint, unmistakable whiff of escalation.

ASEAN chair urges Cambodia and Thailand to cease hostilities and pursue dialogue

ASEAN Chairperson Anwar Ibrahim has called on Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate the current military conflict and enter into negotiations, following clashes that erupted on July 24.

5G, AI convergence holds key to transformative growth in ASEAN

A new report from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy has called on ASEAN governments to seize a narrowing window of opportunity to drive transformative economic growth through the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence.

ASEAN in 2025: still relevant, but only just

Founded on August 8 1967, in Bangkok, ASEAN has long prided itself on unity in diversity, guided by the principles of non-interference and consensus-based decision-making.

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession: A milestone moment despite deepening dilemmas

Timor-Leste’s road to ASEAN has been a protracted one. After over a decade of evaluations and delays, including a pandemic, ASEAN granted “in-principle” approval in 2022. The final decision was confirmed during the 46th ASEAN Summiit.

ASIA BLOG: The global fallout of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan

There have already been rumblings in Taiwan that self destruction of key infrastructure would be preferential to Chinese takeover.

Biofuel development in Southeast Asia: a region turning greener by the day

COMMENT: Bogotá summit marks Global South’s legal break with the West over Gaza

At the Bogotá summit, the Global South takes charge – no longer waiting for Western permission to enforce international law. From South Africa’s ICJ case to Colombia cutting ties with Israel, countries are defying US pressure over Gaza.