The Latest Breaking News from ASEAN

Two decades after Timor-Leste gained its independence, the country is a complicated and qualified success story. Poverty and deep economic problems persist, but the country boasts a thriving democracy. Its ascension to the ASEAN regional bloc will come later this month.

The trade minister hopes to meet US counterpart Jamieson Greer in what could provide a major opportunity at securing Australian tariff relief.

Thai security forces fire rubber bullets and tear gas at Cambodian civilians and leave at least 28 injured

The ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit (ACIYLS), now in its third year, is back to empower youth across Asia to tackle some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, focusing this year on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 – Climate Action.

The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has been hailed as a game changer for ASEAN. Launched in January 2025, this cross-border initiative brings together Malaysia’s land and workforce with Singapore’s capital and connectivity — aiming to be the future hub of trade, talent, and technology.

COMMENT: Promises in Anwar Ibrahim’s manifesto to repeal draconian legislation around media freedoms appear to be missing from the prime minister’s government, writes John Whittingdale

Repatriation of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers remains a sticking point

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to establish interim observer teams to monitor a fragile ceasefire that ended five days of deadly border clashes

DBS’s quarterly profit grew by 1%, yet the bank acknowledged “external uncertainties.” Profits at fellow banks UOB and OCBC fell.

Trump’s 40 percent tariff on transshipped goods casts clouds over ‘China Plus One’ manufacturing model.

IN FULL