Southeast Asia is fast becoming one of the hubs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Over the past five years, the region has established itself as a leader in implementing the latest technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud computing and fintech among others. However, for such technologies to truly reach their fullest potential, the current state of the internet, simply will not be enough.

Over the past decade, the financial services sector in Southeast Asia has seen growth that is nothing short of impressive. A more integrated approach in this sector has facilitated great strides in economic prosperity, with an increase in the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) standing as a testament to the methodical planning among ASEAN member countries.

Young inventors in ASEAN are starting to break barriers and push boundaries with innovative solutions for everyday problems. From helping to prevent infant deaths to creating a source of light which does not use electricity, Southeast Asia’s young inventors are slowly coming to the forefront.In Malaysia, a pair of students were so concerned by news articles about babies dying in vehicles after being left unattended that they decided to do something about it.

The relocation of production bases from China to ASEAN is perhaps the most notable benefit of the ongoing US-China trade war for the region.

The South China Sea’s Code Of Conduct (COC) will likely be on the agenda at this week’s ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, but analysts do not expect any major breakthroughs to be reached in Chiang Mai.The northern Thai city is the venue for the 17-18 January meeting which marks the first time Thailand plays host as the new chair for the 10-member bloc this year.Busadee Santipitaks, the Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bear minimal historical responsibility for global carbon emissions but are equally suffering the impact of climate change as its effects on the world become more apparent.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is said to be one of the biggest trade deals in the world. Spearheaded by ASEAN, it will encompass 25 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP), 45 percent of the total population, 30 percent of global income and 30 percent global trade.

Thanks to rapid development in Southeast Asia, ASEAN’s middle class is set to grow and become a critical segment of society, acting as a vital engine of growth in the region. It is expected that the middle class will rise from 29 percent in 2010 to 65 percent of the population by 2030.

The story of economic growth within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a remarkable one.

During the second half of 2018, the Southeast Asian region was hit with a number of catastrophic events beginning with the dam collapse in Lao and involving several tragedies in Indonesia. The ASEAN Post would like to bring its readers back and revisit key events and happenings throughout the second half of 2018. JULYPerhaps two of the most memorable things to have happened in July in the region was Cambodia’s election and the Lao dam collapse.