The United Kingdom’s (UK) decision to exit the European Union (EU) or Brexit as it is commonly known, is weighing on the economy, even as growth accelerates across the rest of the globe. The membership referendum that was agreed upon by the UK and the EU on 23 June, 2016 has left the Brits with reduced purchasing power as a weaker pound has caused prices to increase across the board.

The Southeast Asian region is a hotbed for development. The digital economy of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) alone currently generate US$150 billion in revenue annually and could potentially add US$1 trillion to its collective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the coming decade. Information technology (IT) is fast reshaping the way ASEAN citizens live, work and interact with one another.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Commonwealth are two global blocs that share many similarities. The peoples within both entities can relate to one another through shared values of tolerance, respect, and understanding. Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore are three ASEAN countries that are also part of the Commonwealth. It is interesting to note that the first biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in Singapore in 1971.

The renewable energy sector in Southeast Asia has progressed in leaps and bounds. From the harnessing of biomass to the use of water in generating electricity, there is room for tremendous economic growth as well as the obvious positive of caring for an ailing environment. However, one has to ask the question; are the mechanisms put in place for the harnessing of these resources safe for the trifecta that is air, land, and water?

From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the crowded roads of Hanoi, Southeast Asia as a whole is no stranger to traffic congestion. With a population spurt and rapid urbanisation, it is no surprise that such a situation can be seen on a daily basis. The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the region has definitely caught the attention of many.

As Southeast Asia becomes one of the fastest developing regions in the world, concerns over its energy security is fast growing. Southeast Asia has a combined population of over 600 million people and an economy worth nearly US$3 trillion. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum forecasts that the region will have the fifth largest economy by 2020. With the region developing rapidly, demand for energy is now higher than ever.

Singapore can check one thing off its to-do-list for its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the year – the successful completion of the 32nd ASEAN Summit. This curtain raiser summit has set the stage for the island republic’s aspirations for ASEAN throughout the year.

When pioneer of the ride-hailing business, Uber announced that it will exit the Southeast Asian market, consumers feared that this would effectively mean a Grab monopoly in the market. However, ever since Uber’s exit, many new startups have entered the ride-hailing business looking to fill the gap left by Uber. Throughout the region, new ride-hailing apps are mushrooming.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrived in Singapore early this week for an official visit ahead of the 32nd ASEAN Summit. Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the official visit at the invitation of Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. The visit was to celebrate the 45-year relationship between both countries since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973. The visit also marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore in 2013.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Musa Hitam will be representing Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak as head of the Malaysian delegation to the 32nd ASEAN Summit held in Singapore from 27-28 April 2018.While no explicit reason for Razak's absence was given, Razak who is also party chairman of the ruling Barisan Nasional, is expected to be tending to domestic commitments as Malaysia braces for elections in early May.