ASEAN represents one of the most dynamic parts of the global energy system with its energy demand growing by 60% over the past 15 years. Robust economic and demographic growth pushes this strong demand.
As Southeast Asian leaders arrive in Singapore this week for the 32nd ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) today called for the urgent need to tackle human rights concerns and reform in the region.In an open letter to the attending heads of state, the APHR called on Singapore as chair of the grouping this year to pay emphasis to emerging security challenges rooted in the flimsy human rights laws within member states.
While many countries across the globe are cutting down on their military expenditure, ASEAN member states are heading in the opposite direction. Over the last 15 years, the total defence spending of Southeast Asian countries has doubled in absolute terms, with Thailand and Indonesia becoming witness to military expenditure growth rates of 10% on a year-by-year basis. Connected to the rise in defence spending is an increase in a procurement of armaments.
It’s that time of year again. Starting from tomorrow, the heads of state from all 10 ASEAN countries will meet and discuss the biggest issues in the region today. Hosting the ASEAN Summit for the 32nd time is Singapore, the Chairman of ASEAN 2018. The theme of Singapore’s chairmanship is “Resilient and Innovative”, which perfectly encapsulates the attitude ASEAN needs to take in the face of today’s global challenges.
Myanmar State Counsellor and de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi will be skipping the 32nd edition of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit taking place in Singapore this week. This will be her first time missing the summit after coming into power in 2016.According to government spokesperson, Zaw Htay, newly sworn President Win Myint will be taking Suu Kyi’s place. He did not specify the exact reason for her absence at the summit.
Indonesia recently concluded the Indonesia-Africa Forum held in Nusa Dua, Bali which saw the attendance of over 500 delegates from Indonesia and Africa. The forum was held to foster a strong economic relationship between Indonesia and Africa.The forum was attended by participants from over 50 African countries, including government officials and diplomats, members of state-owned companies and the private sector.
Although divided by arbitrary physical borders, the ASEAN region is digitally interconnected. In light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technological progress should not be deemed a success, rather it is very much a necessity. More people within the ASEAN citizenry now own smartphones and other digital devices that enable them to keep abreast with what is going on in the complex world around them.
Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bear minimal historical responsibility to carbon emissions but are equally suffering the impact of climate change as its effects on the world become more apparent. True ‘climate justice’ was needed and in December 2015, with the adoption of the Paris Agreement by 195 countries, justice was served.
An impressive period of sustained economic success has seen energy demand in Southeast Asia increase beyond twofold. These trends emerge against the backdrop of evolving global energy dynamics, in light of rapid urbanisation among ASEAN member states. This situation has created a challenging environment for policymakers in navigating bilateral and regional relationships, even though a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ASEAN Energy Cooperation was ratified on the 24 June, 1986.
Southeast Asia has been a significant venue for strategic competition between the United States (US) and China for a long time. The great power tussle between the two is best conceptualised in the dual hierarchy model posited by Princeton University Professor of International Affairs, Gilford John Ikenberry.
From ubiquitous palm oil and rubber estates in Malaysia to long beaches and pristine waters in Indonesia, Southeast Asia is home to a wide array of resources and locations of interest. Italy, a European giant in its own right, is observant of this matter and has realised the tremendous financial potential that the region has to offer.
Healthcare costs in the region are forecasted to spike in the coming years, according to research carried out by Solidiance, an Asia-focused corporate strategy consulting firm. Titled “The US$320 billion healthcare challenge in ASEAN”, the study focuses on the healthcare economy of six major Southeast Asian countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and The Philippines – dubbed the ASEAN 6.
