TensionsTensions have risen in Southeast Asia over the past week, particularly in Myanmar and the Philippines. Scores of Rohingya refugees who were fleeing their homeland in northern Rakhine state of Myanmar found themselves stranded at the Bangladeshi border.
East Timor's new government has suffered a major setback after opposition parties vetoed its policy programme, a blow that could see the impoverished young democracy return to the polls.The Fretilin party, which won the July election by a narrow margin, did not receive enough votes to govern alone and has formed a minority coalition government with the Democratic Party.With only 30 seats in the 65-seat house, the government relies on confidence and supply from other parties in parliament
Due to their unregulated nature, cryptocurrencies and the businesses that they have created occupy a grey area in Southeast Asia. However, they have undoubtedly become a major focus area for ASEAN businesses.This isn’t surprising, considering the advantages that cryptocurrencies bring to the table. Their adoption can reduce costs and increase security and convenience for both consumers and businesses.The cryptocurrency market is expected to see massive growth over the next six years.
Southeast Asian nations have become increasingly concerned over environmental issues in recent years as the region has become more polluted due to rapid urbanisation and deforestation. As a whole, the region has to deal with transboundary haze pollution, depletion of natural resources and urban environmental degradation.
Even after 50 years since the formation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), women representation in boardrooms across Southeast Asian countries is still lagging behind most developed nations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a polarising subject in recent years. There are technology luminaries who are avid proponents, like Mark Zuckerberg, and those who have shared serious misgivings, like Elon Musk.Much of the opposition to AI development hinges on a concept once found in science fiction novels – AI’s ability to outthink and outmanoeuvre humans.Recent examples, like Google’s AlphaGo defeating 18-time Go champion Lee Sedol, have given the public a reason to pause. Why?
Following the US's departure from the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) trade deal earlier this year, many ASEAN countries are now turning their focus to the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership).
The humanitarian crisis afflicting Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya has damaged the country’s political stability and shattered its image as a country moving toward democracy.
MilitaryMilitary forces were being mobilised across the region due to the rise of conflicts and insurgents. In Myanmar, the army continued to deny the severity of its actions which drove over half a million of Rohingya Muslims out of their home in northern Rakhine state and into refugee camps in Bangladesh.Up north, USA's navy force will be conducting a military drill with its South Korean counterpart as a show of force against North Korea's nuclear threats.
Green Lungs in the ASEAN regionGreen spaces or "green lungs" in cities play a vital role to its surrounding milieu. They do not only provide oxygen to the densely-populated concrete jungles, but also serves as a dedicated space for recreational activities. Many cities in the Southeast Asian region have picturesque parks and hilly landscapes to counter-balance the urban sprawl.
South Korean President, Moon Jae-in will be visiting three ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries next month – namely Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines for the first time since assuming office in May this year.His visit to Indonesia on the November 8 will kickstart the three-nation tour of the region where he is scheduled to meet his Indonesian counterpart – President Joko Widodo – and is expected to hold a summit in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the deadly 2002 Bali bombings. On October 12, 2002, tragedy hit Indonesia when three bombs devastated the world-renowned tourist island of Bali. The attack took the lives of 202 individuals from 21 countries across the world.The incident took place only one year after the 911 attack in the US.
