Freedom of religious practise is a constitutionalised law that has been established in all 10 ASEAN countries. However therein lies the difference between establishing a law and enforcing it. Certain nations experienced severe backlash due to infringement on their religious practises caused by discrimination.

Every child deserves a right to live a life without having to succumb to social exclusions. In spite of that, children in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region are still vulnerable with no proper protection to guide and lead them into a healthy self and societal development.

In the city of Monessen, Pennsylvania, then presumptive US Presidential candidate, Donald Trump took to the stage to address a crowd of supporters.“Today, I am going to talk about how to Make America Wealthy Again,” he began.Trump then continued his barrage of outrage and criticisms towards the elites who have been exporting jobs from the US and stifling the American middle class. His speech culminated to the unveiling of his own plan to bring jobs back to the country.

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region is a cluster of nations renowned for its rapidly growing economy which has placed it as the seventh largest economy worldwide. Despite the progression of these Southeast Asian nations, there are still a few issues that need to be addressed, one of which is mental health and the lack of awareness about mental illnesses.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that "only one thing will work" with North Korea as he acknowledged the fact that diplomatic efforts in the past have consistently failed.

MonarchsThis week, the monarchs in ASEAN countries were prominently featured in news articles across the region. On Thursday, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is 71 years old this year, celebrated his 50-year reign in style. The sultan was pulled on a grand golden chariot through the capital city.

World renowned philosopher Plato once said, "we can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."At a time when the rest of the world is fighting for tolerance and human rights, the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are seemingly lagging behind in promoting equality for all. The region is facing issues pertaining to gender equality in the workforce.

Education policies are a vital function in transforming the education landscape and configuring the learning outcomes of any nation. A prominent feature of a successful educational transformation is that it’s guided by a clear goal or vision. This would ideally be implemented through coherent planning, micro-management and a constant monitoring process.

“ASEAN centrality is not a magic incantation whose mere invocation makes all our dreams come true. Nor is it an objective reality that exists irrespective of perceptions – ASEAN centrality is more akin to the sound of Berkeley’s falling tree than Johnson’s immovable rock.”Ambassador-at-Large at the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bilahari Kausikan is no stranger to eloquence when delivering his thoughts to an eager audience.

On October 5, 2017 Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (71), kicked off the celebration of his 50-year-rule of the oil-rich nation. After the passing of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Hassanal has become the second longest reigning monarch after United Kingdom's revered Queen Elizabeth II – who has reigned for 66 years to date.