The Southeast Asian region, like every other part of the globe has had a tempestuous year in 2017 with many hurdles thrown its way. From the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State to Duterte’s war on drugs, it is undeniable that the region is still finding its footing on rights and democracy.While these issues may or may not see a resolution in 2018, there are other things that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc can look out for.

Bali's palm-fringed Kuta beach has long been a favourite with tourists seeking sun and surf, but nowadays its golden shoreline is disappearing under a mountain of garbage.Plastic straws and food packaging are strewn between sunbathers, while surfers bobbing behind the waves dodge waste flushed out from rivers or brought in by swirling currents."When I want to swim, it is not really nice.

Two sides of women’s rightsThis week, The ASEAN Post reported on Malaysia’s increased efforts to add women to boardrooms in 2018.

The Pope comes to townThe biggest story this week was Pope Francis’ visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh.

As the Southeast Asian region develops rapidly, its future lies in sustainable development. The combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) members stands at 2.4 trillion dollars. As a singular economic bloc, ASEAN is the seventh largest economy in the world and is poised to be the fourth largest by 2050. The annual average projected growth from 2016 to 2020 is approximately 5.2 percent.