Collectively, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is ranked third in terms of population, sixth in gross domestic product (GDP) and fourth in trade value. In the recently concluded ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting, it was announced that the combined GDP of the association reached US$2.8 trillion in 2017, a 5.3 percent growth year-on-year, up from 4.8 percent in 2016. Growth is expected to remain stable at around 5.2 percent in 2018 and 2019.

It’s a given that while Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution opens windows of opportunity for some countries, it provides challenges to others, forcing them to play catch-up. In Cambodia, people still rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Fintech is taking over Indonesia. With a growing middle class and high internet penetration, fintech firms are mushrooming all over the country. In 2016, there were only around 50 firms operating in Indonesia and it is believe that there are more than 150 fintech firms running in the country right now. Many of the proponents for fintech are claiming that fintech will herald in a new era of banking, while sceptics are more cynical of the advantages that fintech could bring to consumers.

The worst may be over for Indonesia’s markets, according to the country’s biggest mutual fund manager.The rebound in private consumption seen in the second quarter may keep going as the government maintains support to sustain the momentum, says Irwanti, director and portfolio manager at PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia.

It is irrefutable that rice is the staple food of Southeast Asia. This love affair with the seed of the grass species, oryza sativa is not only rooted in the tangible world but has its own mystical underpinnings to it. Such a relationship is observed through the worshipping of the goddess of rice, fertility, and wealth, Dewi Sri, by communities in what is now modern-day Indonesia, prior to the advent of Islam.

Hordes of Chinese tourists descend upon an idyllic island paradise. Their boisterous and noisy nature scares away their more “cultured” Western counterparts. For all the resources spent on attracting them to visit, the local tourism industry makes very little from their spending.This is the bane of “zero-dollar tourism” run by Chinese operators. Travel agencies in China offer free or very cheap tour packages, which cover meals and accommodation.

To ease traffic congestion in the Philippines’ main financial centre, there’s no way to go but underground and afloat, said businessman Antonio Tiu, who is leading a venture for one of two subway projects in the capital region.IRC Properties Inc., Tiu’s venture with Chinese and Hong Kong companies for a US$3.7 billion underground system in Metro Manila’s Makati City, has also submitted an offer to run and upgrade the rickety Pasig River ferry service, he said in an interview on 25 August.

Ever since the National League for Democracy (NLD) was elected to government at the end of 2015, Myanmar’s economy has been opening up and quietly growing steadily. In an effort to open up its economy, the government in Myanmar has taken various steps in making the country more attractive to investors.

Cambodia’s plans to boost its cassava industry has hit a snag with an outbreak of the mosaic virus. Thailand, a main importer of Cambodia’s cassava issued a warning in June that it may ban the produce if necessary.The virus has not appeared in Thailand before and officials there fear an outbreak will lead to substantial losses to the nation’s agriculture sector and cassava industry. It is the world’s largest exporter of tapioca products, making up over 50 percent of the global market share.

The unique and diverse range of recreational activities and travel options in this region has made Southeast Asia a top destination for tourists.