2018 proved to be a tumultuous year for the region. Some ASEAN countries faced major challenges. For example, Indonesia was struck by disasters multiple times from earthquakes to a tragic plane crash to a devastating tsunami.

Last week, The ASEAN Post held its inaugural forum, titled Reimagining Southeast Asia 2018.

Singapore can now breathe easier as the 33rd ASEAN Summit came to a close yesterday, marking the end of its chairmanship. The second ASEAN summit of the year was a “star-studded affair” compared to the earlier one held in April.

The completion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has been delayed once again to 2019. Nevertheless, leaders at the recently concluded ASEAN Summit noted that negotiations have advanced to the final stage.

It is that time of year again when leaders from all over the region congregate and discuss key issues facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The ongoing trade war between the United States (US) and China is set to dominate discussions at the World Economic Forum on ASEAN currently being held in Hanoi.

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.

Negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are now at a “critical stage” with a conclusion “finally in sight,” Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said last weekend.

Negotiators of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have, for the past six years, weathered many rounds of negotiations and ministerial meetings but the trade deal still hasn’t come to fruition.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) inched closer to completion last March when the ministers of all 16 countries met in Singapore for their fourth intersessional meeting.