ASEAN’s involvement with the BRICS is chipping away at one of the most salient points of Southeast Asian foreign policy – the need to maintain “space for diplomacy” with rivals. In January 2025 Indonesia formally entered the BRICS and in this same year Malaysia and Thailand were confirmed as partner countries, and in June 2025, Vietnam was added. The draw …

The new protocol to upgrade CAFTA, namely the “ASEAN-China Enhanced Free Trade Area“, digitalization, green concept and integrated supply chains will be more emphasized. Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are becoming markets of interest, with each having a distinct advantage in the region’s changing industrial landscape. Indonesia: EVs, Batteries and Green Data Centers The biggest advantage of Indonesia is her rich …

Typhoon Dujuan is expected to hit eastern Japan, threatening Japan’s annual Silver Week holiday. The week coming to end on September 23 may be full of disruption due to the holiday weekend. A system is in place to watch the weather. Dujuan’s Track Brings Kanto Into Focus As of 18th September Typhoon Dujuan was heading northwest over the Ogasawara Islands …

G-DRAGON, TAEYANG and DAESUNG will return to Indonesia with the BIGBANG Jakarta concert 2027 on January 16, 2027 at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). Fans will have to get ready their BIGBANG presale code, myBCA app and Loket queue ahead of each ticket sales window starting from 17th September. Below is the latest BIGBANG Jakarta ticket buying guide, which includes presale …

It’s essential for all drivers to comprehend the distinction between LTO license suspension and license revocation in the Philippines. Both can prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle, but the effects are different, as is the road to regaining a driver’s license. The amount of penalties can vary depending on the type of violation, the number of demerit points, …

On September 16, 2026, Samsung officially launched the One UI 9 update to its Galaxy S26, S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra for Galaxy devices. The update, which is based on Android 17, brings in extensive Galaxy AI features, more personalized options, privacy controls, and enhanced camera capabilities. There’s one thing with the Philippine Galaxy that has to be noted, however, …

The MyKad application 2026 process is important in Malaysia with an update. The MyKad Generasi Baharu is now being issued at selected branches by the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), and will be available for printing on the same day if they are eligible for issuance. The new card feature comes with redesigned security and design features, but existing MyKad holders …

Japan is not always simply placing a new life inside an old shell. Japan is changing the nature of its naval approach, if you will, via the conversion of her Kaga sister ships and JSD Sinpo’s newly built JS Kaju and JS Izumo into STOVL capable vessels.  The vessels are being modified to house the F-35B short-takeoff and vertical-landing fighters, …

ASEAN adopted a visionary shared future of ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, a new 20-year journey for ASEAN. The roadmap aims to aspire in the achievement of a “resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred” ASEAN that is able to adapt to the change and challenge of the economy, technology, geopolitics and more. Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has been …

The U.S. House’s passing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262-159 is another area of trade risk for India. The bill doesn’t mandate tariffs on Russian oil and gas, but rather allows for tariffs up to 100% on important importers to Russia such as India and China. What the Bill Allows? This law …