ASEAN News

The magical Hoi An, the City of Lanterns in Vietnam, was recognized as the best sustainable travel destination in February 2026, a combination of UNESCO heritage and eco-innovations. Ancient streets with lanterns, boats on Thu Bon River, and silk workshops attract eco-friendly tourists who want low-impact luxury. The town is the first to adopt green riding through e-bikes, electric shuttles, …

The Hills Lunar Street Festival brings Hong Kong Lunar New Year vibrancy to Castle Hill Main Street, Sydney, on February 28, 2026 (2-9pm), closing traffic for a pedestrian paradise celebrating the Year of the Horse. Anticipate food trucks: dumplings, ramen, dragon beard candy, and bubble tea; lion dance, Chinese juggling, stage show, and roving entertainment; family activities through face painting, …

The Philippines, as ASEAN 2026 chair, unveiled its theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” to pivot from reactive crisis handling toward Vision 2045 implementation. The priorities include Peace and Security Anchors (South China Sea COC, Myanmar engagement), Prosperity Corridors (DEFA digital economy pact, MSME excellence center, semiconductor roadmap), and People Empowerment (creative industries hub, inclusive growth). It is based on the …

Malaysia pledged full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairmanship during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu on January 29, 2026, affirming confidence in Manila’s leadership under “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed 88 successes from Malaysia’s 2025 tenure across security, economy, and culture pillars, urging translation into Vision 2045 actions for sustainable, inclusive …

Myanmar’s Hpa-an and Pindaya have clinched the prestigious ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards for 2026, recognizing exemplary cleanliness, sustainability, and tourism management. The capital of Kayin State, Hpa-an, is the next recipient of this award after winning its 2025 ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award, and presents the unpolluted nature of Sadan Cave, and the eco-programmes. Pindaya in Shan State was …

Netflix continues to solidify its commitment to Southeast Asian storytelling with the announcement of a high-octane ASEAN crime drama. This is a grandiose project, situated against the sheer and rough scenery of not only Malaysia but also the Philippines, in an attempt to bind the region stories to the global audience. The series is based upon a multi-national syndicate and …

On January 26, 2026, at the Nustar Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines, the 63 rd ASEAN National Tourism Organizations Meeting was inaugurated, bringing together senior officials of all 11 member countries of ASEAN, not to mention dialogue partners. Hosted amid Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairmanship, it assesses programs for future-ready tourism: sustainability, digital innovation, and community benefits under “Navigating Our Future …

Japan’s Mirumi bot, a furry robotic bag charm from Yukai Engineering, has stormed social media as 2026’s breakout fashion trend. The gadget is based on a sloth bear and is tilted with its head, nods at a pat, and reacts to touch, released on January 21, 2025, debuting at CES 2025, and launched on Kickstarter. It can also be clipped …

Bohol is in the process of preparing to host serious ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) conferences beginning January 26, 2026, in Panglao, the Philippines launch as 2026 ASEAN Chair. Senior economic officials from 10 member states, plus Timor-Leste observers, will convene for the 57th ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meeting (SEOM 1/57) and 18th AEC Committee of the Whole, discussing Priority Economic …

Global financial services giant Macquarie has found Malaysia as the best destination in Southeast Asian investment strategies, thus making it their top destination in the region in the years to come. This positive pricing puts the country in a better position over the old movers and shakers and this is an indication of a strong reversal of investor confidence. The …