ASEAN News

In the realm of international diplomacy, South Korea is embarking on a clandestine journey that could rewrite the rules of its engagement with the enigmatic giant, China. After nearly a decade in diplomatic hibernation, Chinese President Xi Jinping might soon grace South Korean soil, hinting at a seismic shift in the geopolitical tectonics as Seoul edges ever closer to Uncle …

In a riveting tale that could have been plucked from the annals of a Hollywood thriller, Hong Kong is buzzing with intrigue and speculation as the orchestrators of the city’s most colossal financial fraud remain shrouded in mystery. As the HK$1.4 billion (US$178 million) JPEX cryptocurrency platform scandal continues to send shockwaves through the city, the question that looms largest …

In a daring step that might transform Japan’s economic landscape, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida outlined an ambitious plan to establish specialized business zones built specifically for asset management companies. This ambitious effort intends to access the remarkable 2.1 quadrillion yen ($14.2 trillion) in assets held by Japanese individuals, in addition to revitalizing Japan’s burgeoning asset management business. However, there are …

In the aftermath of an enigmatic summit between North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a cryptic warning that reverberated through the hushed corridors of geopolitics. Yoon’s cautionary words hinted at a shadowy nexus of intrigue involving South Korea, its allies, North Korea, and Russia—an unsettling puzzle that began to …

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the experience for East and Southeast Asian tourists, Alipay, the world’s largest digital payment platform, is broadening its global network to encompass 10 major e-wallets from across the region. This expansion, introduced under the “Alipay+” cross-border payments program, paves the way for a more seamless travel and spending experience in the People’s Republic …

As prosecutors take the daring step of requesting an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-myung, a prominent member of the Democratic Party and a significant opposition figure, South Korea finds itself enmeshed in an intense political drama. Amidst heightened political tensions, Lee’s protracted hunger strike, and accusations of corruption, this development is taking place. Lee Jae-myung’s Crimes The choice to ask …

In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day, known as “Keiro no Hi,” is a cherished national holiday observed on the third Monday of September. It serves as a beautiful blend of celebrating the wisdom and resilience of the elderly, advocating for their well-being, and promoting the ideals of peace—an intricate tapestry of traditions and contemporary expressions. Honoring the Elderly The …

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently held its 43rd summit, which provided insight into the growing alliance between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK), with a particular emphasis on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s role in promoting regional centrality and universal multilateralism in opposition to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. Historical Foundation and …

Following a stunning victory in the most recent election, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Senior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, was sworn in as the country’s ninth President, creating history in Singapore. This article examines the significance of his presidency, the changing responsibilities of the Singaporean President, and the long-term effects of this achievement for Singapore. The election of Tharman Shanmugaratnam …

Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia, has made it very obvious to the rest of the world that his country is not a “banana republic” where financial misdeeds go unpunished. Anwar recently signaled a significant shift in Malaysia’s strategy toward resolving this issue during his speech at the Milken Institute’s Asia Summit in Singapore. Anwar expressed his desire to …