ASEAN News

Tourist-dependent Bali will impose a $10 tax on travellers entering the Indonesian resort Haven from next year onwards in order to preserve its environment and culture, officials said Wednesday. The fee will have to be paid electronically. While domestic Indonesian tourists would be spared, foreign tourists entering the island from abroad or from other parts of the country would need …

After failing to engage Myanmar’s junta in talks, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has made a mess by meeting Aung San Suu Kyi in detention. He is the only diplomat to have met the ousted Myanmar leader since she was detained when the army seized power in February, 2021.  Don, who is also the deputy prime minister of Thailand, told …

The foreign ministers of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, held a meeting on Wednesday to address an intensifying conflict in Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups.  The meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations took place in Jakarta, the capital of …

Leaders worldwide are struggling to deal with ‘an epidemic of loneliness’. Numerous health experts believe it’s an underappreciated public health emergency that’s been putting societal health at risk. Similar concerns have been raised in Singapore as well. While loneliness is a major public health crisis for Singaporeans of all ages, the situation is particularly worse for older citizens. Scientific studies …

The recent report from The Guardian, highlighting Ukraine’s strategy as a model for Taiwan to strengthen its military in response to the perceived threat from China, sheds light on the evolving dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and the importance of strategic planning in addressing security challenges. While each situation is unique, drawing lessons from successful strategies can be beneficial in …

The recent statement by Paraguay’s President-Elect Pena, as reported by Channel News Asia, expressing his admiration for Taiwan and pledging strong ties with President Tsai Ing-wen, highlights the importance of diplomatic relationships and the value of friendship between nations. This declaration signals a positive step towards strengthening the partnership between Paraguay and Taiwan. Acknowledging Taiwan as a “great friend” reflects …

As global powers race to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the U.S. in the lead, China is following a different path. Beijing has acknowledged the enthusiasm surrounding this technological leap and prefers to walk the path of regulation. This is a different path but will lead China’s AI development in the right direction.  Beijing aims to make …

The groundbreaking achievement of BLACKPINK’s Jennie, as reported by Forbes, as the first South Korean female artist to chart on Billboard marks a significant milestone for the K-pop industry and showcases the global impact of South Korean music. This achievement highlights the talent, hard work, and growing recognition of South Korean artists in the international music scene. K-pop has gained …

The recent article in The Manila Times highlighting Japan’s seaweed expertise sheds light on the country’s innovative approach to seaweed cultivation and the potential benefits of this super crop. Japan’s long-standing tradition of utilizing seaweed in various aspects of its cuisine and culture has now evolved into a strategic focus on sustainable agriculture and the exploration of new applications for …

The forthcoming response from South Korea to Japan’s plan to discharge treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, as reported by Reuters, represents a critical moment in environmental diplomacy between the two countries. The decision South Korea makes in this matter carries significant implications for regional cooperation, public health concerns, and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Japan’s proposal to release …