Former Myanmar lawmaker Shwe Maung was presented with a stark choice: Use the term “Rohingya” or lose his political career in July 2015. His account brings back to light Myanmar’s longstanding Rohingya identity crisis, where identity, citizenship and political rights are all intertwined. Shwe Maung remembers his meeting with senior USDP official U Aung Thaung. He states that Aung Thaung …

Thadingyut Festival of Lights is one of the most important Buddhist festivals of Myanmar, which signifies the end of 3-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa). The festival, which spans three public holidays, is observed across the family and community by participating in religious activities, lighting up pagodas and treating everyone with respect. The in-depth experience of Thadingyut Pyokkum Myanmar will be enhanced …

Halloween has become a popular seasonal celebration in a few cities across Asia as the month of October offers them colourful decorations, creative costumes and spooky treats. People are taking to haunted houses in Singapore, parties in Japan and street festivals in Hong Kong to enjoy the occasion in new ways. Different ways of Halloween celebrations across Asia reflect the …

Holidays in Southeast Asian travellers now involve more than just the many famous landmarks and busy cities, as well as the popular beaches. There are those who are looking for more peaceful locations, local dishes, nature and activities. This is affecting the region’s changing tourism. Ever wonder why Southeast Asians are choosing hidden destinations over tourist hotspots? It stands out …

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 …

Geopolitical tensions can easily affect today’s global economy, and the negative consequences can quickly travel thousands of miles to supermarket shelves and fuel stations. Shipping lines, commodity markets and the financial system are all easily affected. 2026 is a reminder to Southeast Asia about the value of geopolitical stability to economic security. The region’s increased reliance on imported energy and …

Situated at the crossroads of ASEAN’s upcoming major chapter, the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future Blueprint is a long-term strategy that could drive the next century of progress along the ASEAN region. As the world quickly changes and new geopolitical challenges arise, ASEAN will continue to push cooperation amongst its 10-member states and to seek more opportunities for future generations. …

Now is the most awaited sports event of the year. The historic match is now in its exciting finale in North America, with billions of football fans getting ready for the ultimate match. For Singaporeans, Malaysians, Thais and all other ASEAN citizens, you don’t have to pay for a costly cable package to see the action. By understanding the legal …

ASEAN has been a long-standing anchor for stability in Southeast Asia, laying the groundwork for economic and political cooperation, establishing dialogue, and promoting a security architecture based on rules and mutual respect. Today, with several complex challenges facing the region, it is as vital as ever that ASEAN continues to be part of the management of these challenges. Founding Principles: …

China has made substantial gains recently while the United States has seen a relative fall, underscoring the shifting tides of influence in Southeast Asia. Recent research from Sydney’s Lowy Institute highlights China’s increasing influence in the region, notably in terms of its diplomatic and economic engagement. The United States has issues as a result of this shift, but it also …