Showing 1 - 6 of 6
Asean's moment of truth is now
Oped, Mari Elka Pangestu & Tan Sri Rebecca Fatimah Sta Maria, Published on 05/11/2025
» For decades, integration into the global trading system has been vital to economic growth and development. Now, however, integration implies vulnerability, as powerful actors -- beginning with the US -- wield tariffs, export restrictions, and financial sanctions. For Southeast Asia, this turn of events represents both a warning and a call to action: countries must work together to shape their own destiny or others will decide their fate for them.
Challenging Asean digital sovereignty
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/09/2025
» Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are busy finalising a draft of a Digital Economic Framework Agreement (Defa) -- this digital framework is hoped to boost regional bloc intra-trade, attract foreign investment, and transform the grouping into a global digital hub. As the current chair, Malaysia is eager to see the world's first such agreement concluded under its leadership.
Asean builds trust in digital future
Oped, Satvinder Singh & Thomas Beloe, Published on 26/05/2025
» As Asean jockeys to be at the heart of the modern digital economy, fostering trust is key to reaping the benefits of growing digitalisation and further empowering the vulnerable segments of the population.
Trump should revisit his tariff schemes
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/04/2025
» President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, marking "Liberation Day", hit foes and friends of the US equally. The immediate effect is that Mr Trump has rallied the rest of the world to prepare for a future without US dominance. To put it mildly, they must become less dependent on the US in every possible way -- unless Mr Trump changes his approach.
Trump redux and US-Thai-Asean ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/11/2024
» Under President Donald Trump, the trajectory of US-Thai-Asean relations will be defined by three factors -- rising trade imbalances, intensifying US-China rivalry and Asean's long-term aspirations under its Community Vision 2045. Donald Trump's "America First" policies will impose many challenges.
Bridge gap to boost digitalisation
Oped, Livia Feliciani Nazara & Ivana Markus, Published on 04/10/2023
» Asean has been actively promoting its efforts to digitalise as the region advances its gleaming vision of a digitally integrated regional economy. Noteworthy progress has been made, and ongoing initiatives seem to be up to par. However, the faster digital transformation occurs, the wider the digital divide becomes. Disparities in digital adoption have emerged among Asean Member States (AMS), marked by some countries having sufficient digital capabilities, access, and infrastructure, while others face constraints in accessing these digital technologies and are not as lucky.