China-Asean relations are usually described in two ways. One emphasises danger: the South China Sea, US-China rivalry, military pressure and risk of Southeast Asia being pulled into China’s orbit. The…
Economy
Vietnam pushes for homegrown AI infrastructure to fuel digital growth
Vietnam’s digital transformation ambitions increasingly depend on more than data, with AI infrastructure emerging as a strategic national priority. AI is now embedded in most corporate digital transfo…
ADB deploys $4bn to shield 14 nations, including Sri Lanka, from West Asia conflict
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it was spending 4 billion dollars in financing to help countries withstand the impact of the West Asia conflict, including about 3 billion requested by several go…
Bangladesh-born billionaire unveils $30 billion digital infrastructure plan for India
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and AirTrunk Founder and CEO, Robin Khuda, shaking hands after a meeting in New Delhi. Data centre giant AirTrunk, founded by Bangladesh-born Australian billionai…
Vietnam’s economy maintains strong growth despite global uncertainties
According to a report released on Tuesday by the Economic Agency of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, Vietnam has demonstrated resilience and maintained strong growth momentum despite slowin…
Philippines Can End Poverty and Build a Middle-Class Society by 2040 — But Only with Urgent Reforms
The Philippines can end poverty and become a predominantly middle-class society by 2040, but only if it acts now through comprehensive reforms that address the barriers to job creation and strengthen …
Envision Energy and Impact Electrons Siam to Develop Southeast Asia’s Largest Renewable Energy Hub in Laos, Including Green Hydrogen
Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, has signed a strategic partnership with Impact Electrons Siam (IES), one of Southeast Asia’s leading renewable energy developers, to jointly…
What will power growth amid uncertainty? Asean businesses say answer lies close to home
Asean businesses are looking closer to home for growth and investment opportunities amid global volatility and trade tensions. They are consolidating their growth regionally by reallocating capital an…
How Broadband Internet Reduces Rural Poverty in the Philippines
In the Philippines, geography has long stood between rural communities and the digital economy. Made up of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has had difficulty remaining fully connected in an i…
Nepal enters global top 20 in outsourcing competitiveness index
Nepal has ranked 19th globally in outsourcing competitiveness, driven largely by low labour costs and strong English proficiency, according to the Global Outsourcing Talent Index 2026 report published…