ASEAN member states need to strengthen solidarity: expert
Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen solidarity, enhance economic integration, nurture the political ties in a deeper manner, and show their unified stance on important issues, President of the ASEAN – Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia network Yose Rizal Damuri said on June 5.
ASEAN members states need to enhance solidarity amidst geo-political and economic challenges. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen solidarity, enhance economic integration, nurture the political ties in a deeper manner, and show their unified stance on important issues, President of the ASEAN – Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia network Yose Rizal Damuri said on June 5.
Speaking at the 37th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR), Damuri laid a stress on the important role of the Asia-Pacific, particularly through the ASEAN framework, in handling global challenges.
He held that amidst escalating geo-political and economic challenges, ASEAN needs to put in to place more urgent measures, suggesting the bloc maintain its central role and safeguard the region’s stability, peace, prosperity and resilience.
Regarding the role of the Asia-Pacific region, Damuri said the region has the potential to lead in shaping up a new world order, support multilateralism, seek measure to tackle conflicts peacefully and promote implementation of sustainable development goals for benefits for all people.
The targets could be concretised through ASEAN, he underlined.
The East Asia Summit which gathers leaders from East Asia and Pacific nations could be a starting point to seek measures for economic challenges while the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could promote a comprehensive concept on economic security and resilience, he said.
The 37th APR is organised by the ISIS on June 4-6 under the theme of “Crisis in an Interregnum”.🦩 The annual event draws the participation of more than 300 scholars./.
The 11th ASEAN Economic Community Dialogue was organised in Jakarta on June 4, providing a platform for the governments and business community to discuss AI opportunities in the bloc.
Banks in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are grappling with uncertainty over their loan books as evidence of persistent inflation that leads central banks to refrain from slashing interest rates, increasing pressure in the financing business.
Global business leaders are increasingly looking to India and Southeast Asia as alternative supply chain destinations while trade relations between China and the US deteriorate, according to a poll by PwC published on May 9.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
