The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries have strengthened their collaboration on payment connectivity through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed in November 2022, aims to develop more efficient and inclusive cross-border payments. In addition to this initiative, the Philippines has also partnered with Pacific island countries under the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative, launched in November 2023, to address health workforce shortages in the region.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-asia-pacific-asean-south-china-sea-donald-trump-enrique-manalo-multilateralism-4847571The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has remained a bright spot for investments despite the global economic turmoil. Since its establishment as the Asean Economic Community a decade ago, the region has made progress in regional integration and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). For instance, UOB's FDI advisory unit was launched in Indonesia in 2013, indicating the growing interest of investors in the region.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3293376/asean-remains-investment-bright-spot-messy-global-economy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Malaysia-Singapore JS-SEZ, a special economic zone between two countries, marks an initial step towards closer integration between ASEAN economies. The agreement aims to pool resources and leverage each country's strengths, with the goal of realising the potential of the large ASEAN market. To bring this SEZ to life, a high-level committee will develop a blueprint, which will facilitate joint promotion and administrative infrastructure for investments. The Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Malaysia has already been established to expedite bureaucratic processes. By 2025, physical details of the vision for each node are expected to be implemented. To ensure long-term success, steps are being taken to address concerns about the project's political viability.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/johor-singapor-special-economic-zone-rafizi-ramli-malaysia-economy-minister-4847491Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The two leaders are set to discuss strengthening regional cooperation and addressing global challenges. However, the meeting was postponed due to Prabowo's fever, according to Anwar's statement on social media. Despite this, bilateral trade between the two countries remains strong, with a value of US$20.75 billion in 2024, an increase from US$20.69 billion in the same period in 2023. Indonesia is Malaysia's seventh-largest global trade partner and third-largest among ASEAN countries.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340710/prabowo-to-meet-anwar-ibrahim-during-malaysia-visit-on-thursday?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightAt the ASEAN Economic Opinion Leaders Conference, Nazir from BAC Malaysia emphasized the need for a cohesive partnership between the government, private sector, and ASEAN Secretariat to drive regional economic integration. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at enhancing integration among ASEAN members, including the creation of an ASEAN prospectus that would allow companies to raise capital across multiple countries, and the establishment of an ASEAN business entity that could benefit from the free movement of people and businesses within the region. Nazir noted that achieving economies of scale is crucial for ASEAN businesses to compete with global giants like China, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and integration to drive growth.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/01/09/nazir-razak-global-decoupling-offers-significant-opportunities-for-aseanCambodian opposition figure Lim Kimya was gunned down in Bangkok, marking a terrifying new reality for Southeast Asia's dissidents. Theary Seng, another Cambodian dissident, began a hunger strike over prison conditions ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to Cambodia for the ASEAN summits. In response, 31 opposition figures were sentenced to prison in a second mass trial, with police arresting prominent activist Theary Seng outside the courtroom. This deteriorating rights situation may upend Cambodia's chairmanship of ASEAN.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/cambodian-police-arrest-primary-suspect-in-slaying-of-former-mp/Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is hosting Singapore's prime minister for a visit to Malaysia, which began on June 11. The two leaders are set to meet at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya and discuss bilateral relations between their countries as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. They will also witness the signing of several agreements, including one on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. The JS-SEZ is expected to bring benefits to businesses and people from both sides by improving the flow of goods and services, making it easier to do business, and supporting talent development. This visit marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Singapore, which have a long-standing relationship as close neighbours and founding members of Asean.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/07/king-grants-audience-to-singapore-pm-lawrence-wong-at-istana-negara/162303Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have expressed confidence in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with Anwar noting that concerns over maritime cooperation have been addressed. The two leaders discussed outstanding bilateral issues, including airspace, water, and maritime delineation, during a press conference. They also touched on bolstering economic resilience bilaterally and within Asean, with Singapore hoping to use the bilateral relationship as a foundation for a stronger Asean under Malaysia's chairmanship in 2025.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/johor-singapore-special-economic-zone-agreement-signed-leaders-retreatThe negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea have stalled due to disagreements over key issues such as its geographical scope and relationship with the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Despite ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn's prediction that the code will be finalized by 2025, experts like Ian Storey from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute believe that without credible conflict management mechanisms, tensions in the region are likely to escalate with more aggressive actions such as ramming and military posturing.
https://channelnewsasia.com/commentary/south-china-sea-philippines-us-second-thomas-shoal-tension-asean-4834916