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=sectionMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability" in 2024. The bloc, which comprises 10 member states including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, aims to address pressing regional issues such as disputes in the South China Sea and the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. This year, Malaysia will host over 300 key meetings and programs, including the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Plus China Summit in May 2025. The country also plans to undertake initiatives in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1959418/malaysia-officially-assumes-chair-of-asean-for-2025The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a leadership role in working towards ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia-Pacific region. AHF, which serves over 400,000 clients across 10 countries, is eager to contribute its expertise to support ASEAN's ambitious goals and proposes working through platforms such as the ASEAN GO-NGOs Forum to promote collaboration and address inequalities. The organization believes that by building partnerships with governments, civil society, and international agencies, and focusing on community-based approaches, ASEAN can demonstrate that ending AIDS is within reach, saving lives, reducing healthcare costs, boosting workforce productivity, and strengthening communities.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241231516336/en/AHF-Urges-ASEAN-to-Lead-the-Fight-on-HIVAIDS-in-the-Asia-Pacific-RegionThe Philippine Council For Foreign Relations (PCFR) emphasizes the Philippines' unique position in the world, particularly its role as a Eurasian culture within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The country's geographical location at the center of an archipelagic continent is highlighted, along with its marine biodiversity-rich waters. This positioning gives the Philippines a significant responsibility to protect its blue economy and marine ecosystem, which are crucial for global security and prosperity.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/02/opinion/columns/voice-of-a-vision/2029057The Philippines is shifting its trade focus towards the Asian region, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), due to concerns that it may lose preferential trade perks. According to Tereso Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), this strategy aims to promote intra-Asean trade and investments in addition to its traditional export markets in the US and Europe.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/02/business/top-business/peza-chief-says-ph-eyeing-regional-deals/2029134