Economy & Resources
Public Support for Anti-Dynasty Law Grows as Filipinos Demand Governance Reform
Growing public support for an anti-political dynasty law in the Philippines reflects rising frustration over corruption and entrenched political power. Yet experts warn that passing a law alone will not solve deeper governance problems rooted in inequality, weak political institutions, and uneven political awareness. A recent Pulse Asia survey found that 64% of Filipinos support legislation limiting or banning political dynasties, up fro...
Jul 17, 2026
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The $10 Mansion Sale Reviving Questions About Malaysia's 1MDB Scandal
For a brief moment, speculation swirled that fugitive financier Jho Low could receive a pardon in the United States. The rumors quickly proved unfounded. But almost as they faded, another development brought the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal back into the headlines. This time, the focus is not on Jho Low himself. It is on a mansion in one of New Jersey's wealthiest neighborhoods that officially changed hands for just $10. ...
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Philippines Energy Crisis Is Fueling Its Push for Greater ASEAN Cooperation
The Philippines is experiencing a record surge in spending on solar energy as the global energy crisis pushes households and businesses away from fossil fuels. Rising electricity costs have accelerated demand for rooftop solar panels, making the country the world's biggest spender on solar panels since the Strait of Hormuz crisis began. That surge is about more than renewable energy. It highlights how exposed the Philippines remains to e...
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Papua New Guinea Secures $25 Million to Expand Drinking Water Networks
On June 5, EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), announced a $25 million financing package for Papua New Guinea (PNG) to expand drinking water infrastructure in towns across the country. The investment comes as PNG faces one of the world's most severe water access challenges. Despite abundant freshwater resources, only 37-45% of the population has access to basic drinking water services, with coverage in ...
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ASEAN Countries Are Joining Forces to Pump More Oil Without Drilling New Fields
Some of Southeast Asia's largest energy companies are joining forces to produce more oil from fields that have been operating for decades. Rather than searching for new discoveries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are working together to extend the life of existing oil fields using technologies that can recover oil previously left underground. The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen Southeast Asia's energy security after...
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