Economy & Resources

The global trade war between the US and China has left many major economies grappling with uncertainty. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, countries have faced economic disruptions and challenges.   Surprisingly, Southeast Asia has emerged as an unexpected beneficiary. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, exports from Southeast Asia to the US have soared, growing by 23% in September 2025 compared to the previous...

Corruption remains one of the biggest challenges facing Southeast Asia. Across the region, it continues to weaken governance, slow economic growth, and damage public trust in political institutions. In countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, repeated corruption scandals and political instability have directly affected national economies and long-term development.   When corruption spreads through government systems, public money i...

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) late on January 12, 2026 for a pivotal one-day visit. Marcos was invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His arrival at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of an important diplomatic trip.   Key Bilateral Agreements on the Table The main focus of Marcos' visit is the signing of two major agreements between the Philippine...

On December 22, a Swiss court agreed to hear a climate lawsuit against Holcim, a large Swiss cement company. The decision marks the first time a Swiss tribunal has allowed a climate case against a major corporation.   The complaint was filed in January 2023 by four Indonesians from Pulau Pari, a small, low-lying island about 30 kilometers north of Jakarta. Much of the island sits barely 1.5 meters above sea level. As global temperatures ri...

Scams have become a hidden crisis across Southeast Asia, affecting millions of people from Vietnam to Malaysia. Most reporting focuses on the criminals running the scams, but what about the victims?   Families are losing money, trust, and peace of mind as online fraud spreads. In just one year, victims in the region lost an estimated $23.6 billion US dollars, while many continue to suffer emotional trauma that often goes unreported.  ...