CSIS: Indonesia Should Prioritize ASEAN in Its Diplomacy Strategy

Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opportunities to strengthen its regional diplomatic role, particularly within ASEAN, according to Lina Alexandra, Head of the Department of International Relations at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Alexandra’s assessment came in response to Foreign Minister Sugiono’s Annual Press Statement (PPTM) 2026. Strengthening Regional Engagement “We see … Read more

Ringgit vs SGD: Trade Impact Limited by Gains | Malaysia

A surprising statistic: Malaysia’s Ringgit has experienced its strongest run against the Singapore Dollar in over a year, prompting playful remarks from Singaporean politicians urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to “lepak” – relax – given the positive economic momentum. But beneath the lighthearted banter lies a significant shift in regional currency dynamics, one that could … Read more

Ringgit Outlook: MYR to Trade 4.12-4.14 Next Week?

A staggering 4.8% year-to-date gain against the US dollar – that’s the story of the Malaysian Ringgit as of late June 2024. While headlines focus on immediate trading ranges (RM4.12-RM4.14), the underlying forces at play suggest a more profound shift than simply short-term market fluctuations. This isn’t just about the dollar weakening; it’s about a … Read more

Anwar: No Meddling in Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

Anwar Ibrahim Defends Malaysia’s Role in Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute Amidst Protests Recent tensions surrounding the Thailand-Cambodia border have drawn Malaysia into a diplomatic spotlight, with accusations of interference leveled against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. While Thailand has seen protests targeting both Malaysian and US embassies, Ibrahim has firmly rejected claims of meddling, asserting that Malaysia’s … Read more

Ringgit Outlook: Bullish Trend to Continue Next Week | MYR

Malaysian Ringgit Soars to 13-Month High Amidst Economic Resilience Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian ringgit is experiencing a period of robust growth, reaching a 13-month high and outpacing many of its Asian counterparts. This surge in value comes as Malaysia’s central bank maintains its current interest rate, while economic forecasts suggest a period of easing … Read more

Ringgit Outlook: BNM Decision & Positive Trade Next Week

Ringgit Navigates Global Economic Currents: A Week Ahead Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Ringgit is poised for a potentially positive trajectory in the coming week, though recent volatility underscores its sensitivity to both domestic policy decisions and shifting global economic winds. Investors are keenly awaiting the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) monetary policy decision, while external … Read more

Philippines Ready for ASEAN 2026: Growth & Leadership

ASEAN 2026: The Philippines’ Chairmanship and the Looming Geopolitical Reset A staggering $2.3 trillion in foreign direct investment is projected to flow into Southeast Asia by 2030, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). As the Philippines prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in … Read more

Indonesia Eyes Chinese J-10 Jets: Deal Still Pending?

Just 15% of Indonesia’s current military hardware is considered ‘modern’ according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This stark statistic underscores the urgency driving Jakarta’s ambitious, and increasingly diversified, defense modernization program. While a final decision on acquiring Chinese J-10 fighter jets remains pending, the very consideration of such a purchase – alongside … Read more

Philippines Enters Space Race: A New Frontier 🚀🇵🇭

The Philippines’ Leap Toward Lunar Ambition: Beyond the Artemis Accords and Into a New Space Economy By 2030, the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion. While traditionally dominated by superpowers, a new wave of nations is recognizing space not just as a frontier for scientific discovery, but as a critical domain for … Read more

China Threat: Most Asians Disagree, Ex-PM Says

Just 38% of Southeast Asians believe China will use its growing economic power to influence their country, according to a 2024 ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute survey. This surprising statistic underscores a critical, often overlooked reality: while Western narratives increasingly frame China as a looming geopolitical threat, much of Asia views the situation with a far more … Read more