ASEAN factories face closures and layoffs as war-driven cost shock spreads
MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2026
Factories across Southeast Asia are shutting down and cutting jobs as the Iran war drives up raw-material, energy and shipping costs, exposing widening pressure on SMEs and traditional manufacturers despite strong electronics exports.
ASEAN’s AI hub race raises growth hopes — and risks for workers, SMEs and the environment
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are accelerating investment in AI, semiconductors and data centres, but ASEAN’s AI boom is also fuelling concerns over job losses, inequality, energy demand, water stress and a possible tech bubble.
Anutin, Wong back stronger ASEAN bargaining power globally
FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2026
Anutin Charnvirakul and Lawrence Wong agreed that ASEAN should use its collective strengths to raise its bargaining power and support the ASEAN Power Grid.
48th ASEAN Summit opens in Cebu with energy and food crises at the top of the agenda
THURSDAY, MAY 07, 2026
The 48th ASEAN Summit has opened in Cebu under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, with energy security, food supply and regional resilience high on the agenda.
Thailand and Singapore discuss broader ties and Land Bridge project
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026
Chan Chun Sing paid a courtesy call on Anutin Charnvirakul as both sides reviewed defence, energy, aviation, food security and the Land Bridge project.