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Dragon boating became a symbol of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) solidarity in Doha as diplomats, embassy staff and families from these countries gathered at Katara Beach for the Asean Dragon Boat Racing 2026 recently.The sporting event was organised by the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) in co-operation with the embassies of the Philippines and Indonesia in Qatar. ACD comprises the diplomatic missions of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.The event highlighted the spirit of teamwork and harmony deeply associated with dragon boating, a traditional sport widely practised across Southeast Asia. The event's organisers said the activity also reflected the theme of the Philippines’ 2026 Asean Chairmanship, “Navigating Our Future Together,” which emphasises regional unity, resilience and collective action amid evolving global and regional challenges.**media[447287]**In his opening remarks, Philippine ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Celo D Melicor compared the synchronised movements of dragon boat paddlers to ASEAN’s shared diplomatic efforts.“Just as a dragon boat advances through synchronised effort, our nations too must navigate an increasingly complex world through dialogue, co-operation, mutual respect, and shared purpose,” he said.The event was open exclusively to Asean embassy personnel, accredited staff and their families in Doha, aiming to strengthen people-to-people ties among the Asean community living abroad.Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of dragon boating through a short orientation conducted by Dragon Boat Regatta Qatar, followed by safety briefings and warm-up exercises before taking to the water. Wearing life vests and using training paddles, teams rowed in unison along the Katara shoreline in a display of co-ordination and camaraderie.**media[447288]**Indonesian ambassador Syahda Guruh Langkah Samudera said the event also celebrated Indonesia’s long-standing tradition in dragon boat sports and the spirit of “gotong royong,” or mutual co-operation.“Indonesia has long been a powerhouse in dragon boat sports. We are honoured to co-organise this event, while celebrating the spirit of gotong royong – mutual cooperation – with Asean brothers and sisters,” he added.The organisers thanked Katara Cultural Village and Dragon Boat Regatta Qatar for supporting the event. 

The member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called for a final agreement between the US and Iran, welcoming the two-week ceasefire announced on April 8, 2026, affirming the need to build on it to reduce escalation in the region.ASEAN stressed in a statement the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security and preserving freedom of navigation and overflight over international straits, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), calling for the restoration of safe and unimpeded passage for ships and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with relevant international agreements.The member states also urged Washington and Tehran to continue negotiations leading to a permanent end to the conflict and stability in the region, praising the efforts of Pakistan and the parties concerned in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.ASEAN affirmed the need for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, which would contribute to reducing human losses, ensure the safety of navigation and freedom of passage for civilian ships and aircraft, reduce disruptions in energy and commodity supplies, and mitigate their impact on the global economy.It also called on all parties to strictly adhere to the terms of the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint, cease hostilities, avoid any steps that would escalate tensions, and work collectively to reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.ASEAN reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, and promoting dialogue and diplomacy as a key means of addressing conflicts.It also reaffirmed the commitment of states to resolve their disputes by peaceful means, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure the safety of peacekeeping forces and humanitarian workers, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. 

Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, is set to take centre stage in regional tourism as the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 from January 28 to 30, 2026. The prestigious event will bring together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, reaffirming Cebu’s growing stature as a premier meetings and events destination. One of the key highlights of ATF 2026 will be the National Tourism Organisation (NTO) briefings, scheduled for January 28 and 29. These sessions will feature updates and strategic presentations from ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, the region’s newest member. Delegates can look forward to in-depth insights into new tourism developments, emerging destinations, and collaborative initiatives shaping the future of travel in Southeast Asia. The forum will also showcase a vibrant programme of high-level official functions and networking events. These include a Hosted Luncheon by Tourism Malaysia on January 28 at the Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, the ASEANTA Excellence Awards Night, and the ATF 2026 Opening Ceremony hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. Other highlights include a Reception and Dinner hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board, welcoming delegates to ATF 2027, as well as the ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards and Closing Ceremony at the NUSTAR Convention Centre. “As a key meeting point for the travel industry in Southeast Asia, TRAVEX plays an important role in strengthening partnerships and driving growth,” said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. “Hosting this event is a responsibility we value highly, and we are committed to creating a dynamic platform that highlights the depth, connectivity, and momentum of tourism across ASEAN.” With its forward-looking theme, state-of-the-art venues, and a robust programme of business, networking, and recognition events, ATF TRAVEX 2026 is poised to become a major milestone for ASEAN tourism. The event is expected to further strengthen regional collaboration and reinforce a shared vision as Southeast Asia navigates the future of sustainable and inclusive tourism. The ASEAN Tourism Forum is a long-standing cooperative initiative aimed at promoting ASEAN as a single tourism destination. Hosted on a rotational basis among member countries, ATF serves as a powerful platform for ASEAN nations to enhance their global tourism profile through meaningful collaboration, driving growth while preserving the region’s rich heritage, identity, and culture for future generations.

Qatar National Bank (QNB) discussed the key factors that will support economic growth in the ASEAN-6 economies during 2026 and contribute to a positive growth outlook, including the stabilization of the global trade environment and the decline in the severity of risks associated with trade protectionism, along with the easing of monetary conditions in advanced economies as well as within the ASEAN-6 countries.In recent decades, Southeast Asia has been the most dynamic region in the world, showcasing the brightest economic growth performance, QNB added in its weekly economic commentary.Within this region, the six largest countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-6), which includes Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, have been among the fastest growing economies, with Singapore already reaching the status of an advanced economy.Trade is a major pillar of the economic growth model for the ASEAN-6 countries, and significant disruptions in international commerce can have a large impact on their performance.Trade and growth forecasts initially deteriorated sharply on fears of the impact of supply-chain disruptions, rocketing uncertainty, and potentially escalating trade wars. But despite a still-uncertain environment, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 group has been stable, with real GDP growth rates in 2026 expected to remain overall strong, similar to those of 2025.First, the global trade environment has begun to stabilize, as the U.S. reached agreements with an increasing number of trade partners, and there is no evidence of a negative impact of trade in the ASEAN-6 countries. The initially unyielding protectionism of the U.S. administration shifted towards pragmatism as agreements were reached with the U.K., Japan, and the E.U., among many others.Importantly, for the ASEAN-6, agreements were reached with Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, establishing a general tariff of 19% and lower rates for selected goods, while for Singapore the levy stands at 10%. Although these rates are higher than before Liberation Day, the end of the negotiations largely reduced the levels of uncertainty discarding the more extreme negative scenarios, and are still within a manageable range, especially as other competitors are also affected by new U.S. tariffs.Even as the U.S. has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is pursuing further integration via new or deeper trade agreements. In October, the ASEAN member states signed two major agreements: one improving cross-border flows within the group, and an upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade framework. At the same time, negotiations began for an ASEAN-South Korea agreement. Furthermore, some ASEAN-6 countries appear to be benefiting from trade diversion as firms shift supply chains away from China.The impact of tariffs after Liberation Day on the ASEAN-6 economies has so far been negligible, with exports continuing to show monthly growth rates in the range of 10 to 20% in USD in annual terms. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist U.S., the outlook on global trade is improving, contributing to a more supportive growth scenario for the ASEAN-6 economies.Second, lower policy interest rates in the major advanced economies (AE), as well as in the ASEAN-6 countries, provide a better global environment for economic growth. Since 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve has already lowered its policy rate by 175 basis points (bp) to 3.75% and is likely to bring it further down to a neutral level of 3.5%. In a similar period, the European Central Bank has lowered its benchmark policy rate by 200 bp to 2% and is likely to keep it unchanged during next year. Thus, policy interest rates in major AE are set to stabilize at lower levels than in recent years, providing better financial conditions for emerging economies.Similarly, central banks in the ASEAN-6 countries have implemented their own monetary easing cycles after inflation was brought under control following the post Covid-pandemic recovery. In these economies, the average increase in policy rates was 260 basis points (bps), to levels above those at the onset of the Covid-pandemic. As tight monetary policy brought inflation rates down to their target ranges, central banks reached a turning point and began to cut policy interest rates, reducing the cost of credit and boosting credit growth. Overall, looser monetary conditions in the AE as well as from the ASEAN-6 central banks provide better credit conditions for growth in the region.All in all, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 economies remains stable on the back of an improvement in the trade environment and more supportive monetary.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that East Timor has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a new member. According to the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama), the Malaysian Prime Minister described East Timor's admission to ASEAN as historic and a milestone that affirms ASEAN's shared destiny and the enduring spirit of regional kinship.He added that the inclusion of East Timor gives new meaning to the vision of a comprehensive and unified ASEAN. East Timor complements the ASEAN family, which affirms the common destiny and deep sense of regional interdependence, Prime Minister Ibrahim said. East Timor's development and strategic independence will find firm and lasting support.ASEAN was founded in 1967 and currently comprises 11 members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and East Timor.

The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits kicked off today in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' The summit will continue until October 28, with the participation of leaders of ASEAN member states, in addition to representatives from partner countries such as China, the US, Japan, and India.Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in addressing global economic and geopolitical challenges.He said rising competition and increasing uncertainty are not only testing ASEAN's economies, but also ASEAN's collective resolve to maintain faith in cooperation. ASEAN's strength lies in the conviction that respect and rationality still bind member states together, he added.During the summit, leaders will discuss a range of key issues, including enhancing regional economic integration, stimulating sustainable economic growth, improving connectivity among ASEAN countries, and enhancing cooperation in the fields of the digital economy, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.Progress made in implementing the 18 key economic goals under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship will also be reviewed.The ASEAN summit comes at a sensitive time, as the region faces economic and geopolitical challenges that require a coordinated response from the member state countries. The discussions and decisions taken are expected to contribute to strengthening ASEAN's role as a key axis of stability and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region.

A unique exhibition showcasing innovative upcycling solutions marked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)’s 58th anniversary at M7 in Doha on Tuesday (September 9), highlighting the growing ties between Southeast Asia and Qatar in environmental stewardship.The celebration, themed *United in Sustainability, underlines the region’s commitment to a greener future and fosters a tangible demonstration of how creativity and technology can transform waste into everyday treasures, according to the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD).“Today, we mark the 58th anniversary of Asean, and the cross-partnership between Southeast Asia and the State of Qatar in advancing sustainability, heritage and innovation,” said Thai ambassador and ACD chair Sira Swangsilpa, spotlighting the exhibition, titled “Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life”.The event was attended by HE Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, the director of the Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, along with ambassadors from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam, as well as other diplomats and guests.In his remarks, the envoy highlighted Asean’s commitment to sustainability, citing the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue in Bangkok in 2019.He noted that as Asean co-ordinator for sustainable development co-operation, Thailand actively promotes strong and inclusive partnerships to achieve global sustainable development goals.In Doha, Swangsilpa said that the ACD has contributed to Qatar’s sustainability agenda in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.This collaboration, he added, includes participation in events such as mangrove planting, a desert clean-up at the singing sand dunes, and tree planting initiatives under the “10 Million Trees” campaign.“This year, we are adding something new,” the envoy said. “The ‘Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life’ exhibition builds upon Thailand’s showcase at the Earthna Summit earlier this year, demonstrating how waste materials such as plastic, agricultural by-products, and even marine debris can be transformed into eco-textiles, lifestyle items, packaging, and artisanal homeware.”Swangsilpa noted that such showcase illustrates Thailand’s bio-circular green economy model and its economic framework.He pointed out that the exhibition aims to prove that sustainability is not just an abstract concept but something tangible that can be incorporated into daily life.The envoy added that this also shows how the partnership with Qatar can flourish through creativity, environmental stewardship, and shared values.The exhibition underscores Thailand’s expertise and best practices in the circular economy, presenting creative solutions that convert waste into opportunities.It displays how science and design can offer viable, scalable alternatives to unsustainable consumption, integrating the circular economy into our daily routines.Dr Singh Intrachooto, chief adviser to the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre and an associate professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, addressed the common perception that upcycled products are always more expensive."Fifteen years ago it was the case, that when you recycle things, when you upcycle things the investment upfront cost was more,” he said. “But today’s technology have changed all that.”Dr Intrachooto shared the success of Kasetsart University's “Scrap Lab”, which over the past 15 years has transformed various wastes, including agricultural, plastic, automotive, food, and fabric waste, into innovative products.“There are no exceptions that every manufacturing processes will produce waste without exception,” he stressed. “If we don’t tackle this problem, soon we will be all overwhelmed with all these wastes like what we are facing now today.”Dr Intrachooto highlighted the diverse range of products on display, from items made from recycled drink straws to those crafted from fruit peels like mango and orange.He emphasised the importance of collaboration.“The theme today, *United for Sustainability, is the key because for me, as a designer... I could not do all of that... but this collaboration, with art and science, biologists, scientists, have turned a lot of these impossible things into new innovative materials,” the expert said.He added that the items on display are ready for the market.