Singapore First elected Malay president expected in 2017 According to a proposed constitutional change, Singapore could have its first-ever elected Malay president next year Proposed plans are to ensure racial equality in government as race politics remains a sensitive topic in the Chinese-majority country

Laos submits Mekong Dam Proposal Laos notified its Southeast Asian neighbors that it is moving forward with a third contentious hydro-dam on the Mekong River’s mainstream Laos pressed forward with the projects despite vociferous objections from the other countries, scientists and conservationists Proposal opposed by many as it is expected…

Vietnam cracking down on illegal animal part trade by burning tonnes of rhino and elephant ivory Vietnamese authorities destroyed more than 2200 kilograms of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns Destruction is a clear indication of the government’s political determination to fulfil their international duty in conventions to protect wildlife

US-Brunei ties will remain constant following U.S. Presidential Elections Built upon nearly two decades of strong bilateral relations and partnership, fundamental interests between Brunei Darussalam and the United States of America will remain strong and constant, despite changes to the current administration Craig Allen, US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, refused…

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that Thailand will adapt to global change Thailand will cooperate with other countries in responding to global change in order to ensure future security, prosperity and sustainability PM proposes to meet Thai diplomats with foreign posting twice a year in order to adjust to…

Controversial Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte affirms strengthened relationship between Phillipines and America following Trump’s election victory Many have noted the similarities in the personalities and pronouncements of Duterte and Trump, and Trump has drawn comparisons to the Philippine leader throughout his campaign Duerte affirms that all the agreements and treaties signed between these…

28 killed in new violence in Rakhine State Northern Rakhine, which is home to the Muslim Rohingya minority and borders Bangladesh, has been under military lockdown Myanmar’s military says at least 28 people have been killed during renewed clashes in western Rakhine state Rohingya activists say the government is trying…

Surging number of youth suicide cases in Singapore 27 teenagers committed suicide in 2015 , the highest number of cases in Singapore in 15 years Increasing levels of stress in this rapidly developing economy has been attributed as a primary cause Pressing need to increase mental health literacy in Singapore…

Increasing investments from Vietnam Vietnam currently ranks third among foreign investors in Laos Increased investments have significantly contributed to local socio-economic development in Laos New agreement to build highway connecting the two capitals has been forged after Laotian Prime Minister, Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Vietnam in October 2016

Serious efforts taken to create tourism booms The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) will launch a new website to promote Vietnam tourism abroad Breaking away from traditional visa application processes, foreign visitors to Vietnam can begin applying for visas and have them issues online within three days starting next…