ASEAN should boost quality of life to build resilient and inclusive community: ADB
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must make greater efforts to improve the quality of life in the region to build a resilient community and achieve a faster recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, said a new report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Illustrative image. A boy plays with bubbles on the walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)must make greater efforts to improve the quality of life in the region to builda resilient community and achieve a faster recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,said a new report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The region's path to progress must focus on achieving success in areas likereading, math, and science, better nutrition, and access to quality healthcare,the report noted.
According to ADB Director General for Southeast Asia Winfried Wicklein,fortifying health systems, raising the quality of education, and improvingnutrition will equip young workers physically, mentally, and emotionallyand improve their productivity as the region emerges from the COVID-19pandemic.
He said that rising incomes and a rapid reduction in poverty rates,along with improvements in financial inclusion and internet penetration willhelp the region overcome reversals in development gains caused by the pandemic.
🐷 The report also urged the ASEAN member countries to invest in digital skills,infrastructure, and finance to reduce the cost of business and build a morecompetitive region.
Lockdownmeasures implemented to curb the spread of the pandemic in the ASEAN countries ledto a 3.2% contraction in the region's gross domestic product in 2020, whilethe growth improved to 3.5% in 2021 and rose further to 5.6% in 2022, accordingto the report.
🍷 ASEAN comprises 10 members, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, thePhilippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam./.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recommended Southeast Asia accelerate decarbonisation of its global value chains (GVCs) as the region could face up to 30% GDP loss annually by 2100 due to climate change.
Leaders of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) affirmed their determination to turn Southeast Asia into a centre of regional economic growth and an engine for global growth through robust cooperation.
The ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) has recently organised the 7th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, gathering representatives of professional associations in the region.
Challenges and development prospects of ASEAN member countries during the regional integration process were highlighted at an international conference held by the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia (ICCA) under the Russian Academy of Sciences that opened in Russia on May 17.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.