The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association said aside from EJ Obiena - the biggest hope of the athletic team, it has also assembled a gem-studded roster out to grab their share of the spotlight at the ongoing SEA Games 31 in Vietnam.
The Philippine delegation at the parade of nations at the SEA Games 31 opening ceremony in Hanoi on May 12 evening (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)🎐 – The Philippine AthleticsTrack and Field Association said aside from EJ Obiena - the biggest hope of theathletic team, it has also assembled a gem-studded roster out to grab theirshare of the spotlight at the ongoing SEA Games 31 in Vietnam.
One of them is Christine Hallasgo, who is the defending SEA Gameswomen’s marathon champion. She admitted that she feels a bit of pressurebecause she was the previous gold medalist, but she will be running against afield that will mark her as its target.
William Morrison is also out to defend his shot put goldmedal, and his teammate Albert Mantua will probably be his biggest opponent.
Unlike Hallasgo and Morrison, Alexie Caimoso is not thedefending champion of her event, heptathlon, but she is hoping to use theSEA Games as a platform to introduce herself to a wideraudience.
“I’m both excited and nervous at the same time. Excitedbecause I always wanted to compete in the SEA Games and now, I’m given a chanceto compete,” Caimoso told the Inquirer. “I’m just really hoping that I could dogood and perform good and probably bring on pride to our country.”/.
Vietnam were held to a goalless draw in a men’s football match against the Philippine at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho province on May 8 in the framework of the ongoing SEA Games 31.
Head coach of the Philippine men’s basketball team Chot Reyes has affirmed the goal of defending the country’s championship title at SEA Games 31 in Vietnam, which, if realized, would be the 14th time in a row.
The Philippines obtained a 5-0 victory over Cambodia in the first match of Group A in the women’s football at SEA Games 31 held in Quang Ninh north-eastern province on May 9.
After victories and luck of the draw on May 10, Philippine officials said they hope their kickboxers will win gold medals at competitions the framework of the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31).
Vietnam made a 2-1 comeback win over the Philippines in their first women's football match at the ongoing SEA Games 31 held in Quang Ninh province on May 11.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
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 Philippine delegation at the parade of nations at the SEA Games 31 opening ceremony in Hanoi on May 12 evening (Photo: VNA)
