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Two women working on a computer, using artificial intelligence. Photo credit: iStock/Thicha Satapitanon.

ASEAN’s Digital Economy to Top $300 Billion

December 18, 2025

The 10th edition of the Google, Temasek, and Bain report expands coverage from six to 10 Southeast Asian markets.
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Research from Google, Temasek, and Bain estimates the internet economy in Southeast Asia exceeding $100 billion as more people use online services during the pandemic. Image credit: Liza Solano.

Workers Need to Gear Up for Southeast Asia’s Booming Internet Economy

December 10, 2020

The outlook for the internet economy may be rosy but the lack of digital skills in the region may hold back its growth.
Two hands holding cacao beans

Finding Gold in Cacao

December 01, 2020

The development of agricultural value chains can help turn cacao into a cash crop for farmers in the southern Philippines.
Lack of clean water will make it difficult for people to wash their hands frequently to prevent COVID-19 infection. Photo credit: iStock/Dzaqi Akbar.

Preparing for Drought during a Pandemic

December 01, 2020

A UNESCAP–ASEAN report urges policy makers to include climate action and adaption in COVID-19 stimulus packages.
Southeast Asia is rich in natural gas, hydropower, solar, bio-mass, wind, and geothermal energy. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Investing in Clean Energy Can Speed Up COVID-19 Recovery

December 01, 2020

A Sustainable Energy for All report says investing in renewables can add $25 billion to the annual GDP, create millions of jobs, and improve resilience.
Expanded electrification in eastern Indonesia is a key part of the government’s infrastructure investment plan, with the goal of electricity for all by 2024.  Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Powering Up Eastern Indonesia with Clean Energy

November 27, 2020

The State Electricity Corporation (PLN) will improve access to electricity and service reliability and promote renewable energy in the outer regions of Kalimantan, Maluku, and Papua.
The MOU covers the ASEAN List of Essential Goods, which covers mostly medicines and medical supplies and also includes soaps, disinfectants, and face masks. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN Removes Trade Barriers on Medicines and Other Essential Goods

November 23, 2020

Ten countries in Southeast Asia are removing restrictions on intraregional trade of medicines and other goods needed to fight COVID-19.
Fish Vendor

7 Ways to Bolster Southeast Asia’s ‘Fragile’ MSMEs

November 19, 2020

To navigate the COVID-19 crisis, MSMEs require tailored approaches, with the most vulnerable being prioritized.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is expected to improve market access, build regional supply chains, increase investments and opportunities, and boost economic recovery efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

5 Things You Need to Know about ASEAN’s Biggest Trade Agreement

November 19, 2020

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) groups the 10 ASEAN member states and its 5 regional partners: Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand.
Direct cash transfers or deferrals of tax or rent could boost local consumption and help improve sales of local retailers, which are often micro-enterprises. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Targeted Measures for Small Businesses Are Critical to Economic Recovery

November 09, 2020

Small businesses need dedicated programs to help them weather the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, says an ASEAN–OECD policy paper.
International travel is still restricted in many parts of the world, including in Southeast Asia. However, countries have recently made tentative efforts to reopen their borders. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Here’s a Bright Spot for Tourism

November 05, 2020

International recognition amid the pandemic is a bright spot for tourism and travel players struggling to regain their business.