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Asean Insights Content

Southeast Asia has the potential to become an epicenter of the $3-trillion global blue economy. However, it faces sustainability and financing challenges. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
11 September 2026

How ASEAN Can Deliver the Blue Economy Promise of Sustainability and Prosperity

The 4th ASEAN Blue Economy Forum in Manila provided high-level strategic guidance and facilitated technical exchange and peer learning on blue economy development and regional cooperation.
Common causes of air pollution include emissions from household cooking and heating using open fires or inefficient stoves fueled by kerosene, biomass, or coal. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
10 September 2026

Why Health Matters Most in Solving Air Pollution

Focusing on health outcomes results in holistic solutions across multiple sectors.
Cambodia Tourism Minister Huot Hak and ADB Country Director for Cambodia Yasmin Siddiqi (center) opened the Cambodia Investor Roundtable on 19 May 2026 at the ADB Cambodia Resident Mission in Phnom Penh.
Article
4 September 2026

Lessons from the ASEAN Investor Roundtables on Tourism

As consultations for the ASEAN Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Investment Outlook 2030 progress across the region, a clearer picture is emerging of what destinations need to attract sustainable tourism investment.
Keeping the public informed through official heat warnings can help prevent heatstroke and other health problems. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
11 August 2026

El Niño Returns—What It Means for Southeast Asia

Heat waves expected, but early action and investing in resilience could prevent or reduce adverse effects.
Evolving social, economic, health, and climate-related risks are increasing the urgency of building social protection systems that are more inclusive, adaptive, and resilient. Photo credit: ADB.
News
7 August 2026

ASEAN Needs Robust, Inclusive, and Adaptive Social Protection Systems to Build Resilience against Shocks

A high-level meeting of senior government officials, development partners, and experts examined emerging risks and trends, challenges and opportunities, and areas for regional cooperation.
Event
16 July 2026

Nature-Based Solutions for Ports and Coastal Conservation

The webinar demonstrated how nature-based solutions could deliver multiple benefits beyond conventional mitigation‑focused approaches.
More than 85% of Southeast Asia’s population is exposed to unhealthy air, leading to premature deaths estimated at 335,000 annually. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
24 June 2026

ASEAN Has the Means to Curb Air Pollution. The Challenge Is Implementation

New ADB study says many cities in the region already have policies, but enforcement is weak and institutional responsibilities are fragmented, leading to limited impact.
Increasing trade access for small businesses, such as those producing indigenous products, promotes sustainable and inclusive growth. Photo shows T'boli weavers of the T’nalak textile, an indigenous export product from South Cotabato in Mindanao, Philippines. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
22 June 2026

Helping Small Businesses to Better Manage Trade through AEO Accreditation

An ADB-supported initiative will enhance national Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs in BIMP-EAGA and make them more accessible to MSMEs.
BIMP-EAGA's tourism attractions include diving in Sarawak. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Sarawak Tourism Board.
Article
11 June 2026

How Subregional Cooperation Programs Help Bolster ASEAN Tourism

Tourism cooperation in ASEAN is shaped by four key subregional cooperation programs.
While ASEAN countries have embarked on reforms to create more favorable conditions for businesses to thrive, there is significant scope to enhance trade efficiency and investment readiness across the region. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
26 May 2026

How ASEAN Is Building a Smarter, Competitive, and Digitally-Enabled Business Environment

ASEAN is forging ahead to turn regulatory reforms into meaningful outcomes to sustain the region’s investment attractiveness and achieve its goal of economic integration.
Coastal protection initiatives, such as mangrove planting, strengthen local communities' resilience against storm surges and erosion. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
19 May 2026

Maximizing the Co-Benefits of Climate Action in Southeast Asia

ASEAN Climate Week looks at practical and concrete ways of improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Event Summary
15 May 2026

For Southeast Asia, a Green Transition Is Now an Economic Imperative

The green transition is a major economic opportunity for ASEAN as it could generate up to $1 trillion in annual revenue, create 30 million jobs, and strengthen the region's competitiveness.
The 48th ASEAN Summit was held on 8 May 2026 in Cebu, Philippines. Photo courtesy of ASEAN.
News
14 May 2026

Unity Amidst Adversity: ASEAN Outlines Priority Actions for Regional Resilience

ADB commits to mobilize $30 billion by 2030 to support key flagship initiatives in Southeast Asia.
From left: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos.
News
11 May 2026

Special BIMP-EAGA Summit in Cebu Adopts Vision 2035

The 10-year strategic roadmap seeks to enhance resilience and inclusive development for shared prosperity and sustainability.
Countries need to manage risks, maintain macroeconomic stability, and protect vulnerable populations. Photo credit: ADB
News
28 April 2026

Solid Growth Forecast for Developing Southeast Asia but Middle East Tensions Weigh on Outlook

ADB steps up support to help region cope with disruptions and ensure long-term resilience.