Asean Summit

Malaysia’s US trade deal: what it means for SMEs, exporters and manufacturers

Pact offers improved access for Malaysian exporters and makes US products more affordable for businesses, consumers

Up to 70% of South-east Asian businesses are planning to digitalise their supply chain management, a study by StanChart found.

Forging resilience: How South-east Asia is digitalising trade to overcome headwinds

Digital integration could boost inter-regional trade resilience and inclusivity, says Standard Chartered’s Asean CEO

As nations react to a multipolar and shifting world, Asean must step up to differentiate itself and deliver benefits to its members, says the writer.

Asean centrality is more than its summit guest list

Amid global turmoil, the bloc’s real work continues for regional integration and peace

Trump's presence at the Asean Summit signalled a renewed American commitment to a region increasingly caught between US and Chinese spheres of influence.
THE BOTTOM LINE

US engagement at Asean Summit signals renewed focus on S-E Asia

Trump’s visit offers both validation and a reminder of Asean’s pivotal position in great power competition

Ensuring smooth flows of essential goods and manpower helps prevent choke points that delay export orders and trigger spikes in input prices.

The Asean-China Free Trade Area was upgraded. Now what?

ACFTA 3.0 strengthens supply chain links and resilience, but Asean still needs diversification for true risk insurance

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says that despite differences among member states, there is a strong shared understanding that Asean “cannot afford to be divided”.

No tariff talks at regional summit as PM Wong underscores Asean unity, deeper integration

Discussions with Trump focused on strengthening the partnership between America and the region

From left: Singapore PM Lawrence Wong, East Timor's PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's PM Pham Minh Chinh, Cambodian PM Hun Manet, US President Donald Trump, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Laos' PM Sonexay Siphandone at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Malaysia leads Asean to peace, trade and unity with Trump in the room

Despite the progress, the bloc remains fragmented, Washington’s protectionist stance continues to loom, and much work still lies ahead

The pacts give Trump some clear wins, like the removal of many tariff and non-tariff barriers on US exports into those countries and pledges to spend billions of US dollars on American goods.

Trump’s newest trade deals give US an edge over South-east Asia

Asean is now a larger supplier of goods to the America than China

Anwar, who is also finance minister, has both managed a difficult year as chair of Asean and helped Malaysia’s economy thrive despite Trump’s tariffs.

Anwar turns Malaysia into stage for dealmaking with Trump’s help

The question is whether the country can rise to the ranks of Singapore and Qatar, seen as trusted venues for statecraft