Despite a turbulent 2025 marked by stalled efforts on Myanmar and renewed border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, ASEAN demonstrated the resilience and global relevance of its partnership model through two major milestones: Timor-Leste’s accession as its 11th member and the substantive agreement of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Indonesia’s inflation in 2025 shifted from an unusually low start to a more normalized level by year-end, driven mainly by the expiration of temporary administered price measures rather than weak demand, with inflation closing the year at 2.92% (YoY) and remaining within Bank Indonesia’s target range.

With the Gaza conflict showing no clear path to resolution, the United States has launched the Board of Peace (BoP) as a new platform for post-war stabilization and reconstruction, raising questions over legitimacy and its relationship with existing multilateral frameworks.

Ahead of Thailand’s 8 February election, the Pheu Thai Party has regained momentum despite recent setbacks by nominating Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, a Shinawatra-linked academic whose candidacy has revived voter support.

Southeast Asia’s AI sector is entering a rapid growth phase, supported by strong government backing, rising digital adoption, and a young talent base. The AI market is projected to grow from US$4.3 billion in 2024 to over US$17 billion by 2033, with adoption potentially adding up to US$1 trillion to regional GDP by 2030.

The impact of tax amnesty on taxpayer compliance is assessed using Indonesia as a case study, reflecting the country’s heavy reliance on tax revenue and more than two decades of tax reform experience.

Indonesia’s trade policy under President Prabowo reflects a dual-track approach amid rising global trade uncertainty.

Thailand’s Feb. 8 election reflects long-standing tensions between reformist politics and entrenched establishment power. Over the past 25 years, most election outcomes have been overturned by coups or courts, weakening political parties and reinforcing narratives of corrupt politicians. New reformist movements—from Future Forward to Move Forward and now the People’s Party—have challenged this pattern but were repeatedly dissolved despite strong popular support.

As the world approaches 2026, rapid advances in digital, biological, and clean-energy technologies are reshaping economic structures, industries, and everyday life.