Commentary

US Secretary Hegseth’s demand that allies spend 3.5% of GDP on defense is alarming. This risks an arms race in Southeast Asia, diverting critical resources from development and undermining Asean's diplomatic focus on regional peace.

Vietnam is rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s leader, outpacing Thailand’s stagnation and instability. Singapore provides principled stewardship. Regional challenges include border disputes and Myanmar’s volatile politics, which remains heavily influenced by China.

Myanmar aims to rejoin ASEAN by the next summit, balancing diplomacy with ongoing military operations. However, ASEAN leaders insist on meaningful progress and strict adherence to the Five-Point Consensus before accepting any full return.

Powell is praised for his political skill and standing up to Trump. However, critics point to failures in managing inflation during COVID-19 and questionable policy shifts. His legacy is mixed, facing challenges for the Fed's future stability.

The modest US-Iran MOU de-escalates an economic war by allowing mutual concessions. It buys time, enabling both sides to claim partial victories: reopening trade and retaining sovereignty for future peace talks.

Retirement is not a hard stop or cliff edge. It is an evolving invitation to continually redefine purpose and redirect energy throughout life. Focus on meaningful shifts now rather than waiting for a fixed date, treating every phase as an opportunity to live fully.

The digital euro is a crucial political project for EU strategic autonomy, transcending mere tech upgrades. It offers a visible way to strengthen European identity by making cross-border cooperation tangible for citizens, bolstering the bloc's resilience against global pressures.

Trump's policies are damaging Western unity and technological strength. By undermining alliances and slashing research funding, he inadvertently provides strategic gifts to Beijing. This makes him China’s most valuable foreign asset.

Modern workers face declining job security, blurred work-life boundaries, and severe housing unaffordability. The labor market demands constant pivoting, while AI adds pressure, creating a grim economic outlook for employees today.

ASEAN's resilience in a fragmented global economy requires deep internal economic integration to buffer shocks. The bloc must strengthen its role as a credible regional platform while managing complex external relationships with major powers to maintain stability.

Global imbalances are resurfacing, signaling potential financial crises similar to past decades. Policymakers must avoid mercantilist fallacies and implement deep macroeconomic adjustments rather than relying solely on fiscal tightening or protectionism.

The NHSO's inclusion of hormone therapy in universal healthcare sparks debate. While supporters praise the move for transgender rights, critics question its financial sustainability and resource allocation amid strained public health systems. The government must provide clear policy answers.