ASEAN members are focusing on important emerging issues in the region and have opted to approach them using soft diplomacy, with soccer as one of their tools. 

Bangkok prepares to launch the brand new Asean Cultural Center. With the start of the Asean Economic Community less than five months away, Bangkok is once again underscoring its intention to become the hub of Asean with the opening on Friday of the first Asean Cultural Center.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam’s visit, from May 24 to 26, takes place as both countries mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The first-ever Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Festival drew its curtains to a marvelous close yesterday at the Katara Esplanade providing visitors a window into the cultural identity of each of the seven participating Asean countries via a blend of performances, cuisine, handicraft and tourism products.

SINGPAORE: ASEAN needs to stay united as it confronts challenges facing the 10-member regional bloc. For that, relations should move beyond diplomacy to become more people-driven. This was the consensus of panellists at the Future50 talk held by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA).