Articles Category: Culture

Our world is changing rapidly, and that is changing the many ways in which we live, work, and play. Today’s problems and crises, ranging from climate change and disasters to conflicts and pandemics, are “wicked” or too complex to solve. Finding sustain

Water and rain are essential to sustaining lives and livelihood, and fostering social and economic development throughout Southeast Asia. They are, for example, necessary for the production of rice, a tradition that dates back to thousands of years. Ri

I had the honour to be invited to attend the first ASEAN Forum on Disaster Resilience, hosted by the Singapore Civil Defence Force in mid-August this year. As we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic, it felt wonderful to be able to connect with many

Under the leadership of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), five-year AADMER Work Programmes (AWPS) have been implemented since 2010 to bolster disaster resilience in the region. The third edition of the AADMER Work Programme for the per

Southeast Asia is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire between the Indian and Pacific oceans, it is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. This dual reality presents significant challe

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated on 21 June since 2015. It is observed globally to promote Yoga as a way to find physical, mental, and spiritual harmony in our fast-paced modern existence.

As the Lao PDR assumes the Chairpersonship of ASEAN and your Ministry leads the ASCC, could you share Lao PDR’s top priorities for the ASCC?

Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, first woman Prime Minister of Norway, pioneered the concept of sustainable development and shaped its early agenda. She is a founding member of The Elders, the group of independent global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela in

Tourism has been one of the hardest- hit sectors by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary Romulo-Puyat talks to The ASEAN about the pandemic’s impact on the Philippines’ tourism industry, on jobs and businesses, and how the country is working towa

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reflects on his 10-year tenure as chief diplomat and development advocate, and the role that mutlilateralism plays in addressing ongoing and emerging global challenges.

Hugh Lim, Executive Director of Centre for Liveable Cities, weighs in on what it takes to build pandemic-proof and resilient cities based on the practices that worked and deficiencies that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the benefits

ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi talks to The ASEAN on the qualities and benefits of smart cities, as well as the ongoing initiatives to support the region’s 26 major cities in developing, updating, and implementing their smart city action pla

Prepare to have your mind blown. That is the mission of Mindblowon Studio, a name derived from the playful Indonesian slang “blo’on,” meaning “foolish.” Yet, their creativity is anything but foolish. Mindblowon Studio stands tall as an influential figu

“How do you create a movie that defines a generation?” This was the first question posed by The ASEAN in an interview with renowned Indonesian filmmaker Riri Riza, 53. It is a fitting question for Riri, whose film, Petualangan Sherina [Sherina’s Advent

Banjong Pisanthanakun, the acclaimed 44-year-old Thai filmmaker, turns Southeast Asian nightmares into worldwide movie masterpieces. He has a deep understanding of the allure of horror tales in the region, explaining that these beliefs are ingrained in

Thousands braved Jakarta’s blistering heat to experience the live music performances by talented Southeast Asian and South Korean artists at the 2023 Round Festival on 21-22 October 2023. After holding virtual concerts since the event was launched in 2

No other country in the Asia- Pacific region has more volcanoes than Indonesia. The country is home to at least 127 active volcanoes; thus, volcanic eruptions are a major threat to the archipelago.