Prime Sarmiento

Southeast Asia is ending the year on a high note, with the region hosting some of the world's most high-profile international meetings over the past 12 months. The way that Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand successfully staged these gatherings is a testament to the growing importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in helping to shape global governance and economic development, analysts

While China is the world’s biggest market for esports, Southeast Asia is catching up fast. Playing video games has become widely popular in the region, where favorable government policies and corporate support have helped nurture the growing industry. In addition to those playing esports as a hobby, professional players aspire to become world champions.

Asian consumers with a sweet tooth are having to swallow the bitter pill of higher taxes as governments combat the rising prevalence of obesity with levies on sugar and restrictions on the marketing of products with a high sugar content.

A Beijing think tank is expecting more tourist arrivals spurred by China hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics.