World

ASEAN

Lao sports develop strongly after SEA Games 25

Lao sports have received a boost after the country hosted the 25th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 25), the biggest sporting event in the region.

Lao sports have received a boost afterthe country hosted the 25th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 25), thebiggest sporting event in the region.

Sports activities, especially those events in which Laos is strongest,are seeing an increase in participation at sports centres and schoolsnationwide.

Judo is among Laos ’ strengths, garnering two gold, five silver and four bronze medals at SEA Games 25.

President of the Lao Judo Federation Khemsath Philaphandeth said thatLao judo artists will participate in international tournaments inBangkok , Thailand , Macau , China and Hanoi , Vietnam .

They plan to attend the 16th Asian Games in China .

Laos women’s football is also a strength, as striker SuphavanhPhaivanh, 17, and defender Suchitta Phonhalath, 18, have been invitedto play for Thai clubs.

Deputy President of the Lao Women’s Football Federation Vali Vetxaphongsaid that this has provided a good opportunity for the players todevelop their skills./.
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysia calls on ASEAN to jointly tackle haze

Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup said on October 6 as host of the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) Meeting in 2027, Malaysia would use its chairmanship to translate the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) into concrete action by enhancing data sharing, improving law enforcement and cross-border cooperation.

Singapore proposes boosting the ASEAN power grid. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Singapore outlines priorities for 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship

Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said at the recent launch of the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2026 that ASEAN should focus on building up its regional power grid, boosting climate finance and increasing its resilience against climate change impacts.

The ASEAN Law Enforcement High-level Conference on Cooperation in Combating Criminal Fugitives takes place in Hanoi on September 30. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN steps up cooperation in fight against criminal fugitives

Participants discussed and agreed on strategic solutions to improve cooperation through ASEAN’s multilateral and bilateral mechanisms. They adopted the conference's joint statement and agreed on a draft joint action plan to strengthen cooperation in combating criminal fugitives.

Delegates at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Law Enforcement High-level Conference on Cooperation in Combating Criminal Fugitives in Hanoi on September 30 (Photo: cand.vn)

Vietnam hosts ASEAN conference on combating fugitive criminals

Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang said amid deepening globalisation and international integration, transnational crime in general and crimes committed by wanted persons in particular have become increasingly complex, posing major challenges to law enforcement agencies in the region and around the world.

Vansy Kuamua, Deputy Head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN boosts media cooperation in digital era

The meeting, held in the Lao capital of Vientiane from September 28-29, brought together representatives from ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat to strengthen regional cooperation in information and media.

Workers make clothes for export at Nha Be- Hau Giang Garment JSC in Vi Thanh ward, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam sustaining exceptional growth: economist

Vietnam is the resilience story. Its projected growth moderates slightly from its exceptional post-2016 pace, but remains around 5% — a rate that would be remarkable for most advanced economies.

Timor-Leste prepares legal instruments for ASEAN integration

Timor-Leste prepares legal instruments for ASEAN integration

Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste is coordinating with other ministries and agencies to develop and finalise necessary legal instruments for integration, with nearly 50 targeted for completion in 2026 - 2027.

ASEAN, Hong Kong revise investment pact to strengthen protection

ASEAN, Hong Kong revise investment pact to strengthen protection

The protocol provides for fair treatment of businesses, free movement of investment capital and profits, and compensation for losses caused by war, conflict or other circumstances. It is expected to strengthen legal protection, improve the investment environment and encourage greater investment flows.

A view of the opening ceremony of Exercise Trident Resolve 2026 in Indonesia on September 22 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam joins ADMM+ multinational exercise in Indonesia

At Exercise Trident Resolve 2026, the Vietnamese delegation shared experience from overseas search and rescue operations, while learning from ASEAN member states and partner countries to further enhance its capacity to conduct such operations when required.

AI exhibition areas at CAEXPO 2026 attract the attention of both businesses and visitors. (Photo: VNA)

CAEXPO highlights China–ASEAN AI cooperation

Wang Jicai, Secretary General of the CAEXPO Secretariat, said exhibition space for AI increased 60% from the previous edition, while the number of participating companies rose 48% year on year to 296.

Heads of delegations from the 11 ASEAN countries and China participate in the launch of the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo on September 17, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Timor-Leste co-hosts China–ASEAN Expo

This is the first time Timor-Leste has participated in CAEXPO as ASEAN’s 11th member and also the first time it has served as a co-organiser of the event.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh attends the 2026 China–ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence in Nanning, China, on September 17. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam seeks to build safe AI future with China, ASEAN

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh said a safe AI future must be built on each country's governance capacity and trust among partners. Vietnam, therefore, wishes to work with China and ASEAN member states to contribute to such a future for the benefit of the people and the prosperity of the region.