In 2025, Southeast Asia’s digital economy surpassed 305 billion USD, growing 15% year-on-year across six major ASEAN markets, with video commerce, digital finance and AI emerging as the main drivers.
Held annually on a rotating basis among ASEAN member states, the meeting plays a key role in shaping strategic orientations, formulating policies and promoting digital cooperation within ASEAN, while strengthening collaboration with partners and international organisations amid rapid digital and digital-economy transformation globally.
The ASEAN Chair expressed its support for the joint statement concluded by the two countries at the Prum (Pailin province, Cambodia) – Ban Pak Kard (Chanthaburi province, Thailand) International Point of Entry.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said looking ahead, the Philippines prepares to host the United Nations Tourism Global Forum on Gastronomy and the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, affirming the country’s leadership and resilience in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Maybank noted that FDI metrics continued to improve in Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand in 2025, but slowed in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang underscored the importance of promoting ASEAN's solidarity and collective and responsible action in addressing issues related to regional peace and security.
As of 21:00 on December 19, Vietnam had won 86 gold, 79 silver and 110 bronze medals, with athletes remaining in only sepak takraw and open-water swimming events. Thailand led with 232 golds, 153 silvers and 106 bronzes, while Indonesia came second with 91golds, 111 silvers, and 128 bronzes.
Shooter Ha Minh Thanh clinched an individual gold medal and shattered the Games record, while athletes across multiple sports also added medals to the national tally.
Vietnam made a impressive comeback to beat Thailand 3-2 after extra time and claim the 33rd SEA Games men's football final. This is the fourth SEA Games men's football gold medal of Vietnam.
In the women’s futsal final, Vietnam delivered a dominant performance, defeating Indonesia 5-0 to claim their first-ever SEA Games gold medal after finishing runners-up in five consecutive editions. This was also Vietnam’s 72nd gold medal at SEA Games 33.
Wrestler Nguyen Cong Manh delivered the first gold medal for Vietnam’s wrestling team at this SEA Games. His victory not only opened the gold-medal account for the sport but also provided a morale boost for the entire delegation on a crucial competition day.
The latest triumph not only earned Nguyen Thi Oanh another gold medal but also marked the 15th SEA Games gold of her career, a significant milestone in the history of Vietnamese athletics.
From initial integration, the country has emerged as an active, proactive and responsible member, driving shared progress within the bloc. Vietnam's growing influence stems from substantive contributions across sectors, bolstered by domestic political-economic stability and rising global stature.
Delivering a speech at the Clean Energy Transition Asia (CETA) Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister, said that the Southeast Asian region now drives more than half of the global energy demand.
The six gold medals secured at SEA Games 33 not only ensured Vietnam retained top spot in karate, but also completed an unprecedented hat-trick following its successes at SEA Games 31 and 32.
On the Wushu mat, Dang Tran Phuong Nhi secured a silver medal after competing in the women’s southern fist, southern staff and southern broadsword events, finishing with a total score of 29.112 points.
ASEAN reiterated its call for the full implementation of an expanded and extended ceasefire throughout Myanmar, as reaffirmed by the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar issued on May 26 this year.
In football, the Vietnamese women’s team lived up to expectations by defeating Indonesia 5-0 to book a place in the final for the SEA Games 2025 gold medal.
Malaysia remains ready to support efforts to de-escalate the situation, protect civilians, and help restore regional stability, in line with ASEAN's spirit of good neighbourliness.
Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that becoming a member of ASEAN is “a dream comes true" for the people of Timor Leste, affirming that joining ASEAN marked a significant turning point, helping Timor Leste move towards the future and integrate into the broader regional community.
Also on December 11, Vietnamese MMA athletes delivered impressive performances, securing two gold medals, one silver and two bronzes in their debut appearance at SEA Games 33.
Vietnam once again reaffirms its indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in accordance with international law.
Vietnam’s participation demonstrates a high sense of responsibility and a shared commitment with ASEAN partners and the US to promoting peace, stability, friendship and development in the Asia–Pacific, particularly within the ASEAN–US cooperation framework, thereby contributing to building strategic trust for common development.
The year 2025 marks a successful period for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with a series of historic milestones achieved, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang has said.
ASEAN is China’s largest regional trading partner, with close to 1 trillion USD, Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said, hoping the figure to surpass 1 trillion USD by the end of the year.