Agenda in Focus: ASEAN

It has been almost 50 years since the Association of South-East Asian Nations came into being, with the aim of freeing up trade and promoting stability in the region. With a combined population of 625 million people, the 10 member states have grown into some of the most exciting markets in the world – each one urbanizing and industrializing fast.

But with new opportunities come fresh challenges: inequality, environmental degradation and the transforming effect of digital technology on everything from retail and healthcare to government accountability.

These and many other issues are being addressed at this year's World Economic Forum on ASEAN. You can join the conversation online at #asean16 and read further insights and in-depth analysis in this editorial series.

Asian women are working a double shift. Here's how to redress the balance

Can ASEAN compete with the world’s economic superpowers?

Computers, creativity and character – here's how to improve Asia's schools

How Asians might lose their jobs (and find new ones)

Asia needs a world-class university. Here's what it would look like

Human rights are under attack – it’s time for the business world to do more

The CEO who bought AirAsia for 25 cents shares what he’s learned about business

Why women hold the key to South-East Asia’s economic success

In pictures: 25 years of our East Asia meeting

7 surprising things you probably don't know about ASEAN

Topics

Why we need to talk about girls’ rights in East Asia

Highlights from day one of #ASEAN16

The secret to food security in East Asia

Is this the one thing stopping Asian companies from going global?

Asia's carbon emissions are rising. Could this be the solution?

South-East Asia's digital jobs revolution – in 5 charts

ASEAN may have 10 nations but it should only have one visa

Who's coming to the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2016?

Q&A: How are partnerships changing Asia’s food systems?

Can we teach girls confidence in the classroom? A lesson from East Asia

The ASEAN Economic Community: what you need to know

From Kigali to Kuala Lumpur: What will it take for Africa to follow South-East Asia’s development path?

How to follow and embed our ASEAN 2016 meeting

3 ways to build trust in your business

South-East Asia and India struck by worst drought in decades – in pictures

Who are the future consumers of South-East Asia?

5 ways Asia can arm itself against future epidemics

Is this the answer to youth unemployment in East Asia?

Opportunity knocks for East Asia's banks

Why Asia's future employees need more than good grades

Sustainable consumption and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Why is Singapore struggling with digital adoption?

5 ways to restore Indonesia’s tropical peatlands

Big data should be driven by business needs, not technology

5 ways East Asia can fuel its digital revolution