Competition for power and influence in Southeast Asia is nothing new, writes Joseph Liow, the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Non-Resident International Fellow. Unity between Southeast Asian states is key to maintaining the region’s independence.

Singapore has earned a reputation as a "living lab" for disruptive technologies, where innovation is balanced against public safety and trust. Singapore has earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost “living labs” for disruptive technologies. From autonomous vehicles (AVs) to drones, robotics, and now artificial intelligence (AI), the city-state has taken a distinctive approach in testing how new technologies can be integrated into society. But with disruption comes risk. How does a government encourage innovation while protecting the public from safety failures, privacy breaches, cybersecurity attacks, or job losses?

Today we put the spotlight on the United Nations as it turns 80 years old in 2025. Current global crises, such as geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and humanitarian disasters are profoundly testing the UN's existing mechanisms and its capacity to respond effectively.

Trump’s tariffs spark global economic turmoil, raising questions on US dominance. Is the world ready to build a new, inclusive order beyond hegemony?