The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), held in Hà Nội from 19–23 January 2026, marks a pivotal inflection point in Vietnam’s contemporary development trajectory. Convened at a moment of profound global uncertainty—characterised by geopolitical tensions, rapid technological disruption, climate stress, and shifting patterns of global growth—the Congress was not just a routine transfer of power. It was a strategic effort aimed at consolidating leadership, renewing a party’s vision, and positioning Vietnam for significant transformation by 2030, with the ultimate goal becoming a high-income nation by 2045, the centenary of its independence.

If you are experiencing a sense that the world has entered an unstable and troubled era you are not alone.

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?