Asia-Pacific

Singapore’s PM Wong Begins First Official Visit to Timor-Leste, Cementing Bilateral and ASEAN Ties (from news)

Singapore’s PM Wong Begins First Official Visit to Timor-Leste, Cementing Bilateral and ASEAN Ties

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will undertake his inaugural official visit to Timor-Leste from July 2-3, where he will receive the nation's highest honor in recognition of Singapore's sustained support for Timor-Leste's development and its accession to ASEAN. The visit is set to bolster economic and diplomatic ties, with bilateral agreements expected to be signed.

Vietnam Boosts Maternity Leave, Incentives After Two-Child Policy Repeal (from news)

Vietnam Boosts Maternity Leave, Incentives After Two-Child Policy Repeal

Hanoi, Vietnam, has implemented new incentives, including extended maternity leave and financial bonuses, for mothers having a second child. This policy shift follows the earlier repeal of the nation's two-child policy, aiming to counter declining birth rates and address demographic challenges, positioning Vietnam within a broader Asian trend.

Hong Kong Solidifies GBA-ASEAN Economic Linkage Amid Shifting Geopolitics (from news)

Hong Kong Solidifies GBA-ASEAN Economic Linkage Amid Shifting Geopolitics

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the city's pivotal role in connecting ASEAN and China's Greater Bay Area, fostering a powerful economic partnership amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes. The remarks were made at the South China Morning Post's GBA-Asean Summit 2026, which also saw the launch of a new ASEAN chamber of commerce in Hong Kong.