Seafic.Asean

05/06/2026

What signals are shaping Southeast Asia’s future this week?

In this edition of SEAFIC Futurist Weekly, we examine why the region’s manufacturing recovery matters, what recent economic signals reveal about future risks, and the key events policymakers and businesses should watch next.

The future rarely arrives as a single event—it emerges through signals

�👉 Visit https://seafic.org to read the complete edition and stay ahead of the trends shaping Southeast Asia's future.

04/06/2026

Fueling AI’s Hunger: Is ASEAN Ready?

As countries across the region invest in digital technologies and AI capabilities, the conversation is no longer just about technology. It is about how ASEAN can create the right environment for innovation, attract investments, develop talent and ensure that growth benefits everyone.

The opportunities are enormous, but so are the challenges.

How do we prepare our workforce for an AI-driven future?

How do we ensure businesses of all sizes can benefit from digital transformation?

How can ASEAN work together to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy?

Our Chairman, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, joined the distinguished panel of speakers for the dialogue session, “AI for Energy: Fueling AI’s Hunger – Powering ASEAN’s Next Era of Growth,” sharing perspectives on ASEAN’s economic and industrial transformation in the age of AI. At SEAFIC, we believe that collaboration, knowledge sharing and regional partnerships will be key to shaping a future that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable.

Credit: Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) – The Energy Transition Conference

01/06/2026

Building Resilience Through Preparedness and Strategic Foresight

As global attention remains focused on developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation should extend beyond energy prices to a broader question:

How resilient are modern economies to disruptions in critical supply networks?

In The Star's latest feature, SEAFIC policy researcher Dr. Mikhail Rosli discusses the importance of understanding systemic vulnerabilities that can affect manufacturing, food security, logistics and industrial production long before consumers notice direct impacts.

The lesson is not merely about one geopolitical flashpoint. It is about recognising how interconnected today's economies have become—and why resilience, diversification and strategic preparedness must remain central to policy discussions.

Global disruptions are a reminder that resilience is not built during a crisis—it is built long before one arrives. As policymakers, businesses and communities navigate an increasingly uncertain environment, preparedness and strategic foresight are essential for understanding risks, strengthening resilience and responding effectively to future shocks.

SEAFIC is pleased to contribute evidence-based perspectives that help policymakers, businesses and the public navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

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Source : The Star

31/05/2026

From the Strait of Hormuz to Malaysia: Why This Matters to Every Malaysian 🇲🇾

The Strait of Hormuz may be thousands of kilometres away, but its impact reaches directly into Malaysia’s economy, industries, and daily life.

Featured across leading Malaysian media outlets, SEAFIC researcher Dr. Mikhail Rosli highlights how disruptions in one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes could affect energy supplies, manufacturing costs, food production, logistics, and the prices consumers ultimately pay.

While many Malaysians may not yet feel the full impact, businesses and industries are already facing higher costs and supply chain pressures. Government subsidies and interventions have helped cushion consumers so far, but the underlying economic risks remain.

Key takeaway: Global geopolitical events are no longer distant issues. They can quickly influence domestic economic stability, business operations, and cost of living.

Swipe through to explore insights featured in Sinar Harian, Astro AWANI, The Star, and 马来西亚星洲日报 Malaysia Sin Chew Daily.

31/05/2026

Selat Hormuz mungkin kelihatan jauh daripada Malaysia, namun kesannya terhadap ekonomi negara sudah mula dirasai. Menurut penyelidik SEAFIC, Mikhail Rosli, subsidi dan mekanisme intervensi kerajaan masih membantu menyerap sebahagian besar kejutan harga kepada pengguna, tetapi tekanan sebenar kini semakin dirasai oleh perniagaan, sektor pembuatan, rantaian bekalan dan kedudukan fiskal kerajaan.

Ketika ketegangan geopolitik terus menjejaskan pasaran tenaga dan komoditi global, sektor yang bergantung kepada minyak, gas, petrokimia, keluli dan input pertanian berdepan risiko peningkatan kos yang semakin ketara. Pengajaran utamanya ialah krisis geopolitik di luar negara boleh memberi kesan langsung kepada ekonomi domestik, walaupun belum dirasai sepenuhnya oleh pengguna.

🔗 Baca artikel penuh di Astro AWANI.

Rakyat mungkin belum terasa bahang sebenar konflik di Selat Hormuz, tetapi tekanan ekonomi sebenarnya sudah mula bergerak. Subsidi dan perniagaan mungkin menjadi benteng utama situasi ketika ini.

31/05/2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact Malaysia, affecting the import of 106 products, including crude oil, raw materials for plastics, and food items. This disruption could lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers, with potential price hikes for dining out and groceries. Businesses are advised to conduct inventory audits, pre-qualify alternative suppliers, and reformulate materials to mitigate the impact.

Source: The Star

The Strait of Hormuz closure is no distant geopolitical crisis - its effects on food, packaging and daily necessities could soon be felt by every Malaysian household.

29/05/2026

What happens when a conflict thousands of kilometers away disrupts one of the world's most important energy corridors?

In SEAFIC Futurist Weekly #5, we explore how the ongoing Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping Southeast Asia's economic landscape. Rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and shifting government policies are creating new challenges across the region.

Yet amidst the uncertainty, important signals are emerging:
📈 Malaysia's economy grew 5.4% in Q1 2026.
🤖 Singapore's AI-driven sectors continue to outperform expectations.
🌏 Regional governments are rolling out measures to cushion economic shocks.
📊 Key geopolitical developments are shaping the outlook for trade, investment, and security.

As futurists, understanding these interconnected trends is essential—not just to anticipate risks, but to identify opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

📖 Read the full articles in SEAFIC Futurist Weekly #5 at https://seafic.org and stay ahead of the trends shaping Southeast Asia's future.

23/05/2026

🌏 SEAFIC Futurist Weekly #4 is now live

How will the Iran conflict, rising inflation, AI investments, and shifting supply chains reshape Southeast Asia’s future?

In this latest edition, SEAFIC explores:
📈 Thailand’s stronger-than-expected economic growth
🤖 OpenAI’s USD234 million AI expansion into Singapore
💹 Singapore overtaking Indonesia as Southeast Asia’s largest stock market
📦 ASEAN’s growing supply-chain vulnerabilities
⚠️ Inflationary pressures and regional economic risks

Featuring strategic commentary by Dr. Mikhail Rosli on why the Hormuz crisis is fundamentally a supply-chain shock for ASEAN economies.

Stay informed with the trends, risks, and strategic developments shaping the region.
📖 Read the full edition here:
SEAFIC.org

15/05/2026

SEAFIC Futurist Weekly #3 is now live!

In today’s rapidly changing global environment, Southeast Asia faces increasing geopolitical, economic, energy, and supply-chain challenges. To help navigate these developments, SEAFIC launched Futurist Weekly — our platform for strategic foresight, regional analysis, and policy-relevant insights shaping ASEAN’s future.

This latest issue explores:
🌏 ASEAN’s evolving economic and geopolitical landscape
📉 The Indonesian rupiah’s record low amid global energy disruptions
🤝 ASEAN trade and investment developments
⚡ Regional energy security and resilience efforts
📈 Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected economic growth

The publication also highlights ASEAN’s growing focus on strategic resilience through initiatives such as APSA 2.0, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the ASEAN Maritime Centre.

Read SEAFIC Futurist Weekly #3 now at:
🌐 www.seafic.org