A digital August in Asean

While the rest of the world is more preoccupied with the turbulent present, South-East Asia is already thinking and preparing for the future. (File pic shows 'digitally savvy' Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir.)

LAST month, Malaysia celebrated her 62nd anniversary of Independence, led by 94-year-old but digitally savvy Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Singapore also celebrated her 54th National Day this month, with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English about how to prepare Singapore for climate change.

At the 74th anniversary of Independence, Indonesia President Jokowi announced an ambitious plan to move the capital from Jakarta to Borneo.

Travelling around Asean last month made me realise that while the rest of the world is more preoccupied with the turbulent present, South-East Asia is already thinking and preparing for the future.