Ep 51: What is ASEAN & Why is it Important for Travel & Tourism?

About This Episode

15 Jan 2021 β€’ 31m00s

It’s all about ASEAN!

This week, Hannah and Gary take a journey through the history of ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations. Established in 1967, ASEAN brings together the 10 countries of the hugely diverse region of South East Asia. Since founding the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, ASEAN has positioned itself as a “Third Force” in Asia Pacific, after China & India.

Will it expand further (Timor Leste, Australia?), and why is ASEAN integral to the newly signed RCEP trade agreement in Asia Pacific?

Most importantly, how will ASEAN influence the future of the aviation, cruise, travel and tourism sectors in a post-pandemic world?

Will there be an ASEAN Air Travel Bubble, and can South East Asia really be promoted as a single tourism destination?

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play
21 Sep 2026 β€’ 32m49s

Ep 319: AirAsia Fights Back: Why is '70 Million' the South East Asian Carrier's Most Important Strategic Forecast?

43 million. 15,000. 250. 154. 60%. 40%. 34%. Restating its statistical credentials is a vital part of AirAsia’s battle to reclaim the media narrative that it was starting to lose last week, reassure passengers and investors and arrest its market cap rout. As it reiterates its importance to ASEAN’s air travel landscape, the crucial number to watch is 70 million. During a combative press performance on Friday, AirAsia Co-Founder, Tony Fernandes, attacked media reporting, repeatedly stated that the KL-based, ASEAN-centric carrier group is financially viable and is seeking funding to recapitalise its debts at a lower borrowing cost not to stay afloat.
Play
14 Sep 2026 β€’ 20m54s

Ep 318: How Deep Are AirAsia's Financial Troubles? And How Vital is AirAsia to the Air Travel Landscapes of South East Asia & Asia Pacific?

“It’s hard to imagine how South East Asia’s air travel landscape would look without AirAsia.” This podcast episode examines AirAsia’s financial crisis and regional significance. The airline group operates 7 carriers across 5 countries and serves as a vital connector throughout ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific markets. The episode details AirAsia’s current struggles, including an RM831 million second-quarter loss attributed to the 2026 Iran War fuel crisis. The airline has reduced capacity by up to 25% and seeks approximately US$1.