An introduction to the new format for Future Southeast Asia, and my 2026 travel plans for Future Southeast Asia research. Article updates include keeping the Bangkok-Chiang Mai Shinkansen dream alive, cable cars of Southeast Asia, The Next Singapore, and will Spain and France be building Vietnam’s high-speed railway? Hello from Ho Chi Minh City, and […]
Future Southeast Asia News [28 Jan 2026]
How Asia’s megacities can learn from each other, Cambodia bets big on state-led development, Jakarta to break ground on giant sea wall in September, Bukit Chagar station takes shape on Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, Philippines government earmarks P7.8 billion for upgrade of 19 airports, Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 2 tunnel work and extension […]
Hanoi trip report: construction and metro updates
Construction and transport projects in Hanoi, including the demolition of the Shark Jaw building, Hanoi’s future “floating” opera house, demolition of the historic Post Equipment Factory, Vinhomes world-themed shophouses, West Lake’s fantasy Eurotown and groundscaper apartment, hope for the revival of the VietinBank tower, and metro construction updates. I was in Hanoi in October and […]
Bangkok – Chiang Mai High-Speed Railway
The Bangkok – Chiang Mai High-Speed Railway (also known as the Northern High-speed Railway) is a proposed high-speed railway that would be built alongside the current Northern Line in Thailand. Japan has proposed building the railway in partnership with Thailand, and the line would be a Shinkansen-like bullet train similar to that used in Japan. […]
Future Southeast Asia News [21 Jan 2026]
Redeveloping old Phnom Penh airport, Jakarta sinks deeper as subsidence worsens flood risks, redesigning Kuala Lumpur’s public spaces, Mindanao Railway revived, new bridge to link Marina Centre and Gardens by the Bay, Thailand construction mishaps pile up, and Ho Chi Minh City officially begins construction of Metro Line 2. Hello from Ho Chi Minh City! […]
Hanoi–Quang Ninh High-Speed Railway
The Hanoi–Quang Ninh High-Speed Railway is a planned railway from Hanoi to Ha Long in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The railway was proposed by Vingroup, and it’s a separate railway from the abandoned Ha Long Railway. The new Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed line will be approximately 120 km in length and have a top speed of […]
Future Southeast Asia News [14 Jan 2026]
Jakarta to clear derelict monorail pillars, railway between Vientiane and Pakse, Penang LRT construction starts, Korean-Japanese JV to design Manila train network, HCMC bridge and undersea tunnel between Can Gio and Vung Tau.
The Next Singapore
A list of cities in Southeast Asia that aspire to be “The Second Singapore”. Singapore is the most economically prosperous country in Southeast Asia, and one that others look to emulate. With its modern infrastructure and its GDP per capita among the highest in the world, other cities use Singapore as a benchmark for future […]
Future Southeast Asia News [7 Jan 2026]
Southeast Asia Airport Report (2026 Edition)
Techo International Airport replaces Phnom Penh International Airport, North Bali Airport approved, plans to reopen the secret CIA airport in Laos, proposed new airport for Kuching, a year since privatisation of NAIA, Changi Airport T5 breaks ground, expansion plans for Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, Tan Son Nhat opens T3, and Long Thanh welcomes first […]
