For years, engaging the United States was seen as a way for Southeast Asia to secure stability and economic opportunity. But that assumption is now being tested. With tariffs, shifting alliances and a more unpredictable foreign policy under President Donald Trump, countries in the region are starting to reassess what engagement with Washington really means.

In this episode of Morning Shot, we speak to Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, to unpack why Southeast Asia’s approach may be shifting from pragmatic cooperation to something more defensive and what that could mean for the future of US–ASEAN relations.

For years, engaging the United States was seen as a way for Southeast Asia to secure stability and economic opportunity. But that assumption is now being tested. With tariffs, shifting alliances and a more unpredictable foreign policy under President Donald Trump, countries in the region are starting to reassess what engagement with Washington really means.
In this episode of Morning Shot, we speak to&nbsp;Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, to unpack why Southeast Asia&rsquo;s approach may be shifting from pragmatic cooperation to something more defensive and what that could mean for the future of US&ndash;ASEAN relations.

From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore — and your place in it.

Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what’s happening — and what’s worth your attention.

And it’s not just talk — it’s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let’s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.

Start your day with the stories shaping Singapore &mdash; and your place in it.
Join Neil Humphreys and Audrey Siek as they cover the biggest headlines, trending topics, and everyday conversations, unpacked through fresh perspectives, expert insights, and engaging discussion. From current affairs and social issues to lifestyle trends and community voices, each segment offers a different lens on what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; and what&rsquo;s worth your attention.
And it&rsquo;s not just talk &mdash; it&rsquo;s your voice. Through polls, messages, and live call-ins, listeners are part of the conversation, sharing their views and shaping the discussion in real time. With a mix of clarity, curiosity, and personality, Let&rsquo;s Talk, Singapore keeps you informed, connected, and ready for the day ahead.