Singapore Pushes Haze Measures During 2027 ASEAN Chair
Singapore plans to pursue transboundary haze measures during its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship, which will begin after the November 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Asthma
Singapore says it will work with ASEAN Member States to strengthen implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution during its 2027 chairmanship. It will also submit its ratification instrument for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control agreement in the next few days.
Why it matters
Transboundary haze is a collective challenge for the region, and the coordinating centre needs at least six Member States to ratify its establishment agreement before it can take effect. Singapore's push aims to strengthen regional cooperation on land and forest fires that cause haze across borders.
The establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control requires ratification by at least six Member States under its Establishment Agreement. The current number of ratifications and the timeline for operation are not specified in the available information.
The players
ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre is based in Singapore and provides regional weather and climate assessments while monitoring fires and smoke haze across Southeast Asia.
Singapore Government
The Singapore Government is leading the country's 2027 ASEAN chairmanship agenda on transboundary haze and is cooperating with Indonesia on holding companies accountable.
The details
Singapore hosts the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, which monitors fires and smoke haze and shares satellite imagery and hot spot data with Member States. Singapore is also cooperating with Indonesia to hold errant companies, including those registered in Singapore, to account for transboundary haze.
Timeline
November 2026: ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled
2027: Singapore assumes ASEAN chairmanship
In the next few days: Singapore submits its ratification instrument for the ACC THPC Establishment Agreement
Big Picture
Singapore's push extends the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution by seeking stronger implementation and a coordinating centre to support it. The effort addresses a recurring regional problem that crosses national borders.
Residents in haze-affected areas may face worse air quality during fire seasons, which can aggravate asthma and other breathing conditions. Stronger regional coordination could mean earlier warnings and more consistent monitoring of smoke from land and forest fires.
The takeaway
People with asthma should monitor regional air quality reports during haze seasons and keep rescue medication accessible. Coordinated monitoring across ASEAN aims to give earlier notice of smoke that can trigger symptoms.
What happens next
Singapore will submit its Instrument of Ratification for the ACC THPC Establishment Agreement in the next few days, and will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Asthma and how air quality from regional haze affects respiratory health.
