Thanks to all of our readers, commentators and contributors for another wonderful New Mandala year. In 2016 we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the website. We also launched our vibrant new platform. It has gone from strength-to-strength.

As always, this success is the result of an impressive team effort. James Giggacher, Mish Khan, Martyn Pearce and the rest of the crew have done a terrific job of keeping the lights on.

It has been a huge year in terms of readership, probably the busiest yet, across the widest range of platforms ever. 2016 was also a year of contention when New Mandala, once again, received stern official rebukes for its unflinching coverage of sensitive Southeast Asian issues.

As the Internet continues to shift around us, New Mandala looks to evolve and improve. No doubt 2017 will bring new challenges for us all.

We hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing Christmas and New Year holiday. We will be back bigger and busier in 2017. We look forward to seeing you then.

For now, our customary Christmas parade involves some enthusiastic ASEAN leaders, working harmoniously to set up the decorations. Enjoy!