#Asean Morning News For April 26, 2017

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

Interpol unplugs nearly 9,000 Asian command and control networks
An Interpol investigation has revealed a worrying degree of insecurity in sout-east Asian countries, with even government-operated Web servers infected to operate as command and control systems for bot-herders.
– The Register

As ASEAN Summit begins, MPs call on leaders to tackle region’s most pressing challenges
Heads of state and government attending the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila this week should tackle critical regional challenges head-on and not shy away from difficult questions, including those related to the state of human rights and democracy, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) said today.
– ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (media release)

ASEAN Summit: Leaders must take a stand against Philippines bloodshed
With mounting evidence of government involvement in thousands of extrajudicial executions in Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’, Amnesty International is calling on regional leaders to take a stand against possible crimes against humanity as they meet at the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila this week.
— Amnesty International

Duterte’s duty: Unite ASEAN and push for early COC
After a five decade long journey, unity and solidarity remain a challenge for the dynamic 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). A key reason for this is the South China Sea (SCS) conundrum, which has become the single biggest threat to ASEAN unity, peace and stability.
— The Jakarta Post

Why you should care about ASEAN integration
Imagine that pay raise you’ve been waiting for. Or perhaps an opportunity to work or study abroad. How about the chance to travel extensively overseas?
— Rappler

Rerouting plan for motorists affected by ASEAN Summit events
The Metro Manila Development Authority bared the re-routing plan for Wednesday (April 26) until Saturday (April 29), in line with the 30th ASEAN Summit.
— Manila Bulletin

Asean Economic Community: Still a work in progress
The Asean is holding its 30th summit meeting in Manila to assess the progress of the Asean Economic Community (AEC), launched two years ago in Kuala Lumpur. Seen as an ambitious plan to integrate the mostly struggling economies of the 10 Asean member-countries, the launching of the AEC in 2015 was greeted with much scepticism.
— Business Mirror

Infrastructure Spending will Continue to Power ASEAN and Asia
The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual operations exceeded the $30 billion mark for the first time in its 50-year history last year as regional demand for development finance and knowledge — particularly on infrastructure — continues to grow, according to the bank’s 2016 Annual Report (AR) released today.
— Live Trading News

Jokowi to Emphasize People Affairs at ASEAN Summit
President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, is scheduled to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippine on April 29 and 30, 2017. In the forum, Jokowi will discuss a number of strategic issues, including people affairs.
— Tempo.co

Security drill for ASEAN
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard Special Operations Group take part during a security drill ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, on Tuesday. At least 40,000 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, traffic enforcers, and other personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila this week to ensure safety during the 4-day meeting.
— ABS-CBN

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Port launches initial public offering roadshow
Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (SAP) kicked off a road show and bookbuild process for its initial public offering (IPO) yesterday to prospective investors, following the announcement last month that it would seek to become the fifth listed company on Cambodia’s sleepy stock exchange.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia’s state-owned seaport to list on stock market
The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS), Cambodia’s largest state-run seaport, announced on Tuesday that it will list on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) on May 31.
— Xinhua

Doc suggests US aid cuts
A document purported to have come from the US State Department appears to show plans to slash US development assistance to the Kingdom down to zero, a move observers said yesterday would further weaken the US’s standing in the country, allowing for China to cement its already growing influence.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodian Domestic Helpers to Take the One Belt, One Road to Hong Kong
As part of Beijing’s much talked about One Belt, One Road initiative, the first group of Cambodian domestic workers will arrive in Hong Kong this fall.
— The Diplomat

Cambodia’s solar development moves forward with 10 MW project
The Asian Development Bank has agreed to lend €9.2 to Singapore-based Sunseap Group for the building of a 10 MW solar facility in Cambodia.
— pv magazine

New Hong Kong Maid Deal Raises Old Concerns Over Abuse
Employment agencies in Hong Kong are already raising doubts about the likely success of a pilot program that could see hundreds of Cambodians start arriving later this year to work as maids, only a day after a deal creating the program was signed, according to media reports.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Foreign Affairs Ministry Retracts US Deportation Halt Claim
The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Tuesday that it would temporarily halt the acceptance of Cambodians deported from the U.S.—and then several hours later retracted the statement, saying the repatriation agreement would remain in effect while the countries discussed revisions.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Hun Sen touts relationship with Vietnam
Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday accused “some people” of trying to instigate conflict, and even war, between the country and its neighbours, while personally claiming responsibility for peace and regional cooperation in a thinly veiled swipe at the opposition’s past use of anti-Vietnamese rhetoric.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Monitor to help analyse pollution
An air quality monitoring system may finally be materialising in the Kingdom’s capital, following a donation of a monitor to the Ministry of Environment last week.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Hun Sen, Vietnamese PM Sign Deals on Road, Drugs Fight
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday signed off on cooperation deals with his Vietnamese counterpart, including a new expressway linking the two countries.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia, Laos Sign Border Crime Pact, Sidestep Land Dispute
Cambodia and Laos on Tuesday reaffirmed their cooperation to prevent border crime, including drug trafficking, but a recent military border dispute involving soldier surges and arguments over post construction was left off the negotiating table, an official said.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia rolls out red carpet for Vietnamese PM
Cambodia on Tuesday rolled out its red carpet for Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on his official visit to the kingdom to boost bilateral ties and cooperation.
— Xinhua

More Than a Third of Cambodia’s Orphanages Have Never Been Inspected: Gov’t
More than 3,500 children living in so-called orphanages in Cambodia will be returned to their families following a government report into conditions at the facilities.
— VOA

Prominent Journalist Faces Trial Over Alleged Ethics Violation
A prominent Radio Free Asia journalist has been called to court after allegedly sneaking into a prison to interview an activist who’s seen as a political prisoner.
— VOA

Cambodia to send 1,000 domestic helpers to Hong Kong by September at the earliest
A thousand Cambodian workers are due to arrive in Hong Kong later this year after Cambodia and Hong Kong yesterday inked a five-year deal to meet local demand for domestic helpers.
— Coconuts

Language issues for incoming Cambodian domestic helpers spark concern in Hong Kong
Cambodian domestic helpers may face language problems in Hong Kong and be sent home early like the Myanmar workers before them, employment agencies and unions fear.
— South China Morning Post

VN, Cambodia premiers open cross-border bridge
Chrey Thom Bridge connecting the southern province of An Giang in Vietnam and Cambodia’s Kandal Province was inaugurated on Monday.
— The Nation

Cambodia: Immunization on the move
“Bring your child for free vaccines tomorrow!” Sokly Ye called out to
passers-by as she slowly drove her motorbike down a narrow dirt road lined with ramshackle homes.
— Reliefweb

Cambodia suspends repatriation agreement with US
Cambodia told Washington on Tuesday (April 25) it would no longer accept convicted criminals with Cambodian heritage being deported to the Southeast Asian nation, the latest blow to ties between the two countries.
— The Straits Times

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Papua government plans to spend up to $37.6 million to build world’s tallest Jesus statue
According to 2016 data from the Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS), Papua is the region of Indonesia with the highest rate of poverty, with 28.5% of the population living below the poverty line. Nonetheless, the provincial government of Papua has decided the best use of their resources would be to allocate Rp 300 billion to 500 billion (~$22.6 million to $37.6 million) of their budget over the next few years to build an enormous statue of Jesus Christ at the top of Puncak Gunung Swajah in the city of Jayapura, which they intend to make the largest of its kind in the world.
— Coconuts Jakarta

EXCLUSIVE- The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team- Empowering Indonesians to map their communities
The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team is working with volunteers to map 136 disaster-prone districts and strengthen the capacity of disaster management agencies in Indonesia.
— Open Gov

Kuwait’s aid to Indonesia hits $4.5 mln – Surgeries for blind in Jakarta held
The State of Kuwait contributed with $4.5 million in humanitarian aid to Indonesia over the past two years and a half.
— Arab Times Kuwait English Daily

Mitsubishi to make XM-based MPV in new $565 million Indonesian plant
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is increasing its presence and activity in the region with the opening of its newest manufacturing plant in Indonesia.
— AutoIndustriya.com

Freeport Hit by Indonesia Export Ban, Permit Talks to Start
Freeport-McMoRan, the world’s biggest publicly listed copper miner, reported first-quarter results on Tuesday (25/04) that reflected a months-long Indonesian export ban at its massive Grasberg mine, which clipped sales.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia revives probe into Asian-crisis bailout loans
The Indonesian anti-graft agency said it has stepped up investigations into suspected embezzlement of loans disbursed by the central bank to nearly 50 lenders in the wake of the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Indonesia’s East Ventures partners SGInnovate to create joint startup launchpad
Indonesia-based VC firm East Ventures has teamed up with Singapore’s SGInnovate to create a joint landing pad for startups from both countries, according to an announcement.
— Deal Street Asia

Indonesia bets on $200-billion investment to boost energy output
Indonesia plans to overhaul its energy policy to attract investment of as much as $200 billion over the next decade as the former OPEC member seeks to reverse a decline in its crude oil production.
— World Oil

Indonesia: Stockbit raises new round from 500 Startups, other investors
Indonesia-based social network for stock market investors, Stockbit, announced Tuesday that it has raised a pre-Series A round of investment from 500 Startups and other existing backers, including Ideosource and Braavos Ventures.
— Deal Street Asia

Anies Baswedan promises to shut down all places of prostitution in Jakarta, not just Alexis
One of the many campaign promises made by Anies Baswedan, the not-yet-official but assumed to be future governor of Jakarta based on the quick count results of last Wednesday’s runoff election, was to shut down the infamous Alexis Hotel, widely believed to be a high-class brothel (a claim which the Jakarta Tourism Department claims they’ve never found evidence for).
— Coconuts Jakarta

Indonesia-Philippines talks to fortify new trade route
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is expected to try and fortify maritime security cooperation with the Philippines during bilateral talks this week, ahead of the launch of a lucrative trade route that aims to boost connectivity along the borders of the neighboring countries.
— The Jakarta Post

Bank Indonesia steps up fight against illegal money changers
Attractive exchange rates and a long list of currency options are the main reasons why travelers pick particular money changers to sell or buy foreign bills.
— The Jakarta Post

Ahok Committed No Blasphemy
The prosecution’s demand to find Basuki Tjahaja Purnama guilty of a secondary indictment in the much-hyped religious blasphemy case showed that the law enforcers were desperate to force their version of justice down our throats. Having failed to prove the religious defamation charge, it should actually ask the court to drop all charges against Ahokas Basuki is popularly known.
Tempo.co

Exhibition to showcase Indonesian cultural heritage for UNESCO list opened
Indonesia is striving for the inclusion of the phinisi shipbuilding culture from South Sulawesi, pantun poetry and the pencak silat martial art on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list, an official has said.
— The Jakarta Post

KPU Says Cost of 2018 Simultaneous Elections May Rise to Rp 11.3t
Next year’s regional elections could cost the government as much as Rp 11.3 trillion ($851 million), the General Election Commission, or KPU, told the House of Representatives on Tuesday (25/04).
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia: Journalists Under Assault
The Indonesian government should adopt measures to ensure that state security forces who physically attack journalists are suspended and appropriately prosecuted, Human Rights Watch said today. New data and case research shows a disturbing increase in assaults on journalists in the past two years.
— Human Rights Watch

Indonesia Sees Boom in Processed Food Market
Indonesia is among the world’s fastest growing markets for meat, poultry and seafood, driven by a growing local demand for convenient and satiating foods.
— Jakarta Globe

Collaboration to grow startup ecosystem in Indonesia and Singapore
STARTUPS need to grow beyond the borders of their home countries in order to share their culture of innovation and ring their goods as well as services to a wider audience.
— Digital News Asia

Malaysia cuts education budget, but Indonesia, Philippines spend more
Development expert says education is key to a nation’s progress and it is unwise for Malaysia to slash spending on education, including to universities.
— Free Malaysia Today

More than 500 Companies Apply for Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certificate
A total of 527 palm oil companies are currently applying for an Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certificate in 2017 to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the international market.
— Netral English

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Power generates seven percent plus growth in past year
The economy of Laos grew at a rate of 7.02 percent in 2016, falling short of the 7.5 percent forecast in the plan approved by National Assembly (NA) last year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
— Vientiane Times

NA ordinary session opens to debate socio-economic performance, law making
The third ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA) kicked off yesterday in Vientiane to review the government’s performance over the past six months, future work plans, socio-economic development plan implementation for 2016 and 2017 and law making.
— Vientiane Times

ISUZU May Be Interested in Building a Plant in Laos if Market Demand is High
Isuzu is yet to have a plan to build an assembly plant in Laos but has said building one may possibly be studied if it is deemed feasible by a rising demand in the Lao pickup market.
— Lao News Agency

GDP Growth in 2016 Lower Than Expected
Laos’ gross domestic product last year saw a growth of only 7 percent, amounting to 108,605 billion kip (USD 13.27 billion) that was lower than the expected 7.5 percent, as a consequence of the global economic turndown, a decrease in copper prices and climate change.
— Lao News Agency

Chinese company to build modern agricultural industrial park in Laos
Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Xuanye (Lao) Co., Ltd/AVIC International Beijing Co., Ltd on a modern agricultural industrial park project in Laos.
— Xinhua

Lao investigates report of human sperm smuggling
Lao Health officials are investigating a report that human sperm has been imported into Laos, local daily Vientiane Times quoted a senior government official as saying on Tuesday.
— Xinhua

Cross-border bridge congestion target of Savan Park proposal
Savan Logistics based in the Special Economic Zone or Savan Park (SEZ) has proposed establishment of Common Control Areas (CCA) in the park, aimed at easing traffic congestion at the Lao-Thai border checkpoint.
— Vientiane Times

Ministry of Health says free treatment for all children
The Ministry of Health confirmed yesterday that hospitals across the country ought to continue free treatment for all children while some local hospitals worry about their congestion and under-capacity.
— Vientiane Times

Gov’t Faces Budget Deficit of Over 950 Billion Kip
The Ministry of Finance has admitted that the government faced a deficit of government budget of over 950 billion kip in the first quarter of this fiscal year.
— Lao News Agency

Lao Government Addresses Several Problems
The Lao government has so far focused on improving and solving some problems in national development over the last two quarters of 2016, leading to the success of many focal works.
— Lao News Agency

Government meets with Laos
Minister of Interior Sar Kheng and Laotian Minister of Public Security Somkeo Silavong yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to increasing cooperation and security along their common border, despite recent standoffs between soldiers on each side due to a contentious road being built along the frontier.
— The Phnom Penh Post

1st national food safety laboratory opens in Laos
Food security and control in Laos has been boosted as the first official National Food Safety Laboratory opened on Monday in Vientiane, local daily Vientiane Times reported Tuesday.
— Xinhua

World Malaria Day: challenges to Lao’s health system
Malaria has been a public health problem in Lao PDR for decades but due to government and stakeholders’ efforts, malaria cases are now significantly reduced with sustained satisfactory levels according to the malaria elimination global health agenda, announced by the World Health Organization.
— BMC Blogs Network

PM’s visit set to boost special Vietnam-Laos relations
The first official visit to Laos by Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as Vietnamese Prime Minister from April 26-27 is set to solidify the countries’ cooperation, which has been growing over the last 55 years.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Takeover of Icon on hold, resistance from minority shareholders
UMW Oil & Gas Corp Bhd’s (UMW-OG) proposed takeover of Icon Offshore Bhd and Orkim Sdn Bhd is on hold.
— The Star Online

Malaysia jumps up to 24th on Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2017
Malaysia jumped five notches to rank 24th (out of 50) on the Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2017 (GCI) released recently.
— The Edge Markets

Advancecon postpones prospectus launch
Main Market-bound Advancecon Holdings Bhd has postponed the prospectus launch of its initial public offering (IPO) because of outstanding queries from the Securities Commission (SC).
— The Star Online

KAG eyes more jobs to build data centres
Key Alliance Group Bhd (KAG) , which aims to launch e-commerce businesses in the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) in collaboration with Alibaba reseller RapidCloud, may secure more jobs to build data centres in Selangor.
— New Straits Times

SC releases Msian Code on Corporate Governance
The Securities Commission has released the new Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance – a set of best practices to strengthen corporate accountability and transparency.
— New Straits Times

PM: Affordable housing project proof Indian blueprint not ‘empty talk’
The government’s Residensi Pandanmas affordable housing project is proof that the Malaysian Indian Blueprint is not “empty talk”, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
— Malay Mail Online

Crucial to create supportive environment to retain women in workforce, panellist says
More initiatives need to be put in place to encourage women to stay in the workforce, a panellist at a forum said today.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia in 2050: Old, poor, sick and without children?
Malaysia’s aspiration to become a top 20 country in the world by 2050, under the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) initiative, will see a serious issue from a demographic perspective as experts ponder a possible ugly truth for the country where a majority of the population will be old, poor, sick and without children by then.
— The Edge Markets

I-Bhd to launch more high-rise residential projects
Property developer I-Bhd plans to launch more high-rise residential developments within i-City later this year.
— The Star Online

Maybank ‘hold’, Hartalega ‘buy’, Genting Plantations ‘hold’
CIMB Research said it has downgraded Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) to a “hold” from an “add” due to its strong share price performance in the year-to-date (YTD) that has outperformed the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KL Composite Index (FBM KLCI).
— The Star Online

Ringgit opens higher against US dollar
The ringgit extended its gains to open higher against the US dollar this morning as investors” appetite shifted to emerging currencies ahead of the US tax reform announcement, due later today.
— New Straits Times

Nestle’s Q1 pre-tax profit rises to RM290.7m
Nestle (M) Bhd’s pre-tax profit for the first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2017 rose to RM290.74 million from RM275.86 million a year ago.
— New Straits Times

Report: Islamic State angered by Wanndy’s failure to target Malaysia
Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi risks losing his position as the Islamic State’s (IS) Malaysian leader if he fails to carry out terror attacks here by year end, a report said.
— Malay Mail Online

Education Ministry intensifies activities to prevent drug abuse among students
The Education Ministry, with the cooperation of government agencies and non- governmental organisations, is intensifying activities to curb drug abuse among school students.
— Malay Mail Online

Can India and Malaysia Continue to Be Good Friends With Zakir Naik Lurking in the Background?
In India and Malaysia’s silence on Zakir Naik what has been revealed is how domestic politics has impacted their foreign policy decision-making.
— The Wire

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Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Restaurant owners fined for failure to affix tax stamps
The Department of Internal Revenue in Yangon took action against 520 restaurant owners who failed to use tax stamps issued by the government and fined Ks133 million during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, according to U Myint Thaung, Yangon Region Cabinet’s Minister for Planning and Finance.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Breaking: Rakhine Extremists Torch Mosque in Rathedaung
Rakhine extremists torched an ancient mosque in Rathedaung Township a few hours ago tonight, destroying the mosque from within.
— Rohingya Vision

Signing on Memorandum of Understanding between Myanmar and the Netherlands for education
The signing of a Memorandum of Understading between The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education and the Netherlands-based Stichting Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL) was held yesterday in the meeting room of the Ministry of Education in Nay Pyi Taw.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Flymya.com acquires UK technology for $600,000
AS TOUR OPERATORS in Myanmar are eyeing to partner with foreign firms to serve their clients better, Flymya.com, the nation’s leading hotels and tours services website, has acquired Switch.cm, a London-based start-up specialising in building reservations platforms for the hotel and airline industry, for US$ 600,000.
— Eleven

Rice sector expected to fetch export earnings of $700 million
Export earnings from the rice sector are expected to earn US$700 million in 2017-2018 fiscal year, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).
— Eleven

Tender to Be Called for Highway Upgrading
The Ministry of Construction will call for international firms to tender for upgrading works on a 40-mile section of the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay Highway starting at Yangon, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary U Kyaw Lin said on April 10.
— Consult-Myanmar

Myanmar: Much-delayed peace conference set for May
The government of Myanmar and ethnic rebel groups will resume peace talks next month as the country has been struggling to end the world’s longest-running civil war, the government said Tuesday.
— Anadolu Agency

Commercial Porn Distribution a Hard Swallow for Burmese Authorities
Burmese police are investigating those involved in the local production of a pornographic movie, reportedly the first to be promoted and sold online in the country.
— The Irrawaddy

50,000 tonnes of illegal timber seized, 11 foreigners and 8,310 nationals captured in year
Under the current government led by the National League for Democracy, more than 50,000 tonnes of illegal timber and 2,599 vehicles and machinery pieces were seized and 11 foreigners and 8,310 Myanmar nationals arrested for timber smuggling, said Khin Maung Yi, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
— Eleven

Rangoon MP: Owners of Unlawful Game Centers Should be Punished—Not Employees
A lawmaker has called for clearer definitions of illegal gambling machines sometimes found in “game centers” in Rangoon and more accountability for the owners of such firms.
— Consult-Myanmar

China ready to mediate between Myanmar, BD
China offered on Tuesday to help tackle a diplomatic row between Bangladesh and Myanmar over the flight of minority Rohingyas, two Bangladesh foreign ministry officials said.
— The News International

MADB increases loan from K20,000 to K50,000
State-owned Myanma Agricultural Development Bank (MADB) is now arranging to increase its K20,000 loan to K50,000 per acre to farmers, Agriculture ministry deputy permanent secretary U Myo Tint Tun told to The Myanmar Times on April 20.
— Myanmar Times

Over K155 million earmarked for DMH
A total of K155.65 million will be allocated for the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, according to the Mandalay regional 2017-18 budget year investment plan, financed by regional funds.
— Myanmar Times

CEA Myanmar Contracted for Transportation & Installation of Storage Tanks
CEA Project Logistics Myanmar were recently contracted to handle the transportation and installation of two 18tn vertical storage tanks at a Yangon brewery. The project proved complex due to two cranes being required to operate in a very narrow location outside the facility.
— American Journal of Transportation

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Transportation, electricity are keys to jobs, development
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday identified the transportation and electricity sectors as the most important infrastructural challenges in the country that need to be improved in order to improve the lives of the people and attract foreign investment.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

After bold beginning, curtain descends on Myanmar performance art
IN 1997, during the days of military rule, a man took a stroll along Pansodan Road in downtown Yangon with barbed wire wrapped around his head. Shocked pedestrians stopped and stared at what was one of the first public exhibitions of performance art in Yangon.
— Frontier Myanmar

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Duterte’s China honeymoon comes to a close
Ten months into Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure, his strategic honeymoon with China has devolved into rocky relations. While the two sides will likely continue dialogue and negotiations to prevent armed conflict in the South China Sea and pursue more robust economic ties, both sides are simultaneously hardening their positions over contested territories.
— Asia Times

Death penalty bill already ‘dead’ in Senate – Drilon
The death penalty bill is already “dead” in the Senate.
— Rappler

Investment pledges rise 31% led by infra — BoI
INVESTMENT pledges in the year to date hit P153.97 billion as of April 25, exceeding by 31% the P117.26 billion logged in the first four months of 2016, the Board of Investments (BoI) said on Tuesday.
— BusinessWorld Online

Customs exceeds Q1 collection target
THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it exceeded its first quarter revenue target, with 10 out of 17 ports hitting their collection goals.
— BusinessWorld Online

Agri dept releases 25,000 fingerlings in North Cotabato river
At least 25,000 Tilapia fingerlings were released in rivers and creeks in Banisilan, North Cotabato Tuesday as part of the government’s inland fisheries program, agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.
— ABS-CBN

Inflation seen stabilizing at 3.5% — FMIC, UA&P
INFLATION is expected to stabilize at around 3.5% until the third quarter, which, coupled with strong economic growth, will allow the central bank to keep policy rates on hold and provide some comfort for local investors.
— BusinessWorld Online

Metro Manila traffic rerouting for ASEAN 2017
Traffic rerouting will be implemented in parts of Pasay City and Makati City starting Wednesday, April 26, to Saturday, April 29, for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings.
— Rappler

SC allows Torre de Manila construction
The Supreme Court (SC), in its en banc session on Tuesday, dismissed the petition against the construction of 49-storey high-rise condominium project Torre de Manila, located along Taft Avenue, Manila, giving the green light for the resumption of the construction for the P3.6-billion project.
— ABS-CBN

Govt urged to protect seashell fossils site in Palawan
Environmentalists here called on the government to protect a site containing seashell fossils.
— ABS-CBN

TUCP to seek P157 hike in daily minimum wage
THE COUNTRY’s biggest labor union has asked President Rodrigo R. Duterte for a P500 subsidy for each private sector minimum wage earner and is poised to file for a P157 raise in the daily floor pay.
— BusinessWorld Online

‘Q1 GDP may have grown 6.5% – 7%’
Investment bank First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) widened their estimated range for Philippine economic growth in the first quarter by half a percentage point on improving global recovery and already robust domestic demand.
— The Manila Times

February tourist arrivals hit 4-year high
This year’s strong tourism streak continued through February, breaking the month’s records of visitor arrivals since 2013, according to official figures released by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
— Manila Bulletin

DOF, DOH link up to construct drug rehab facilities
The Department of Finance (DOF) has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) for the construction of drug rehabilitation facilities to be funded by around $7.5 million in grants from China.
— The Philippine Star

PH, Asean urged to use UN ruling on sea row as legal reference
The international tribunal’s ruling in a landmark case on South China Sea won by the Philippines last year should be made a legal reference for future negotiations and cooperations in the disputed sea, a Vietnamese expert on international relations reminded Asean leaders
— Global Nation/Inquirer.net

Government borrowings reach P132.2 B in February
Government borrowings rose almost five times to P132.231 billion in February after the issuance of $2 billion worth of global bonds during the month, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.
— The Philippine Star

Chelsea Logistics to raise up to P8 B from IPO
Chelsea Logistics Corp., the logistics company of businessman Dennis Uy, is embarking on an initial public offering in July to raise up to P8 billion.
— The Philippine Star

Watchdog says ASEAN must stand vs. killings in Philippines
An international human rights watchdog is calling on Southeast Asian leaders to take a stand against the Philippines’ war on drugs that has left thousands dead under President Rodrigo Duterte, the host of this week’s regional summit.
— Daily Mail

Philippines allows ‘photobomber’ building to go up
A high-rise condominium dubbed “the national photobomber” will continue to loom over a historic Philippine monument after the Supreme Court struck down a bid by conservationists to have it torn down.
— Malay Mail Online

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

NUS embarks on programme to promote fintech and blockchain training in Singapore
The National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Computing and the IBM Center for Blockchain Innovation (ICBI), a part of IBM Research, are collaborating to jointly develop a module on financial technology, to better equip students with essential knowledge and skill sets in this area.
— Open Gov

Singapore named top maritime capital of the world for 3rd consecutive time
Singapore has once again clinched top place in a ranking of the world’s maritime capitals called the Menon Report.
— The Straits Times

Singapore: SPH acquires Orange Valley Healthcare from KV Asia Capital in $117m deal
Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH) has entered the healthcare sector with the acquisition of Orange Valley Healthcare Pte Ltd (OV) at a consideration of approximately S$164 million ($117.7 million).
— Deal Street Asia

CapitaLand Q1 profit surges 77.2% to S$386.8m
IMPROVED operating performance, including the sale of 45 units of The Nassim, and higher portfolio gains gave a lift to CapitaLand Limited’s results in its first quarter.
— The Business Times

SPH buys nursing home provider Orange Valley for S$164m
SINGAPORE Press Holdings (SPH) is buying nursing home provider Orange Valley Healthcare for S$164 million as the media and property group seeks to build a third business leg in healthcare.
— The Business Times

Maritime authorities of Singapore, Denmark and Norway sign MOU for mutual recognition of E-Certificates
At the sidelines of the ongoing Singapore Maritime Week, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA), the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) to promote the adoption of E-Certificates (E-Certs) for the shipping community, over hard copy documents.
— Open Gov

Automation, Smart Tower, IoT, 3D printing – Range of technology initiatives in Singapore’s Air Transport Industry Transformation Map
The Air Transport Industry Transformation Map (ITM), released yesterday by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), aims to achieve real value-added growth of 16% from 2015 to 2020 and boost productivity by 3-4% per annum. In addition, it sets a target of creating more than 8,000 new jobs in the sector by 2025.
— Open Gov

Credit-search data points to rise in trade between Singapore and East Asia
SINGAPORE companies are trading more with East Asia, going by data on credit searches made by homegrown firms on companies from that region.
— The Business Times

High Court raises jail terms of 3 National Service defaulters in landmark judgement
Singapore’s High Court upped the jail terms of three National Service (NS) defaulters in a landmark decision on Tuesday (Apr 25), saying the attitude that NS can be avoided would “weaken our national security … (and that it was) simply intolerable”.
— Channel NewsAsia

MPs want more time to study new Bills before debates
With a large number of Bills being introduced at a single Parliament sitting — as many as eight were tabled when lawmakers convened in October last year for instance — Members of Parliament have asked for the minimum interval between the introduction of a legislation and the ensuing debate in the Second Reading to be raised from seven to 10 “clear days”.
— Today Online

Stamford Arts Centre to transform into home for the traditional arts
The Stamford Arts Centre will undergo a S$7 million redevelopment and open in the middle of next year with a new multi-purpose hall, a space for resident artists and an F&B outlet, among other improvements.
— Today Online

US Government Appeals Singapore Teen Blogger’s Asylum Case
U.S. government attorneys are appealing a Chicago immigration judge’s decision to grant asylum to a teenage blogger from Singapore.
— U.S. News & World Report

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Father in Thailand Kills 11-Month-Old Daughter Live on Facebook
A man in Thailand broadcast himself murdering his 11-month-old daughter in a live video on Facebook late Monday before turning off the camera and hanging himself, the police said.
– The New York Times

Online live streaming is to be placed under NBTC’s control
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has decided to place online live streaming under control following complaints of unfair competition from several digital TV operators.
– Thai PBS

Govt starts new campaign to curb websites
The national telecom regulator and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) have reiterated their demand that all internet service providers (ISPs) and international internet gateway providers block webpages and content that contain or promote illegal acts or breach Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law.
– Bangkok Post

Thailand agree to increase cooperation
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the Bahraini side and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha led his country’s delegation at the talk session held today at Qudaibiya Palace.
– Bahrain News Agency

Export surge keeps growth target in reach
A SURGE in exports last month pushed up the value of first-quarter shipments by 4.9 per cent to $56.46 billion from the year before for the best performance in four years, fuelled by multi-year highs in trade volumes with China and India.
– The Nation

Automakers head to Thailand as new green-car frontier
Global automakers are exploring new avenues for environmentally friendly cars into Thailand, drawn by incentives from a government intent on maintaining the competitiveness of Southeast Asia’s largest auto producer.
– Nikkei Asian Review

Thailand: Govt needs long-term military supervision – deputy prime minister
THAILAND’S military commanders should oversee a long-term national strategy in order to resolve the country’s “unique” problems, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said on Monday.
– Asian Correspondent

FTA with Thailand likely to be signed in May ’17: Dagha
Pakistan hopes to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand in May 2017, which would help to boost volume of bilateral trade.
– The Nation

Self employed workforce to get state welfare
The government yesterday announced special welfare and benefit for self employed workforce to mark the upcoming National Labour Day on May 1.
– Thai PBS

Thailand under strain from tourist surge
Thailand’s tourist industry faces “trouble” without urgent investment to cope with an expected near-doubling of visitors to 60m by 2030, a top official has warned.
– Financial Times

TCEB Launches Spice Up Thailand 2017 Campaign With Special Privileges for MICE
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is returning the Spice Up Thailand campaign for the fourth consecutive year in 2017, adding new privileges for domestic business event travellers and targeting delegates from Asia, especially CLMV countries.
– PRNewswire (media release)

Thailand Targets Energy Hub Status in Asia
The country is gearing up to take the mantle with the Ministry of Energy setting the stage for its announcement in December at Future Energy Asia
– Asia Outlook

What’s in for Thailand in the Eastern Economic Corridor Project ?
The EEC project will connect with 10 target industries under the Thailand 4.0 policy which takes into account the shifting of Thailand’s economy to value-based, innovation-driven economy.
– Thailand Business News

BIG C READY TO RAMP UP STORE EXPANSION IN THAILAND
After Berli Jucker became Big C’s majority shareholder in March 2016, a series of changes were introduced. Some of these included discontinuation of unprofitable categories, investment in fresh food and the testing of new formats. After a period of consolidation, the retailer is ready to expand its network.
– Retail Analysis

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) rolls out enhanced after-sales, assistance programme
Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) has reinforced its “Best Customer Experience” commitment by revealing its after-sales strategy for 2017
– The Nation

SE Asian aircraft demand skyrockets
Southeast Asia’s significance as a major global aeroplane market is becoming more apparent with its burgeoning aviation activities.
– Bangkok Post

NEC Successfully Trials Landslide Prediction System in Thailand
NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701), in collaboration with Thailand’s National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC), announced today the completion of a trial for a system that identifies areas where there is danger of a landslide occurring. The effectiveness of the system was confirmed as the trial was conducted in Chiang Mai Province in Northern Thailand during the period from November 2016 to March 2017.
– Benzinga

Uber confident on legal clearance for services
UBER has expressed confidence that it can clear within five months the legal hurdles that have dogged its taxi-service operation in Thailand.
– The Nation

Farmers reap gains from sugar cane
Better yields have given Thailand abundant sugar output in the current 2016-17 crop, allowing the world’s second-biggest sugar exporter to capitalise on rising global prices, says the Thai Sugar Millers Corporation Ltd (TSMC).
– Bangkok Post

Sexy Cyber Scammer Who Stole Millions And Lived A Double Life
Prison scrubs are the new swimsuit for an accused cyberscammer plucked off the beaches of Thailand to face justice in a Brooklyn court. But her attorney and prosecutors said Wednesday that they’re in talks about a plea deal.
– Malaysiandigest.com

Junta defends ‘cheap’ $393 million Chinese sub purchase
The Thai junta on Tuesday defended $393 million earmarked for a Chinese submarine, batting back criticism of the secrecy of the deal, its cost and the questionable utility of the warship.
– Pulse GH

SOCIETY OF ‘RAILWAY SLEEPERS’ RESIGNED TO LONG, UNCOMFORTABLE JOURNEY
Sweat, heat and the press of crowds on lengthy journeys is the experience of traveling Thailand by train. For director Sompot Chidgasornpongse, it’s the perfect allegory for Thai society.
– Khaosod English

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Vietnam asks for New Zealand support in judicial personnel training
Vietnam hopes for New Zealand’s cooperation and support in training personnel and enhancing capacity for judicial officials to meet international integration requirements, said Deputy Minister of Justice Le Tien Chau.
— VIETNAMNET Bridge

Việt Nam, Angola seek to boost ties
Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh and Angolan Minister of External Relations Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti agreed to continue seeking measures to strengthen ties in prioritised areas and expand cooperation in promising fields including agriculture, health care, oil and gas, and telecommunications.
— Viet Nam News

Gov’t looks to control public debt
Controlling public debt and ensuring stable Budget revenues will be priority tasks for the Government this year, the Prime Minister has directed.
— Viet Nam News

Investors should take a closer look at Vietnam – but beware these risks
Vietnam is an intriguing market undergoing significant change, and its stock market has been a strong performer. It is one of the largest positions within our T Rowe Price Frontier Markets strategy, and we have been overweight since mid-2014.
— City A.M

Vietnam, Thailand strengthen ties in drug prevention and control
Vietnam and Thailand convened their 11th bilateral conference on drug prevention and control cooperation in the central coastal city of Da Nang on April 24.
— VIETNAMNET Bridge

Dong Nai loses $61.8m worth of crops to untimely rain
Unseasonable rain earlier this year has damaged 40,300ha of crops in the southern province of Dong Nai, according to its Department of Agriculture and Development.
— VIETNAMNET Bridge

Five Decades Ago in Vietnam, a Different Great, Great Wall
When Gen. Maxwell Taylor returned from South Vietnam in 1961, he proposed a seemingly simple way to stem the rising Communist insurgency: an impenetrable barrier that would cut off the supply of people and arms coming from the North.
— The New York Times

Party leader wants more productive partnership with RoK
Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng wants Việt Nam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) to ratchet up the efficient co-operation between political parties, governments, parliaments, and localities to achieve a more productive strategic co-operative partnership.
— Viet Nam News

NA Chairwoman receives Australian, New Zealand ambassadors
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân hosted separate receptions in Hà Nội yesterday for Australian and New Zealand Ambassadors to Việt Nam, Craig Chittick and Wendy Matthews.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam, Cambodia reach consensus on cooperation enhancement
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen agreed on various measures to bolster the countries’ multi-faceted relations at their talks in Phnom Penh on April 25.
— VIETNAMNET Bridge

Cruising in Vietnam Without the Crowds: A Savvy Traveler’s Guide
THE ROCKY ISLETS resolved through the haze at the bow, and the captain slowed the boat so we could take it all in. Some of the islands stood densely packed like monks in conclave, others lone and admonitory like the fins of monstrous sea creatures.
— The Wall Street Journal

Rove launches Vietnam adventure tours
Specialist adventure tour operator Rove has now expanded into Vietnam, bringing its countries of operation up to a total of eight, in addition to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
— TTG Asia

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Asean Morning News is the most comprehensive selection of reports on what you need to know from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. All articles are hand curated by the team at AEC News Today. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.