Asean Morning News For April 5

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

Asean progresses on South China Sea code of conduct framework—DFA
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with the Philippines as chair is “working hard” and making significant developments in coming up with the framework of a legally binding Code of Conduct with Beijing to ease tensions in the disputed South China Sea, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
– Inquirer.net

China exploring more investment opportunities in ASEAN
Ninety-five Chinese investors will attend the 12th ASEAN FINANCE Ministers’ Investors Seminar (AFMIS)in Cebu on Thursday to explore more business opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.
– Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Southeast Asia’s new-car sales climb 13% in February
New-car sales in six major Southeast Asian countries rose 13% on the year in February, as the region’s auto market logged double-digit growth for the first time in eight months.
– Nikkei Asian Review

PH, Asean to pursue single mart
In light of a sluggish global economic recovery, Asean finance ministers will keep tabs of progress made thus far since the Asean Economic Community (AEC)—aimed at making the region a single market and production base—went in full swing two years ago.
— Inquirer.Net

ETF launched here offers exposure to high-dividend Asean stocks
Another exchange-traded fund is being added to market offerings here – one that gives investors rare exposure to South-east Asia’s leading high-dividend stocks.
— The Straits Times

PHL usage of military equipment, troops in HADR missions unique in ASEAN
The Philippine experience using military equipment and units in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) is being viewed as unique by other ASEAN members.
— Philippine Canadian Inquirer

China exploring more investment opportunities in ASEAN
Ninety-five Chinese investors will attend the 12th ASEAN FINANCE Ministers’ Investors Seminar (AFMIS)in Cebu on Thursday to explore more business opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philipines.
— Philippine Canadian Inquirer

“Chinese Culture Enters ASEAN” activities held in Laos to promote bilateral cultural exchanges
A series of activities within the framework of “Chinese Culture Enters ASEAN” was held Tuesday in Lao capital Vientiane, drawing the participation of over 200 people from cultural and educational sector of China and Laos.
— CCTV

Increasing Demand Packaged Food and Beverages Spikes Growth of ASEAN Folding Cartons Market
A recent report points out that the ASEAN folding cartons market is likely to be worth US$4.9 bn by the end of 2024. The market, which stood at US$2.8 bn in 2016, is estimated to rise at a CAGR of 7.10% between 2016 and 2024 as emerging nations witness a terrific industrial growth.
— Edition Truth

The New Trans-Pacific Partnership
At the margins of last year’s United Nations General Assembly and on the occasion of their third ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting, the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations officially subscribed to the “ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Framework for Cooperation.”
— The Diplomat

ASEAN Managed Security Services Market, Forecast to 2020 – Growing Demand for Advanced Detection and Remediation Driving the Market – Research and Markets
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “ASEAN Managed Security Services Market, Forecast to 2020” report to their offering.
— Business Wire (press release)

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Smooth trade to put $2B exports in reach
Cambodia could expand its foreign trade by up to 16 percent, adding approximately $2 billion worth of exports, by complying with a new international trade protocol that aims to slice through the red tape that slows and complicates cross-border trade.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Millers push for China access
Amid concerns that the European Union could reject shipments of Cambodian rice, exporters are pushing for more access to China as an alternative market for the Kingdom’s principal agricultural commodity.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Government Aims to Comply With Cross-Border Trade Agreement
The U.S. on Tuesday advised Commerce Ministry representatives on streamlining import-export systems and generally making trade with other nations easier during a workshop in Phnom Penh, held to help Cambodia comply with a World Trade Organization agreement to simplify cross-border trade.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

US to Drop Funding for UN Body Behind Millions in Aid
The U.S. has pulled its support for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), potentially affecting millions of dollars worth of aid to government ministries and NGOs in Cambodia previously earmarked to improve family planning and reproductive health.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

U.S. navy aid unit told to leave Cambodia
A U.S. Navy aid unit has been told to leave Cambodia, the U.S. embassy said, in a new sign of the Southeast Asian country loosening links with Washington as it strengthens ties with Beijing.
— Reuters

Construction begins on Chinese-funded stadium in Cambodia
Cambodia began construction Tuesday of a new $157 million football stadium funded by China, the Southeast Asian country’s most important ally.
— ABC News

New Facebook account turns tables on Cambodia’s ruling party with apparently leaked photos of first family
Images on a recently created Facebook page appear to show shady business dealings, intimate moments and some curious selfies from the prime minister
— Southeast Asia Globe

Cambodia’s 4 listed firms report profits last year
All four companies listed on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) have earned profits in 2016, according to their financial reports released by the CSX on Tuesday.
— Xinhua

Thailand and Cambodia strengthen ties with China
Thailand’s government yesterday agreed to buy 10 tanks from China for US$58 million (S$81 million), while Cambodia told a United States Navy unit its services were no long needed, in another sign of the South-east Asian countries loosening links with Washington as they strengthened ties with Beijing.
– The Straits Times

Navy told ‘defend national unity’
The Cambodian navy must be ready to fight attempts to topple the Kingdom’s government, a top official said recently, in remarks that coincide with the announcement that a United States Navy battalion performing development work has been booted from the country despite having more than $800,000 of projects in the pipeline.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Government’s ‘late’ UNESCO bid draws social media outcry
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts yesterday announced that they have submitted the Khmer martial art Bokator, as well as Lakhon Khol – the traditional masked dance theatre – to be considered for recognition on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Teachers’ Union Claims Intimidation by Interior Ministry
A prominent teachers’ union known for its frequent criticisms of government policies is asking for clarification from the Interior Ministry after receiving a complaint the union says questions the legitimacy of its newly elected president.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

PM Apologizes for Delay in Hosting SEA Games in Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday broke ground on a $175-million, Chinese-funded sports complex that will be used to host the 2023 SEA Games, apologizing to sports fans for the country being too busy rebuilding after war to host the games sooner.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Military Issues New Threat against Cambodians Plotting ‘Color Revolution’
Cambodia’s defense minister has warned that the military will use force against any movement found to be plotting sedition ahead of elections due to be held over the next two years.
— VOA

Lack of Social Justice Leads to Mob Killings in Cambodia, Experts Claim
Videos of a mob beating on Phnom Penh’s Monivong Boulevard last week quickly went viral on Cambodian social media.
— VOA

Opposition Marks 20th Anniversary of Bloody Parliament Grenade Attack
Opposition officials last week marked the 20th anniversary of a deadly grenade attack on a Cambodia National Rescue Party rally in 1997 that left at least 16 people dead and injured more than 100.
— VOA

Dozens of Montagnards Flee Cambodia For Thailand Amid Fears of Repatriation to Vietnam
Some 50 Montagnard asylum seekers have fled Cambodia to Thailand in recent weeks amid fears of forced repatriation to Vietnam, where they complain of discrimination and persecution at the hands of local authorities, a nongovernmental organization that monitors hill tribes said Monday.
— Radio Free Asia

China-Funded Stadium Key to Improving The Lives of Cambodians: PM Hun Sen
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday dismissed criticism over his government’s use of funds to construct a new soccer stadium in the capital Phnom Penh, saying the money was donated by China and that the project was key to improving the lives of Cambodians after the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
— Radio Free Asia

Why Did Cambodia Just Downgrade US Military Ties Again?
U.S. Navy personnel have been told to leave the Southeast Asian state in another blow to defense ties.
— The Diplomat

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Indonesian president vows to reach 5.6 percent GDP growth target next year
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Tuesday that he wants the country’s gross domeestic product to expand 5.6 percent next year from 5.1 percent government’s target of this year.
— Global Times

GlobeAsia Business Summit to Discuss Impact of ‘Trumponomics’ on Indonesia
GlobeAsia, an English language magazine catering to the business community in Indonesia, will hold a summit on Wednesday (05/04) which will highlight United States President Donald Trump’s economic policies and their impact on Indonesia.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia grants Freeport temporary permit, shares rise
Indonesia has issued Freeport McMoRan Inc’s local unit a temporary “special mining permit” allowing the miner to apply for a resumption of copper concentrate exports while the two sides negotiate longer-term mining rights.
— Reuters

Airbus to enter co-operation discussions with Indonesia over A400M contract
Airbus Defence and Space (DS) is entering further discussions with Jakarta over possible industrial co-operation for a contract to supply the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) with the A400M Atlas multirole aircraft.
— IHS Jane’s 360

Indonesia, Malaysia cooperate to promote MSMEs
State-owned insurance company Perum Jamkrindo is cooperating with Malaysias Credit Guarantee Corporation, Malaysia Berhad, to expand the funding and market potentials of micro, small, and medium corporations.
— Antara News

NexMedia partners with Indosat for new internet/TV bundle
Pay-TV provider NexMedia has teamed up with telecommunications operator Indosat Ooredoo to announce a new package with a high-speed internet connection in response to rising demand and the increasing digitalization of entertainment.
— The Jakarta Post

Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia join forces to take on pirates
The three Southeast Asian island nations of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are preparing for a joint naval operation to protect regional trade routes from piracy and terrorist threats.
— Asia Times

Ice age art: 30,000yo jewelry, ornaments discovered on Indonesian island (PHOTO, VIDEO)
Prehistoric ornaments and jewelry as well as evidence of the earliest known cave art have been unveiled in Indonesia. Researchers believe the find may show that “ice age” humans weren’t as culturally underdeveloped as previously thought.
— RT

Trade flourishes between Indonesia and Australia
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met and secured closer military and free trade ties between Indonesia’s 250 million people and Australia’s population of 24 million.
— Three fold Online

Sonoro Announces Private Placement Offering to Fund Appraisal Well in Indonesia
Sonoro Energy Ltd. (“Sonoro” or “the Company”) (TSX-V: SNV) announces that it intends to raise up to $3,300,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of units, where a unit (a “Unit”) consists of one common share (a “Common Share”) of the Company and one half of one common share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”) of the Company, where each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share within two years from the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) of the Offering at a price of $0.05 per Common Share.
— Stockhouse

Mental Health, Reproductive Services Among Challenges to Health in Indonesia: UN Expert
United Nations Special Rapporteur Dainius Pūras on Monday (03/04) urged Indonesia to prioritize investments in primary health care, address mental health issues and scale up reproductive services in a preliminary report from his first visit to the country.
— Jakarta Globe

Contract on building high-speed train project signed in Indonesia
A consortium of Chinese and Indonesian firms on Tuesday signed a contract with KCIC, a firm tasked with monitoring the high-speed train project linking Jakarta to Bandung, unveiling the construction phase of the project.
— CCTV

Indonesia committed to improving safety at nuclear facilities
Indonesia has demonstrated high commitment to improving the safety of nuclear infrastructure at the 7th Review Meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) in Vienna, Austria, on March 27-April 7, according to a statement.
— Antara News

Singaraja immigration deports seven illegal Chinese workers
Singaraja immigration office in Buleleng district, Bali, has deported seven illegal Chinese workers who worked for Celukan Bawang steam-generated power plant (PLTU).
— Antara News

Ministry urged to manage hajj finances carefully
The Indonesian Hajj Supervisory Commission (KPHI) has urged the Religious Affairs Ministry, in this case the Directorate General of Hajj and Minor Hajj Affairs, to manage Hajj finances carefully while organizing the 2017 Hajj pilgrimage.
— Antara News

GREE Ventures leads $1m seed round in Indonesian startup Ayopop
Tokyo-based early stage venture capital firm GREE Ventures has led a $1 million seed funding round into Ayopop, an Indonesian bill payment platform. The round was joined by various high net worth individuals, and was supported by Freecharge founder Sandeep Tandon, the company revealed in a statement.
— Deal Street Asia

Aussie metal band Flaming Wrekage’s Indonesia tour killed after immigration police stop show, confiscate their passports
Flaming Wreckage is a heavy metal band from Australia that just wanted to come to Indonesia to rock out and melt the faces off of some of Indonesia hardcore metalheads. In fact, they say they weren’t even going to make any any money off of the performances they were scheduled to play around East Java in March.
— Coconuts Jakarta

Workshop Aims to Improve Food Control Systems in Indonesia
The Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Drug and Food Control, or BPOM, are presenting a four-day workshop in Jakarta this week as part of efforts to raise food safety standards in Indonesia.
— Jakarta Globe

Gov’t to Boost Investment in West Nusa Tenggara’s Mandalika Island
Property association Real Estate Indonesia, or REI, will assist the government in boosting investment in West Nusa Tenggara’s Mandalika Island, a resort area known for its white-sand beaches and ecotourism.
— Jakarta Globe

Police foil attempt to send 7 illegal migrant workers
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Police have thwarted an attempt to send off seven illegal Indonesian female migrant workers via Lombok International Airport that allegedly involved Immigration Office personnel and security officers at the airport.
— The Jakarta Post

Treason suspects in Indonesia plotted to ram truck into Parliament complex
The five men arrested for treason ahead of last Friday’s protests in Jakarta had plotted to have a truck ram into the back gate of Parliament and then let their supporters take over the complex, police said.
— The New Paper

PetroChina Poised to Step Up Development Efforts in Indonesia
China’s big three state oil companies are poised to pump up capital investment by 24% in 2017, ending years of yuan-pinching as oil and gas prices rebound.
— Netralnews

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

UNICEF Initialises Implementing 1000-Day Project in Huaphanh
UNICEF Lao PDR in collaboration with Huaphanh Province has initialised the “1000-Day Project” to improve nutritional status among children in six targeted districts in Huaphanh Province.
— Lao News Agency

Vientiane factories in need of wastewater treatment
Most factories in Vientiane are in need of wastewater treatment systems, according to a study by the Project for Urban Water Environment Improvement.
– Vientiane Times

Private Firm to Turn Lao Agarwood into Global Market Products
First Capital Laos, a private company, is investing in farming almost 6 million agarwood trees in Laos for products targeted at global markets, namely Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
— Lao News Agency

Dh20m learning scheme launched for children in Laos
To provide primary education to children in Laos, Dubai Cares has launched its ‘Lao Educational Access Research and Networking’ (Learn) spending Dh20.20 million. The educational programme will benefit 35,000 school-age children.
— Khaleej Times

Vietnamese, Lao Presidential Offices cement relations
The Presidential Office of Vietnam wants to cement solidarity with its Lao partner and make them a model of comprehensive cooperation.
— VIETNAMNET Bridge

Vientiane to Improve Celebrations for Lao New Year 2017
For the forthcoming celebration of the Lao Lunar New Year B.E 2560 (Pi Mai Lao) next week, Vientiane Capital will organise many interesting festivities to attract more tourists, both local and foreign, which will be better than in previous years.
— Lao News Agency

Presidential Office Head Welcomes Vietnamese Counterpart
Minister and Head of the Presidential Office, Mr Khammeung Phongthady received the Head of the Presidential Office of Vietnam Dao Viet Trung on April 4, as the latter and his entourage are on a working visit to Laos on April 4-7.
— Lao News Agency

Xaysana’s Associate, Drug Kingpin Sisouk Daoheuang Captured
Since the capture of notorious kingpin Xaysana “Vanlob” Keophimpha earlier this year, authorities have been on a manhunt for all of Xaysana’s known associates, including drug kingpin, Sisouk Daoheuang.
— The Laotian Times

Cambodian Real Estate Firm Defrauds Lao Investors
A Cambodian-owned real estate firm operating in the Lao capital Vientiane has halted payments to its investors, defrauding them of an estimated $10 million, sources say.
— Radio Free Asia

Laos speeds up railway construction machinery import from China
Full steam ahead for the China-Laos railway construction, Laos has speeded up machinery import from China, local daily Vientiane Times reported Monday.
— Xinhua

Dubai charity to help 35,000 school kids in Laos
A Dubai-based charity is launching a Dh20 million programme to help 35,000 school children in Laos.
— GulfNews.com

UXO victims decline in Laos in 2016
The number of unexploded ordinance (UXO) victims in Laos declined from 300 in 2008 to 50 in 2016, the Lao News Agency (KPL) reported Tuesday.
— Xinhua

Lao runners eye medals at regional sport events
Two Lao male runners and one female runner are confident of winning medals at the 79th Singapore Open scheduled to be held at the end of this month.
— Xinhua

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Axiata looking to expand tower assets in India
Malaysian telecommunications group Axiata Sdn Bhd is looking at buying a stake in Indian tower assets to grow its presence in the country, an Indian business newspaper reported.
— The Star Online

Rising inflation has risks but may help curb debt
INFLATION in Malaysia, which has risen to an eight-year high on fuel costs, may spiral into second-round price effects, but may also help control high levels of debt.
— The Star Online

M’sia most favoured Asean market of 2017: MIDF Research
Malaysia is now the darling of the region in terms of global money flow into Asian equities, not to mention the most favoured Southeast Asian Emerging market in 2017, based on foreign liquidity flow on Bursa Malaysia, which remains elevated for the third week running.
— New Straits Times

Matrade expects to generate at least RM400m from INSP at Mihas 2017
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) expects to generate at least RM400 million in sales from the international sourcing programme (INSP), involving 172 foreign buyers at the four-day 14th Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2017 (Mihas)from tomorrow.
— New Straits Times

CM: Sarawak gets Bank Negara nod to form development bank for ‘strategic projects’
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has given its approval for the Sarawak government to establish its own development bank that will finance strategic projects only, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Openg told reporters today.
— Malay Mail Online

FT unit: Malaysians get best bang for buck on transport in Asean
Malaysians receive more or better transport services for the same outlay as neighbours in Southeast Asia, according to a report by research firm FT Confidential Research.
— Malay Mail Online

Swiss regulator still probing three banks over 1MDB role
Switzerland’s financial regulator said it’s still investigating three private banks in relation to alleged corruption and money laundering at the Malaysian government fund known as 1MDB. A probe of UBS Group AG in the matter was closed.
— Deal Street Asia

EDII to train Malaysian youth in entrepreneurship, joins hands with PSMB
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, and Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB), an arm of Human Resource Development Fund under Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia, have entered a partnership through a memorandum of understanding.
— The Economic Times

EDII to assist Malaysian govt in skilling workforce
EDII would be lending a hand in the initiative by the Malaysian Government to equip, develop and assist unemployed graduates and school dropouts with high end skills and competencies.
— The Indian Express

Higher GDP forecast for Malaysia on better trade prospects
Some economists are turning more positive on the economic outlook for Malaysia this year, thanks to improving global trade prospects.
— The Star Online

Pos Malaysia in focus as it gets ready to unleash Tigers Global strategic plan
Pos Malaysia Bhd continued to attract interest as investors chased up the national courier’s shares by six sen to close at RM4.76 yesterday.
— The Star Online

Sarawak gov’t to set up own development bank: CM
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Openg has announced the setting up of a state government-owned development bank to accelerate growth in Sarawak.
— New Straits Times

Peka sets eyes on Australia for Glulam market
The Association of Bumiputera Timber and Furniture Entrepreneurs (Peka) is set to export its brand of Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) to Australia.
— New Straits Times

Swiss financial body FINMA discontinues 1MDB investigation into UBS
Swiss financial body FINMA said yesterday it had discontinued its investigation into UBS Group AG in connection with Malaysia’s scandal-tainted 1MDB fund.
— Malay Mail Online

Najib, Modi agree Malaysia-India relations at historic high
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agree that relations between their two countries are at a “historic high”.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia rights panel disturbed over more than 600 deaths in prisons and detention centers
Malaysia’s national human rights panel on Tuesday said it was disturbed by more than 600 deaths at immigration detention centers and prisons over the last two years, and called for immediate reform.
— Reuters

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Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Myanmar FDA delays labelling of food products
Myanmar’s Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the labelling requirements for local food products will be delayed by three months.
— Bangkok Post

Yangon Region gov’t grants Ks2.2 billion loans to 98 SMEs in FY2016-17
YANGON Region government granted more than Ks2.2 billion loans to 98 entrepreneurs operating small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the commercial city in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

K2 billion worth of illegal trade seized at Yaypu checkpoint
In order to crack down on illegal trading, the current government has launched the Yaypu Border Inspection Camp which seized roughly K2266 million worth of jade and timber within the first two months of its operation, according to information provided by the Camp.
— Myanmar Times

Press conference on performance of legal system in the first year of a new government
A press conference on the performances of the country’s legal system in the first one-year period of the new government was held at a meeting hall of the Ministry of Information yesterday, during which Union Supreme Court officials said the release of a new code of ethics for judges was imminent.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Thai court awards K100 million to sacked Myanmar workers
Sixty-five Myanmar workers, who were sacked by a Thai factory in Bangkok, have been awarded more than K100 million (Thai baht 2,751,000) in compensation, according to the Thai based Aid Alliance Committee (AAC).
— Myanmar Times

Myanmar investor BOD Tech bets on online travel, to invest in 3 startups in 2017
Mike Than Tun Win, founder of Myanmar investment firm BOD Tech, who calls himself a local venture capitalist, has placed some early bets on the internet-led travel and ticket booking platforms.
— Deal Street Asia

SMEs squeezed with little government support
After the new NLD-led government came into office, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was included in the 12-point economic policy released by the administration last year. A year has passed but little has changed for those enterprises so far.
— Myanmar Times

Yangon govt working to make land prices affordable for SMEs
The government is working to make land prices more affordable for local and foreign small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Yangon Region, said the Electricity, Industry, and Transportation Minister Nilar Kyaw for Yangon regional government at the regional parliament on April 3.
— Eleven

2017 by-election turnout rate fails to reach 37 percent
The voter turnout rate for last Saturday’s by-election was the lowest in Myanmar’s recent history. According to Eleven, only 784,909 of the 2,130,208 eligible voters – or 36.85 percent – ended up voting on election day.
— Coconuts Yangon

Manila Water completes project in Myanmar
Manila Water announced that it has completed its pilot project in Yangon City in Myanmar.
— ABS-CBN

UN convenes Rohingya abuse investigation, but Myanmar says it won’t cooperate
The UN’s main human rights body is assembling a team to probe alleged atrocities against Myanmar’s Rohingya, even as the government appears set to deny investigators access to areas where crimes against humanity may have occurred.
— IRINnews.org

NLD must heed by-election lessons
The NLD reclaimed most of the seats it had won in 2015 during the weekend’s by-elections, but the threat to the party’s future mandate is clear.
— Frontier Myanmar

Myanmar needs 30 years to get rid of landmines
Myanmar needs to take about 30 years to eradicate landmines in the entire country, said the Humanitarian Mine Action Initiative (Myanmar) chairman Thant Zin.
— Mizzima News

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

AUB earnings jump to P2.3 billion
Earnings of listed Asia United Bank Corp. (AUB) jumped 52 percent amid strong lending to companies as well as small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
— Phil Star

Western Visayas targets up to 11% GRDP growth
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office here reported a steady rise in the economy of Western Visayas, and is targeting a gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth rate of 9.8% to 11% by 2022.
— BusinessWorld Online

China, Japan compete for $2bn Philippine gas project
China and Japan are competing for a $2-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the Philippines, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told the Nikkei Asian Review.
— Nikkei Asian Review

SMC to list power unit in Q3
SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) will list its power development arm SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. in the third quarter of 2017 at “whatever price or whatever outlook,” its president said.
— BusinessWorld Online

PH 7-Eleven operator nets P1.18B
The country’s leading convenience store operator Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) booked a 16.6 percent growth in net profit last year to P1.18 billion as retail sales were boosted by the opening of new stores and a modest growth in same store sales.
— Inquirer.Net

Philippines Struggle To Stop Taiwan And Vietnam From Entering A Disputed Sea
China has earned a dubious name in the Philippines for asserting a claim to parts of a vast sea that Manila sees as its own. Chinese vessels bar Philippine fishing boats from entering a 150-square-km shoal where fishermen in the Southeast Asian country say the good hauls come from. But now not-so-friendly vessels from Taiwan and Vietnam are also turning up off Luzon Island in the Philippine exclusive economic zone, according to fishermen and local officials in a city on the South China Sea.
— Forbes

Revolutionary tax derails truce between govt, Reds
The much anticipated signing of a supposed joint ceasefire agreement between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) did not materialize Tuesday night.
— ABS-CBN

Manila Water completes project in Myanmar
Manila Water announced that it has completed its pilot project in Yangon City in Myanmar.
— ABS-CBN

Philippines: Sierra Madre hits first close of maiden fund at $50m
Sierra Madre Philippines, a new private equity group, has completed the initial closing of its SME-focused Sierra Madre Philippines I LP Fund at $50 million.
— Deal Street Asia

Kadamay members get Bulacan houses
Members of urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) can have the housing units in Pandi, Bulacan that they illegally occupied.
— The Manila Times

Firearm registration, licensing go online
IN am effort to eliminate corruption and do away with “fixers,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) has introduced the online processing of registration and licensing of firearms.
— The Manila Times

China, ASEAN make progress on framework on disputed sea: DFA
China and Southeast Asian countries have made progress in talks on a code of conduct for the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine acting foreign minister said on Tuesday.
— ABS-CBN

Philippines’ March inflation rises at fastest pace in more than two years
Philippine consumer prices rose in March at their fastest pace in more than two years with seven of 11 commodity groups posting higher upticks, including energy prices, the statistics agency said on Wednesday.
— The Business Times

DOJ to probe DAP misuse
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the alleged misuse of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) during the previous administration.
— Phil Star

Food processors back deregulation of SRP
A group of food manufacturers has expressed support for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s plan to remove its approval process in setting the suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic necessities and prime commodities to reduce bureaucratic procedures.
— Phil Star

SMC Global revives IPO bid
SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., is eyeing to list on the stock exchange in the third quarter of 2017, according its top official.
— Phil Star

BuCor-Tadeco deal under review – Palace
Malacañang is awaiting the results of a probe being done by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the alleged anomalous contract between the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and Tagum Agricultural Development Co. (Tadeco) owned by Davao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr.
— Phil Star

US Destroyer Makes Port Call in Philippines’ Subic Bay
Move indicates continuing military links between the two allies in spite of what the rhetoric may suggest.
— The Diplomat

No DAP cases involving loss of funds to this day
Two government spending programs were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court – the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) on November 19, 2013, and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) on July 1, 2014.
— Manila Bulletin

PEZA head supports expansion of Hermosa ecozone
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is pushing investors to invest in the strategically-located Hermosa economic zone in Northern Bataan.
— Manila Bulletin

Logistics: conglomerates’ next arena
LOGISTICS has emerged as the next growth area for the country’s biggest conglomerates, as they hope to find opportunities in the highly fragmented sector that continues to suffer from longstanding inefficiencies.
— BusinessWorld Online

House targets approval of first tax reform package next month
THE FIRST PACKAGE of the government’s tax reform program could bag committee and plenary approval in the House of Representatives next month, according to the head of the chamber’s Ways and Means committee, even as the Department of Finance (DoF) had hoped to get the Senate’s green light as well by June.
— BusinessWorld Online

Returning IS fighters to regroup in Philippines: experts
Battle-hardened Southeast Asian Islamic State (IS) fighters returning from the Middle East following the group’s setbacks are expected to rebase in the southern Philippines, a security conference heard yesterday.
— The Daily Star

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

TPG spends SG$23.8m on more Singapore mobile broadband spectrum
The Singaporean comms authority has announced that Singtel has paid SG$563.7 million, StarHub SG$349.6 million, M1 SG$208 million, and TPG SG$23.8 million on mobile broadband spectrum in its auction.
— ZD Net

Singapore making progress in advanced manufacturing
SINGAPORE is making some headway in advanced manufacturing with some 25 companies making strategic investments here.
— The Business Times

Singapore PMI rise to 52.2 in March
The Nikkei Singapore Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, rose to 52.2 in March from 51.4 in February.
— Nikkei Asian Review

SIA Engineering, Stratasys sign MOU for additive manufacturing tie-up
Mainboard-listed SIA Engineering and Nasdaq-listed Stratasys have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic partnership specialising in additive manufacturing to accelerate the adoption of 3D printed production parts for commercial aviation.
— The Straits Times

Singapore passes law to boost security at large events
Organisers of large-scale public events are required to inform the police at least 28 days before they are held, under a new law passed by Parliament.
— The Star Online

Singapore Expresses Concern over Long Drawn Legal Process
The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed concerns over the long-drawn judicial process related to Shoo Chiau Huat, a ship captain originally charged for illegal fishing and trespassing and subsequently acquitted by the Tanjung Pinang Court on July 11, 2016.
— Tempo

Singapore Private Sector Accelerates In March – Nikkei
The private sector in Singapore continued to expand in March, and at a faster rate, the latest survey from Nikkei revealed on Wednesday with a PMI score of 52.2.
— RTT News

Singapore Airlines upgrades aircraft on Melbourne route
The change in aircraft will deliver Melbourne customers an increase in Premium Economy options, with three of the four daily flights from Melbourne now offering the new cabin.
— Cim News

S i2i updates on loss and profit in financial statements for Q4, FY2016
S i2i announced on Wednesday there is a difference in some figures in its audited and unaudited financial statements for the fourth quarter of 2016 and financial year 2016.
— The Business Times

Immunity for marital rape being reviewed
Married women should have the same access to protection from violence as unmarried women, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said yesterday.
— The Straits Times

What America can learn from Singapore’s healthcare system
The New York Times recently ran the op-ed “Make America Singapore”, where Ross Douthat points to Singapore’s healthcare system as the example for America to follow.
— The New Paper

Finn Partners acquires Singapore-based Ying Communications
New York-based Finn Partners is making its first move into Asia-Pacific with the deal. Its Singapore office will serve as the hub of the agency’s operations in the region.
— Campaign

Telcos pony up record S$1.14b for spectrum rights
Telecommunications companies here paid a record sum of S$1.14 billion to get spectrum rights for their 4G services and upcoming mobile services such as 5G and Internet of Things (IoT). The incumbents were quick to point to the entry of a fourth telco as one of the factors that pushed their combined outlay beyond the billion-dollar mark for the first time.
— Today Online

TPG wins more spectrum in Singapore
TPG Telecom has secured another 10 Mhz of spectrum in Singapore as it builds on plans to become the fourth mobile network operator in the city-state.
— SBS

Technology ‘critical in fight against terrorism’
The mindsets and operation methods of terrorists are changing, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said yesterday.
— The New Paper

Construction sector payment performance worsens in Q1
Building construction firms registered the highest proportion of payment delays.
— Singapore Business Review

MPs outline ways to strengthen Singapore’s fight against drugs
As drugs can be mixed with other substances to increase their potency and addictiveness, this potential for harm should be taken into consideration when determining penalties for drug offences, and not simply their weight, Mr Christopher De Souza (Holland- Bukit Timah GRC) said yesterday.
— The Straits Times

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Thailand vulnerable to ‘boiling frog’ crisis
Economic experts have urged the private and industrial sectors to quickly modernise and ease the impact of the Thailand 4.0 economic development model.
– Bangkok Post

Cabinet approves Bt2-bn deal for 10 tanks from China
THE CABINET yesterday approved the purchase of 10 main tanks from China for Bt2 billion to replace the World War II-era tanks bought from the United States 60 years ago, Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday.
– The Nation

Thailand orders 8×8 VN-1 armoured personnel carriers from China
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has ordered the 8×8 VN-1 armoured personnel carrier (APC) from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), it has been confirmed to Jane’s.
– Janes (paywall)

Kingsgate in mine payout claim
Australia-based Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd will seek compensation from the Thai government over the suspension of its mining operation in Thailand last year.
– Bangkok Post

PM not worried about Trump trade policies
THAILAND should remain calm about new US trade policies, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday, adding that he has assigned relevant ministries to study the issues.
– The Nation

Thailand and Cambodia strengthen ties with China
Thailand’s government yesterday agreed to buy 10 tanks from China for US$58 million (S$81 million), while Cambodia told a United States Navy unit its services were no long needed, in another sign of the South-east Asian countries loosening links with Washington as they strengthened ties with Beijing.
– The Straits Times

Resignation of 13 deputies ‘personal choice’
THE PRESIDENT of Mahidol University, Udom Kachintorn, yesterday said the resignation of all 13 deputy rectors, following a request by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for a declaration of their assets, was a personal decision by each individual.
– The Nation

Thailand should continue to attract foreign investors – BBH
BBH Global Currency Strategy Team suggest that Thailand’s economic outlook remains solid. Political risk seems minimal now, and so foreign investors have been pouring money back into Thailand.
– BBH

Thailand Logistics Industry Executive Analysis
With the Implementation of Regional Transport Agreement, Focus on Cross-border Transport Services Likely to Drive Growth
– PR Newswire

GSB builds up Bt50 bn war chest to back loan needs
GOVERNMENT Savings Bank (GSB) will mobilise Bt50 billion in the next three months to cope with the scale of lending required to help fund mega-projects under the government’s infrastructure drive, while reaffirming its target for new loan growth of 3 per cent this year.
– The Nation

BOT, banks reserve cash for Songkran
DEMAND for banknotes in the week leading up to the Songkran holiday will be Bt30 billion, a 3 per cent increase from the holiday period last year, the Bank of Thailand forecasts.
– The Nation

Thai firm in £60m takeover of UK food business
Thailand-based Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) has agreed a deal to acquire UK-based Westbridge Food Group Limited for £60m.
– GlobalMeat News

‘Check Gorn Share’ campaign launched to combat sharing of fake news on social media
Digital agencies and private organisations on Tuesday joined hands to launch www.checkgornshare.com as a tool for the Thai online community to check and verify facts before sharing information on social media.
– The Nation

TCEB and allied Thai strategic partners launch Thailand’s MICE United IV
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau or TCEB, unveiled the latest strategic marketing approaches to attract MICE travellers from China with a launch of Thailand’s brand campaign entitled “Thailand CONNECT: Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success”, together with a strategic collaborative campaign, “Thailand’s MICE United IV”.
– Travel Daily News Asia

Election date unclear
WITH THE NEW constitution to be promulgated tomorrow, the government has yet to spell out exactly when Thailand will hold new elections.
– The Nation

Cabinet approves investment in new Bang Pakong power plant
The Cabinet yesterday gave its approval for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to go invest Bt33.94 billion to build a new power plant in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district to ensure a stable and adequate power supply in Bangkok and its vicinity.
– The Nation

Demand for Thai frozen chicken continues to rise despite stronger baht
The exports of Thai frozen chicken is likely to increase as demands in Europe and Japan grow.
– NNT

AOT expects 5,360,000 passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects over 5,360,000 passengers to arrive at its six main airports during the Songkran Festival this year.
– NNT

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) recently delivered six E 220 d Avantgarde limousines to the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) recently delivered six E 220 d Avantgarde limousines to the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
– The Nation

Hitachi Sunway Helps HANA Microelectronics to Implement Siemens Teamcenter in Thailand
Hitachi Sunway Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“Hitachi Sunway”), today announces that they will be implementing a document management solution from Siemens Teamcenter (“Teamcenter”) for HANA Microelectronics Public Co., Ltd. (“HANA”) in Thailand.
– PR Newswire

Thai firm lists One Stoxx Asean Select Dividend ETF on SGX
THAILAND’S largest ETF (exchange-traded fund) issuer and asset management company, One Asset Management (OneAM), on Wednesday listed its One Stoxx Asean Select Dividend Exchange Traded Fund on Singapore Exchange.
— The Business Times

Human Rights Watch calls for independent probe into conscript’s killing
The Human Rights Watch Wednesday called for an independent investigation into the killing of an Army conscript in Surat Thani and for a broader campaign to end the longstanding use of corporal punishment in the armed forces.
— The Nation

LPG price on hold despite global drop
The domestic retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will remain unchanged in April, the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo) has confirmed, despite cheaper global LPG prices.
— Bangkok Post

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Samsung to invest VND 8.5 bln in Talent Programme in Vietnam
Samsung Vietnam has launched the 2017 edition of its Samsung Talent Program (STP), which aims to nurture local information technology and electronics telecommunications (ET) talent through scholarships, specialized courses and research and career opportunities. .
— Telecompaper

Is Vinacapital Vietnam (VCVOF) Amidst a Buy Trend?
Vinacapital Vietnam (OTHER OTC:VCVOF) has been rated a Buy by TrendSpotter trend anlaysis, a computer-driven system which uses wave theory, momentum and volatility to determine a given stock’s trend.
— Pearson News

Gov’t launches website to receive administrative feedback
Citizens can now voice opinions on mechanisms, policies and administrative procedures to the Government on website nguoidan.chinhphu.vn, Minister and head of the Government Office Mai Tiến Dũng said on Monday.
— Viet Nam News

Hanoi’s economy grows 7.06% in the first Quater
According to Hanoi People’s Committee, Hanoi’s economy grew in the first months of this year, with good performance in the industry-construction and service sectors.
— Hanoi Times

Business environment effectively supports firms: PM
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has assessed that the business and investment environment of Vietnam has been effectively supporting the development of enterprises, pointing a high number of startups and profitable firms.
— Saigon

Anger burns on Vietnam’s poisoned coast a year after spill
“The big fish are all dead,” complained 50 year-old Mai Xuan Hoa, picking small fish from a net as he tried to rebuild his livelihood a year after Vietnam’s worst environmental disaster.
– Reuters

Another case of bird flu reported in Vietnam
Another case of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been reported in Vietnam, health officials said on April 4.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Philippines Struggle To Stop Taiwan And Vietnam From Entering A Disputed Sea
China has earned a dubious name in the Philippines for asserting a claim to parts of a vast sea that Manila sees as its own. Chinese vessels bar Philippine fishing boats from entering a 150-square-km shoal where fishermen in the Southeast Asian country say the good hauls come from. But now not-so-friendly vessels from Taiwan and Vietnam are also turning up off Luzon Island in the Philippine exclusive economic zone, according to fishermen and local officials in a city on the South China Sea.
— Forbes

Formosa Plastics clears Vietnam inspection
Nearly a year after Formosa Plastics Group was found severely polluting the waters along a 200-kilometer coastal stretch in central Vietnam, the Vietnamese government is reportedly considering letting the Taiwanese plastics company resume operations in the country.
— China Post

Vietnam: Vietnam’s Q1 rice exports down but Chinese appetite set to grow
Vietnam’s first-quarter rice exports have fallen to a two-year low, but the outlook remains positive as shipments to China, its biggest buyer, are forecast to grow this year, traders and industry reports said.
— World-Grain

Reported Incoming French Ambassador Has Connections to Vietnam
The president of France has selected Eva Nguyen Binh, an official at the French Embassy in Hanoi and wife of the French ambassador to Vietnam, as its next ambassador to Cambodia, two media outlets have reported.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Embassy works to foster Vietnam’s economic links with China’s Hebei
Vietnamese Ambassador to China Dang Minh Khoi made a working trip to Hebei province on March 28-29 to promote economic, trade, investment, and tourism partnerships between Vietnamese localities and Hebei.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Đồng Nai continues to lure foreign investment
Southern province of Đồng Nai attracted US$314 million in foreign investment (FDI) in Q1 2017, up 53.4 per cent year-on-year and reaching 31.4 per cent of its yearly plan.
— Viet Nam News

Card payment compulsory soon for e-commerce businesses: Trade & Industry Ministry
E-commerce businesses may have to accept card payments as a way to offering more options to pay when shopping online, an official from the Ministry of Industry and Trade said.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Digital device distributors march toward rural areas
Rural areas, which digital product retailers have ignored in the last five to seven years, have now become a major ‘battlefield’.
— VietNamNet Bridge

City chairman approves $220 million to build bridge to coastal district
Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong on Monday approved a proposal to build a bridge to coastal district Can Gio and replace Binh Khanh ferry.
— Saigon

Work starts on road linking Highway 50 to Long An International Port
The People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta province of Long An yesterday afternoon hosted a ceremony to start work on the second bid package of a 12.8 kilometers road project, connecting Highway 50 with Long An International Port.
— Saigon

Strengthening Vietnam-US bilateral trade
At a recent seminar on the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies in Asia-Pacific, some experts said that Vietnam should be ready to negotiate a free trade agreement with the US.
— Hanoi Times

Northwest tourism to be developed: official
Việt Nam has targeted turning tourism into the spearhead economic sector of the northwest region by 2030, deputy head of the Northwest Steering Committee Hầu A Lềnh said yesterday.
— Viet Nam News

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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.