Asean Morning News
Compiled by Kongleaphy Keam @kongleaphy1
ASEAN ministers: Coal technology key to Paris deal success
At last month’s ASEAN energy ministers’ meeting in Manila, representatives from across the region confirmed that coal and, more specifically, high efficiency coal, is the fuel of choice for Southeast Asia.
— The Jakarta Post
ASEAN, Canada boast huge cooperation potential
ASEAN-Canada relations and measures to harmonise the American country’s benefits with ASEAN development progress in the context of shifting power among great rivalries were discussed at a roundtable held in Toronto, Canada from October 26-28.
— Vietnam Plus
Pimentel: Business must continue during Asean Gab
BANKING and other business activities won’t be disrupted, even as the Philippines rolls out the red carpet for the three-day hosting of the Asean meeting next week, Senate President Aquilino L. Pimentel III said over the weekend.
— Business Mirror
‘No fly zone’ declared over Asean Summit-designated areas
THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that it would strictly implement a “no-fly zone” for drones or unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAVs) in areas where the 31st Asean Summit will be held from November 9 to 17.
— The Mainla Times
ASEAN tackles decent work for domestic workers
Tripartite representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered this week at the 10th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labor to further promote decent work for domestic workers in the region.
— PIA
ASEAN against the world on trade
The success story of the East Asian economy was about the connection between trade and industrialisation — look at the cases of Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore. Trade-oriented industrialisation drove regional economic integration in through trade and investment — and integration into the world economy that was made possible by conducive global economic growth and a relatively open global economy.
— East Asia Forum
Biotech agency aims to create ‘herb hub’ for Asean region
HERBAL products will be a major focus for the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Biotec) over the next five years.
— The Nation
MMDA to set up special lanes on EDSA for ASEAN Summit, related meetings
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority would set up special lanes on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) for the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings, which is happening in two weeks.
— Manila Bulletin
Hyundai to support Asean confab delegates
HYUNDAI Asia Resources Inc. (Hari), the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai vehicles, announced that it will support the mobility needs of the delegates to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) 50 Summit and the Asean Business and Investment Summit (Abis) two highly anticipated global meets slated to happen in Manila this November.
— Business Mirror
PH to host premier regional business, investment summit
THE Philippines will host next moth a premier annual business summit that will focus on investment opportunities, global issues and key strategic directions for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
— The Manila Times
63rd joint patrol on Mekong River completed
The 63rd joint patrol on the Mekong River with law enforcers from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand was completed on Sunday.
— Ecns.cn
Only 22% of adults in Southeast Asia have full-time jobs–Gallup
Less than a third of working adults in Southeast Asia, which includes the Philippines, are employed full time, according to United States-based research firm Gallup Inc.
— BusinessWorld
Camiguin ready for Asean events, tourist
This province is poised to become one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) most sought-after tourist and event destinations as two companies are in the stage of expanding their hotel business here, Governor Maria Luis Romualdo said over the weekend.
— Sun Star
Empowering ASEAN exhibitions
Big plans are underway in Thailand and development on the eastern seaboard is just one part of the picture
— Exhibition World
Cambodia Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Government proposes $6B budget for 2018
The Council of Ministers on Friday approved a national budget for next year that calls for more than $6 billion in spending, the largest increase ever proposed for the Kingdom, with big boosts for education, defence and the arts.
— The Phnom Penh Post
Boris Johnson to face calls to tackle Cambodia over human rights crisis
Boris Johnson is to face calls to slap targeted sanctions on the Southeast Asian nation amid its worst human rights crisis in two years.
— The Telegraph
Japan’s diplomacy misperceived
When the human rights situation in Cambodia deteriorated last September, with restrictions on civil society groups, activists looked to foreign governments in particular those big donors like Japan for…
— Bangkok Post
See here for more of today’s Cambodia Morning News
Indonesia Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Tax office allays concerns
The Finance Ministry’s Taxation Directorate General is in the spotlight over accusations that it is threatening hundreds of companies, including major foreign-owned ones, as the cash-strapped government is in dire need of more revenue.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia’s Economy May Beat Expectations, Finance Minister Says
Indonesia’s finance minister said Southeast Asia’s biggest economy could expand at a faster pace next year than initially forecast.
— Bloomberg
Indonesia lowers Bali volcano alert status
Indonesian authorities on Sunday lowered the alert status of the Mount Agung volcano on the holiday island of Bali, whose rumblings last month forced around 133,000 residents to flee and deterred tourism in the area.
— Reuters/Business Insider
See here for more of today’s Indonesia Morning News
Lao PDR Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Govt to create enabling environment to promote investment
The government plans to elevate Laos’ ranking in the Ease of Doing Business table from its current position at 139 to within the top 100 out of the 190 countries assessed, by the year 2020.
— Vientiane Times
Road tax payment due now
Road users are now being asked to pay the road tax for 2017 after delays in making changes to the payment system have extended almost to the end of the year.
— Vientiane Times
Laos sets to promote tourism, preserve unique, fine traditional culture
Laos officially launched the “Visit Laos Year 2018” on Saturday, aiming to promote tourism and preserve unique and fine traditional culture of the country.
— Xinhua Net
See here for more of today’s Lao Morning News
Malaysia Morning News
Compiled by Kongleaphy Keam @kongleaphy1
Economist calls for rebalancing of expenditures in Budget 2018
The executive director of the Socio-Economic Research Centre has urged the government to tackle the apparent imbalance between the country’s operating and development expenditures in Budget 2018.
— Free Malaysia Today
Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms detention of Malaysian journalist in Myanmar
The Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms that a Malaysian journalist employed by Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) was detained by Myanmar authority on Friday (Oct 27) for allegedly video recording the Hluttaw building (House of Representative) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar using a drone without prior authorisation.
— Malay Mail Online
Budget 2018 aims to enhance wellbeing and fortify Digital Malaysia
“WE ARE delighted that Budget 2018 is focused on accelerating growth and enhancing the wellbeing of the rakyat as well as in further enhancing Digital Malaysia.
— Digital News Asia
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar Morning News
Compiled by Kongleaphy Keam @kongleaphy1
US: Hundreds protest Myanmar in front of White House
Hundreds gathered in front of the White House on Sunday to protest the ongoing violence targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
— Anadolu Agency
UNSC must go tough on Myanmar
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must take a strong stance against the Myanmar government for the ongoing persecution of Rohingyas in Rakhine State.
— The Daily Star
Myanmar corrects UN report on refugees
A Myanmar state-run newspaper on Saturday corrected a report that a UN settlement programme, UN-Habitat, had agreed to help build housing for people fleeing violence in the west of the country, where an army operation has displaced hundreds of thousands.
— The Gulf Today
See here for more of today’s Myanmar Morning News
Philippines Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Data-privacy law to boost PHL cybersecurity sector
THE Data Privacy Act of 2012 would generate increase in the demand for information security, information-technology (IT) security experts observed.
— BusinessMirror
Philippines could soon lose GSP+ privilege with EU if nothing done
President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly pushed back against the European Union, as he defended his war on drugs from international criticism.
— Fresh Plaza
Calabarzon targets 20% hike in 2017 tourist arrivals
The Department of Tourism Region IV-A expects at least 15 to 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals to Calabarzon by the end of the year.
— Philippine News Agency
See here for more of today’s Philippines Morning News
Singapore Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Singapore steps up water production to meet demand following pollution in Johor River
Water production at Singapore’s desalination plants and local waterworks has been stepped up to meet demand here, after pollution in the Johor River led to the temporary closure of four water treatment plants along the river, including one in Kota Tinggi that is managed by Singapore.
— The Straits Times (paywall)
77% of Singapore firms have suffered from cyberattacks
About 77% of Singapore firms have indicated that they have detected one or more cyberattack incidents in the last twelve months, PwC’s Global State of Information Security Survey (GSISS) revealed.
— Singapore Business Review
Which way forward for Singapore’s print monopoly?
Singapore Press Holdings is a rich media company. Its market capitalisation of S$4 billion ($2.9 billion) and yearly revenue of S$725 million for the media business must be the envy of many publishers globally. Its flagship newspaper, The Straits Times, has the breadth of world news coverage that many can only dream of, with 21 correspondents in 12 cities and a network of international contributors.
— Mumbrella Asia
See here for more of today’s Singapore Morning News
Thailand Morning News
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Chumphon placed under heavy rain, flashflood warning
The Centre for Flooding, Storm and Landslide Monitoring in Chumphon warned people of heavy rain and possible flash flood and surface flooding in the province from tomorrow (Oct 29) until Nov 2.
— Thai PBS
Thai king’s remains laid to rest at end of five-day ceremony
The bones and ashes of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej were brought to their final resting places on Sunday, the fifth and last day of an elaborate funeral ceremony that drew hundreds of thousands of mourners to the streets of Bangkok.
— Reuters
Can Trump reverse Thailand’s drift towards China?
Under the doctrine of “America First,” the Thai military regime has enjoyed warming relations with the United States. However, economic and development opportunities with China have pulled Thailand into China’s orbit.
— Global Risk Insights
See here for more of today’s Thailand Morning News
Vietnam Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vietnam records US$1.23 billion trade surplus in ten months
Phones and components exports contribute most to total export turnover of the nation in October.
— VietnamNet Bridge
Bitcoin use might face criminal charge in Vietnam
That was quoted from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)’s yesterday official announcement about using crypto currencies for means of payment.
— VietnamNet Bridge
Vietnam’s October crude oil output falls 5.1 percent year-on-year to 1.12 million tonnes
Vietnam’s crude oil output in October is estimated at 1.12 million tonnes (265,000 barrels per day), down 5.1 percent from a year ago, the government said on Sunday.
— Tuoi Tre
See here for more of today’s Vietnam Morning News
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.