Asean Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Asean SMEs prioritise investing in tech: Survey
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore and across the region are prioritising tech investments over assets such as factories and machinery, according to a new survey.
— The Straits Times
ASEAN, UN roles key to resolving Myanmar refugee crisis: Surakiart
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and United Nations should work with Myanmar to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh who remain hesitant to return home, according to the Thai leader of an advisory body consisting of foreign and local experts.
— Myanmar Times
Most Asean markets gain, track broader Asia
Most Southeast Asian stock markets firmed on Thursday, tracking broader Asia, with Singapore surging after data showed a faster-than-expected growth in exports last month, while the Philippines fell after two days of strong gains.
— The Star Online
Southeast Asia trading platform simplifies multi-asset trading
MBAex, Southeast-Asia’s biggest platform for blockchain assets-trading, simplifies the integration of multi-blockchain assets trading into a highly secured yet flexible cryptocurrency trading platform and ecosystem.
— Digital Journal
Newly found VC firm Vynn Capital plans SEA-focused $40m debut fund
Vynn Capital, a new Southeast Asia-focused venture capital firm founded by former Gobi executive Victor Chua and Singapore’s Darren Chua, is raising a $40-million debut fund, according to a recent report.
— DealStreetAsia
2018 ASEAN Blockchain Summit to Open on March 7th
The end of 2017 witnessed a call from Xiaoping Xu for entrepreneurs to march into the business of Blockchain, which swept across the industry and sparked a hot debate about the technology. As an increasing number of companies and institutions announce their commitment to entering Blockchain industry, a profound and comprehensive understanding of this disruptive technology, of its application and the trend in 2018 is the homework must be done for both those who are about to, and those who have entered the battlefield.
— Military-techologies
Asean SMEs prioritise investing in tech: Survey
The poll by United Overseas Bank (UOB), professional services firm EY and consultancy Dun & Bradstreet found that three in five Asean SMEs intend to focus on technology investments in the coming year, with the majority keen on investing specifically in software.
— The Straits Times (paywall)
Myanmar-China-Singapore Consortium Wins Yangon Central Railway Bid
A consortium including a Singapore-listed company has won the bidding for the Yangon Central Railways Station Area Comprehensive Development Project, Myanma Railways said.
— The Irrawaddy
Indonesia The Most “Sober” Country In Southeast Asia
According to the World Bank 2015 report, Indonesia consumes the least amount of alcohol in Southeast Asia, with its people drinking just 0.6 litres of alcohol on average per year, as reported by The Jakarta Post.
— Indonesia Expat
Internet Freedom Rapidly Degrading in Southeast Asia
Researchers recently evaluated 65 countries which represent 87 percent of internet users globally. Half of them experienced a decline of internet freedom. China, Syria and Ethiopia are the least free. Estonia, Iceland and Canada enjoy the most freedom online.
— Inter Press Service
China’s Rising Profile in South Asia 2018
China has expanded its presence in the Indian Ocean, causing India to respond with a military build-up and far-reaching diplomatic contacts with potential allies.
— Radio Free Asia
Peer learning boosts progress on business and human rights in Asia
The Asia-Pacific region has long been synonymous with economic dynamism. Over the last few decades, the volume of capital and trade flows has ballooned in the region, and hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty.
— UNDP
ASEAN Energy Storage Devices Market Record Healthy Growth over 2014-2020 by FMI
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the “Energy Storage Devices Market: ASEAN Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 – 2020″ report to their offering.
— Digital Journal
Cambodia Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Activists risk their lives to protect Cambodia’s environment
Political opponents have been jailed or driven into exile, the media is muzzled and the voices of civil society are barely heard these days.
— Nikkei Asian Review
Cambodia business costs under fire
PRIVATE-sector representatives in Cambodia are deeply concerned by the government’s inability to reduce the cost of doing business in the country, and they warn that the country would start to lose investors if the situation did not improve.
— The Nation
Cambodian property is an attractive investment for wealthy Chinese buyers
There is a new sign opposite the Cambodian National Assembly in the centre of Phnom Penh.
— Asean Today
See here for more of today’s Cambodia Morning News
Indonesia Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Indonesia cbank holds rates, sees economy improving but eyes volatile markets
Indonesia’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged on Thursday as expected, as it looks to maintain stability in the struggling rupiah currency following an unexpected spike in global volatility.
— Reuters
Imported rice starts arriving at various ports
Imported rice has started arriving in a number of ports across Indonesia as the commodity price remains above the ceiling set by the government.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesian mangoes, dragon fruit to enter Australian market
Indonesia will soon export mangoes and dragon fruit to Australia, a decision made during the 21st meeting of the Working Group on Agriculture, Food and Forestry Cooperation (WGAFFC) between Australia and Indonesia, held in Melbourne from Feb. 14 to 15.
— The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia Morning News
Lao PDR Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Why the Laos Wage Hike Debate Matters
A closer look at an important issue for one of the region’s poorest countries.
— The Diplomat
Laos seeks Thai support on new Mekong bridge
The Lao government has approached Thailand for financial support for the construction of a new bridge connecting the two countries.
— Bangkok Post
Lao Airlines in talks with Chinese investor on possible joint venture
Lao Airlines is holding talks with a Chinese company in a bid to find common ground on the possibility of creating a joint venture between this private investor and the state-run airline, a source has said.
— Vientiane Times
See here for more of today’s Lao Morning News
Malaysia Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Gas Malaysia sees rising profits in FY18
Gas Malaysia Bhd said higher gas tariff and increased sales volume boosted net profit in the last quarter ended Dec 31, 2017 (FY17).
— The Star Online
Nestlé Malaysia defends Milo over viral video accusations about sugar content
Nestlé Malaysia has responded to a viral online video, which claims its Milo drink contains 40% sugar, by stating: ‘The facts in this video are clearly misleading’.
— Food Navigator
Five companies partner for Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project
Siemens, Alstom, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and George Kent together with PORR are going to work together in a bid to win the tender for the high-speed rail contract.
— Global Railway Review
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Myanmar government under Suu Kyi silences journalists
When five Myanmar journalists were sentenced to decade-long prison terms for reporting the alleged existence of a military-run chemical weapons factory in Myanmar a few years ago, Aung San Suu Kyi — then an opposition lawmaker — condemned the harsh punishments as “very excessive”.
— Bangkok Post
Myanmar’s military just wants to be normal
Beset by allegations of systematic massacre, rape and pillage against ethnic Rohingya civilians in Rakhine state, Myanmar’s military, or Tatmadaw, is pushing back.
— Asia Times
Vietnamese mobile carrier enters Myanmar in foreign drive
Viettel Group, the largest mobile network operator in Vietnam, said it will launch its services in Myanmar next month. Myanmar will be Viettel’s 10th foreign market, following the launch of operations in countries including Cambodia, Laos and Mozambique.
— Nikkei Asian Review
See here for more of today’s Myanmar Morning News
Philippines Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
President Rodrigo Duterte offers US$500 kill bounty for Philippines communist rebels after he told troops to shoot female fighters in genitals
The Philippine president has offered a nearly US$500 bounty for each communist rebel killed by government forces to save on anti-insurgency costs and says insurgents are easier to hit than birds because they have bigger heads.
— South China Morning Post
20 Filipinos jailed for fake ID cards, using others’ cards
Twenty Filipinos were jailed in Malaysia on Wednesday after pleading guilty to using forged identity cards or ID for other people.
— Asia Times
Thousands of Filipinos hit by Kuwait worker ban
As many as 250,000 Filipinos will be affected by a total ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait, according to a Philippine government estimate.
— Ucanews
See here for more of today’s Philippines Morning News
Singapore Morning News
Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat
Regular intake of energy-reduced foods may help stave off obesity and diabetes: Singapore study
Regularly consuming food and drink (be they sweet or savoury) that are less energy-dense could help to lower overall energy intake and postprandial blood glucose concentration, say researchers in Singapore.
— Food Nagivator-Asia
StanChart robbery suspect David Roach contests extradition to Singapore
A Canadian man suspected of a rare bank robbery in Singapore told a court in London on Thursday (Feb 15) that he is contesting his extradition from Britain to Singapore.
— Channel NewsAsia
DBS sponsors wealth management track at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University
To groom job-ready wealth management talent and cater to growing industry demand for such expertise in Singapore, DBS Bank and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) today announced a partnership to build a sustainable talent pool of wealth management associates.
— Finextra
See here for more of today’s Singapore Morning News
Thailand Morning News
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
2016 Corruption Perceptions Index for Thailand worsens
A domestic corruption survey has shown signs of improvement in Thailand, while the international Corruption Perception Index of 2016 was not as optimistic.
— NNT
BOI launches incentives for entrepreneurs to encourage use of digital technology
The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved tax incentives for entrepreneurs with the objective to motivate them to use digital technology more.
— News Today (video)
EEC seen pushing GDP growth above 5%
INVESTMENT drawn to the proposed Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) could push the country’s economic growth rate above 5 per cent by 2021, Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC) said.
— The Nation
See here for more of today’s Thailand Morning News
Vietnam Morning News
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vietnamese mobile carrier enters Myanmar in foreign drive
Viettel Group, the largest mobile network operator in Vietnam, said it will launch its services in Myanmar next month. Myanmar will be Viettel’s 10th foreign market, following the launch of operations in countries including Cambodia, Laos and Mozambique.
— Nikkei Asian Review
VN enjoys bright prospects for e-logistics development
As one of the fastest growing e-commerce countries in the world, Viet Nam is considered a high-potential market for e-logistics, analysts have said.
— Bizhub
Aviation sector opens new opportunities for investment
Viet Nam needs more airlines, besides the four current ones, to meet the increasing demand in the aviation market.
— Viet Nam News
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.