Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Asean countries to establish framework for cybersecurity collaboration
The 10 Asean member states have agreed on the need for a formal framework to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the region, outlining cyber diplomacy, policy, and operational issues.
— ZDNet
ASEAN trade deal lurks in shadows
Two free trade agreements are garnering most of the headlines, but there is another, lesser known potential agreement that has piqued the interest of some Canadian farm groups.
— The Western Producer
DHL brings e-commerce COD to Malaysia, Thailand, & Vietnam
E-commerce exporters in China and Australia, consumers in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, and DHL eCommerce are all expecting benefits from the introduction of a Cross Border Cash-on-Delivery (COD) system by Deutsche Post DHL Group.
— AEC News Today
Asean must not remain silent
OVER a year has passed since the Myanmar military, the Tatmadaw, began its August 2017 “clearance operations” targeting the Rohingya Muslim population of the country’s Rakhine state.
— The Star Online
ASEAN MPs urge UN to act on Rohingya atrocities report
Lawmakers from South East Asia on Thursday urged the United Nations (UN) to act on a devastating report on atrocities against the Rohingyas in Myanmar and to do everything in its power to pave the way for justice for victims.
— Dhaka Tribune
Electricity sector a hotbed for investment
Southeast Asia is a growing region with countries here averaging growth rates of 5.1 percent. This situation has rightly prompted a rise in energy demand within the region. Between 2000 and 2016, economic growth in the region spurred a 70 percent increase in primary energy demand. To that end, governments in Southeast Asia have implemented a host of policies to ensure energy demand is met.
— The Asean Post
Coca-Cola stands firm amid criticism of ‘human rights violations’ in South East Asia
Coca-Cola has denied allegations of human rights violations against workers across the globe, including in Indonesia and the Philippines.
— Food Navigator-Asia
Tourism Authority of Thailand Launches ASEAN Together Run 2019
If you haven’t heard of the term “Virtual Race”. You are probably living under a rock. VR (Virtual Race) is a self-motivated competition that is organised online where you will have to complete a certain distance by running/walking on a date and time of your choosing, anywhere in the world.
— Run Society
National finalists of ASEAN Data Science Explorers announced
The Pangolin team from RMIT University Vietnam was crowned as the winners of the national finals of the ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2018, which wrapped up in Hanoi on September 19.
— Nhan Dhan
AI threatens ASEAN jobs
Thanks to digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is possible for the same output from ASEAN’s top six economies today to be produced using 28 million fewer workers by 2028.
— The Asean Post
Asean must stand up for themselves
My American friend Ken, a military veteran who did logistics work in the United States Navy, tried to explain to me what his job entailed, particularly in the Philippines and Japan.
— Malay Mail
Bitec lines up Asean, international events in line with vision of premier MICE destination
THE BANGKOK International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec), Thailand’s first purpose-built exhibition and convention centre with state-of-the-art features, is setting out for global recognition as a leading trade and exhibition centre.
— The Nation
Camvi Facial Recognition Tech Used to Secure ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Palo Alto-based Camvi Technologies has revealed a high-profile deployment of its facial recognition technology: In a collaboration with Singapore access control specialist Zoom Tech, the company’s technology was used to secure the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last month.
— FindBiometrics
Is the latest draft of the “South China Sea Code of Conduct” really a milestone?
In August 2018, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached an agreement over a single draft document to negotiate the proposed Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea (SCS) during the ASEAN-China Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Singapore.
— ORF
Changi crowned as Asia’s most connected international airport
It placed eight in the global rankings. Changi Airport is still Asia’s most connected international airport in 2018, a study by UK air travel intelligence firm OAG revealed. The Lion City’s airport scored 253 in the firm’s connectivity index.
— Singapore Business Review
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Michael Johansen @mfjohansen47
Hun Sen Rejects Speculation Cambodia Could Lose UN Seat
Prime Minister Hun Sen has rejected criticism of his government’s legitimacy and speculation that Cambodia’s seat at the United Nations could be suspended over the country’s move to one-party politics.
— VOA
‘This is my land’: Cambodian villagers slam Chinese mega-project
“I’m Cambodian, I’m not illegal here,” said Se Say Hieng, one of the last remaining villagers who refuses to leave land that now belongs to China’s Union Development Group.
— Al Jazeera
China’s First Couple Visit Cambodian Royals
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan on Wednesday visited Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, according to Chinese state media.
— VOA
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Michael Johansen @mfjohansen47
Indonesia imposes moratorium on new palm oil plantations
Indonesia’s president has signed a moratorium on new palm oil development and ordered a review of existing plantations, an official said Thursday, in a blow to an industry blamed for environmental destruction and worker exploitation.
— Associated Press
Amazon in market entry talks with Indonesian government: Report
US-based e-commerce giant Amazon has been in talks with the Indonesian government about entering Southeast Asia’s largest market, which could see the company finally execute a plan that has reportedly been in the works for over two years.
— DealstreetAsia
Officials try to calm anger stoked by viral video of Chinese workers measuring land in Bekasi
To meet his goals of rapidly expanding the country’s infrastructure, President Joko Widodo has accepted a great deal of assistance from China to fund and develop numerous projects.
— Coconuts
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
ADB grant allows Lao gov to add 150km to water distribution network
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved additional financing of US$30.5 million, in the form of a grant, to help the Lao PDR government improve water supply and sanitation.
— AEC News Today
Laos: Dengue fever claims 14 lives in 2018
Lao heath authorities are evaluating their efforts to dengue fever after over 4,600 cases have been registered in addition to 14 victims whom were reported in the country up to Sept. 14 this year.
— MENAFN
Lao PDR to test evidence-based approach to address malnutrition
Lao PDR will test a new cross-cutting and evidence-based approach to reducing stunting in four northern provinces, with support from the World Bank.
— Devdiscourse
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Najib Could Spend Rest Of His Life In Jail If Found Guilty – Rosmah Next To Face Charges
Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak pleaded not guilty on September 20 to no less than 21 counts of money laundering and four counts of abuse of power, the highest number of charges brought against him so far.
— Investvine
Malaysia’s inflation to gradually rise after SST implementation
Malaysia’s inflation has been projected to gradually rise after the implementation of the sales and service tax (SST) beginning September 2018.
— The Borneo Post
DHL brings e-commerce COD to Malaysia, Thailand, & Vietnam
E-commerce exporters in China and Australia, consumers in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, and DHL eCommerce are all expecting benefits from the introduction of a Cross Border Cash-on-Delivery (COD) system by Deutsche Post DHL Group.
— AEC News Today
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
World Bank grants Bangladesh $50 million for Rohingya refugee health services
Bangladesh has signed a $50 million grant financing agreement with the World Bank to strengthen its health services in order to respond to the needs of its population of almost a million Rohingya refugees.
— Tamil Guardian
Average inflation rate hits 5.50 pc in August
The average inflation rate in late August stood at 5.50 per cent, a slight increase compared with 5.02 per cent in late July, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Rate by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).
— Eleven
Telenor Myanmar hits 75% LTE coverage
Telenor Myanmar has expanded its LTE network to cover more than 75% of the company, and has revealed it is on track to nearly match state-backed rival MPT by covering nearly 300 townships by the end of the year.
— Telecomasia.net
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
At least 21 dead, 74 missing in Naga, Cebu landslide
A landslide triggered by heavy rains killed at least 21 persons in Naga City, Cebu on Thursday morning, authorities said.
— ABS-CBN (video)
ADB OKs $7.8B in loans for PH for 2018-2021
As the Duterte administration prioritizes infrastructure development under its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the Asian Development Bank has increased the share of transport projects in the total loans it is making available for the Philippines in the next four years.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Confirmed ‘Ompong’ death toll now at 23
The confirmed death toll from the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong has climbed to 23.
— Philippine News Agency
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Michael Johansen @mfjohansen47
Singapore panel recommends regulation of tech firms over fake news
A Singapore parliamentary committee said on Thursday the government should consider legislation to ensure technology companies rein in online fake news and that those responsible are punished.
— Reuters
Public can attend Committee of Inquiry public hearings on SingHealth cyberattack
The Committee of Inquiry (COI) that was convened to investigate the cyberattack on SingHealth will be holding public hearings in September and October 2018.
— Mothership
Singapore wedding hears why “the worst parents in the world” aren’t so bad (HD video)
Wedding reception are supposed to be an exciting and happy moment. At the end of what is inevitably a long day of preparations, travelling, and location changes, by the time it comes for the reception everyone is happy to sit back, relax, and enjoy the hospitality of the bride and groom.
— AEC News Today
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Governor admits Bangkok still faces flood risks
Bangkok still has to watch out for possible flooding while massive run-offs from upper Thailand are expected to pass the capital through Chao Phraya River in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut and the monsoon will continue for a month or two.
— Thai PBS World
Safety warning issued to Chinese tourists after drownings in Thailand
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok has issued a safety warning to tourists travelling to Thailand during next month’s “Golden Week” holiday, after six drowning incidents involving Chinese visitors there in August.
— South China Morning Post
DHL brings e-commerce COD to Malaysia, Thailand, & Vietnam
E-commerce exporters in China and Australia, consumers in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, and DHL eCommerce are all expecting benefits from the introduction of a Cross Border Cash-on-Delivery (COD) system by Deutsche Post DHL Group.
— AEC News Today
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Supply overhang threatens condotel market
According to the Viet Nam Real Estate Brokers Association last year around 23,000 units of condotels, or condo-hotels, were offered for sale, and 65-70 per cent of them were snapped up.
— VietnamNet Bridge
Vietnam credit growth outpaces money supply expansion
The difference between M2 growth and credit growth fell from VND238 trillion (US$10.24 billion) as at June 20, 2018 to only VND124 trillion (US$5.33 billion) August 22, 2018.
— The Hanoi Times
DHL brings e-commerce COD to Malaysia, Thailand, & Vietnam
E-commerce exporters in China and Australia, consumers in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, and DHL eCommerce are all expecting benefits from the introduction of a Cross Border Cash-on-Delivery (COD) system by Deutsche Post DHL Group.
— AEC News Today
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
The Asean morning news roundup and its individual country morning news round-ups are the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of news reports from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. We scour hundreds of local and international news and websites to find the things that you need to know to start your working week day.
We clearly identify the source of the story, whether it is behind a paywall, a media release, or whether the site uses annoying pop-up advertising or auto-play video, in case those things annoy you. It’s all then packaged up in an easy to read format enabling you to make an informed choice of whether you want to learn more by clicking directly through to the original source, or keep on reading the headlines. AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.