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Asean morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu         @stmarisewudolu

Myanmar seeks migrant-worker protections in Malaysia and Thailand
The government is negotiating with Malaysia and Thailand to ensure that hundreds of thousands of Myanmar nationals working in their countries will have access to social welfare benefits, a senior minister said.
— Myanmar Times

Banks catch sustainability wave
Financial regulators in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — representing 85% of Southeast Asia’s GDP — are shoring up regulatory safeguards against mounting environmental and social (E&S) risks, according to the Singapore branch of the World Wide Fund For Nature.
— Bangkok Post

Australia, the US, and the Race for ASEAN’s Infrastructure
The United States and Australia are two countries that share a close cooperative relationship with ASEAN, especially in the infrastructure sector.
— The Diplomat

Timor Leste optimistic it will join ASEAN soon, no burden to the grouping
Timor Leste’s Foreign Minister Dionisio Babo Soares has expressed confidence that the country will soon be accepted as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and it’s ready to contribute to the grouping’s economic strengths and security role in the region.
— Thai PBS World

Migrant workers remain largely unaccepted: study
On Dec 18, 2000, the international community adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
— Bangkok Post

China’s Gansu sees robust trade growth with ASEAN
Northwest China’s Gansu Province saw robust growth in its trade with ASEAN members in the first 11 months of this year, with ASEAN remaining the province’s second-largest trading partner, local customs authorities said Wednesday.
— Xinhuanet

Timor Leste joining ASEAN – matter of when?
Exclusive interview with Timor Leste Foreign Minister Dionisio Babo Soares on ASEAN membership.
— Thai PBS World (video)

Strengthening cybersecurity in ASEAN
Terrorism in Southeast Asia has long been a threat.
— The Asean Post

Is there an EU-ASEAN trade deal on the horizon?
On November 21, the European Union’s (EU’s) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, the first signed with an ASEAN nation, came into effect.
— Asean Today

ADMM-Plus At 10: Getting Regional Security Right – Analysis
The ADMM-Plus turns 10 at a time when the US-China rivalry is intensifying.
— Eurasia Review

ASEAN sharpens focus on gender in biodiversity conservation
Factoring in gender roles and relations in policymaking is crucial in the success of biodiversity conservation efforts, experts in a regional training workshop conducted here said.
— Philippine Information Agency

SoKor eyes relaxed visa measure for Asean states
The South Korean government is planning to implement a relaxed visa measure for citizens of the 10-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries, the state-funded Yonhap News Agency said in a report.
— Philippine News Agency

Action plan unveiled for digitalization of APEC SMEs
An action plan was unveiled Monday to fuel the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.
— Infosurhoy

India Gets Serious About the Indo-Pacific
Competition in the Indo-Pacific is heating up and China is challenging India’s historical dominance in the Indian Ocean region.
— The Diplomat

Tarlac Agricultural University stages 2019 Internationalization and ASEAN Celebration
It is not every day that communities memorialize milestones of institutions that brought significant advancements in the society.
— QS Wow News

How an in-house model benefits businesses in SEA
In the alternative lending market of South and Southeast Asia, the in-house approach is a serious competitive advantage.
— e27

Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation held
The Ministerial Meeting of Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation took place in Beijing on December 17, with the participation of six countries, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
— NDO

Cambodia morning news

Compiled by Raksmey Khoem          @raksmey.aecnews

Chinese Police Work in Cambodia to Handle Chinese Suspects
For almost a year, Chinese police officials have worked from an office in Cambodia’s National Police headquarters to help identify and handle Chinese nationals suspected of committing crimes in the Southeast Asian country, RFA has learned.
— RFA 

Labor Unions Call For Gov’t To Reconsider Trade Union Law Amendments
Cambodian and international civil society organizations released a statement Wednesday urging Prime Minister Hun Sen to reconsider recently-passed amendments to the Trade Union Law, which they said failed to bring the law up to global labor standards.
— VOA

US Ambassador urges Cambodia to make progress in restoring democracy and human rights
The ambassador made the comment during the reception event organized by the USAID Thursday night.
— Thmey Thmey 

See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news

Indonesia morning news

Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy         @justhine.aecnews

African swine fever kills 30,000 pigs in Indonesia’s North Sumatra
Nearly 30,000 pigs have died from African swine fever (ASF) in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province as of Dec. 15, causing millions of dollars of economic losses as authorities try to quarantine the areas affected, officials said on Wednesday.
— CNA

Indonesia delays submission of sweeping tax bill to parliament to January
The Indonesian government has delayed the handover of a sweeping tax bill to parliament until January, a month behind its earlier target, an official said on Wednesday (Dec 18).
— CNA

Silent on Uighurs, Leading Indonesian Clerics Deny Report of Chinese Influence
Indonesia’s top Muslim clerical organization has dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that local Muslim organizations had received donations, financial support and other forms of assistance in return for keeping quiet about China’s treatment of its Uighurs.
— VOA News

See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news

Lao PDR morning news

Compiled by Raksmey Khoem         @raksmey.aecnews

Japan grants support for school, water supply projects in Laos’ poor communities
The government of Japan is providing grant assistance worth over US$159,000 for two education related projects in Bokeo and Xekong Provinces and one water supply system project in Xayabouly Province through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
— KPL

Trip.com Group CEO and Lao Tourism Minister Open Collaboration Talks
World heritage sites in Laos such as Luang Prabang, Wat Phu, and the Plain of Jars highlight the beauty of the Southeast Asian country. Tourism is quickly becoming an important industry for the country, with Laos having formalized agreements with over 500 foreign travel firms, opened up 15 international tourism ports, increased expenditure in tourism-related infrastructure and cut visa fees.
— Yahoo News

Creighton student nears goal of raising $50,000 to build school in Laos
A Creighton University student and a group of friends are asking the public’s help in completing the fundraising needed to build a school in Laos.
— Omaha World-Herald 

See here for more of today’s Lao morning news

Malaysia morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

Mahathir says Malaysia on board for KL-Singapore HSR project, but mulling slower train speeds
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday (Dec 17) that Malaysia is on board for the postponed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, but the speed of the trains might be adjusted to cut costs.
— CNA

Dr M invites Sarawak, Sabah to explore idea of owning stakes in Petronas
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants Sarawak and Sabah to consider Petronas’ position as a global oil company when studying the proposal to own stakes in the company.
— Malay Mail

Vitamin drips: Malaysian clinic highlights sports, addiction and jet lag benefits
One of the latest celebrity trends sweeping wealthy, beautiful people involves a novel approach to taking vitamins and supplements, but a Malaysian clinic is also touting the benefits for more down-to-earth consumers.
— Nutraingredients

See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News

Myanmar morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi thanks supporters for ‘unity’ during genocide hearings
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday thanked supporters who staged large rallies on her behalf as she defended the country against genocide charges at The Hague, speaking to the nation for the first time since she returned on Sunday.
— CNA

Myanmar’s sea trade reaches over 4.8 billion U.S. dollars
Myanmar’s trade through sea routes reached over 4.8 billion U.S. dollars as of Dec. 6 in present fiscal year (FY) 2019-2020 which started in October, Xinhua reported.
— Mizzima

Telecom sector fuels Myanmar’s economy
Telecoms-related sectors contributed up to three-quarters of economic growth in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, a Telenor-commissioned report by London-based consultancy Frontier Economics found.
— Myanmar Times

See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news

Philippines morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu         @stmarisewudolu

PHL slips in human freedom index; economic freedom pulled by poor score in ‘rule of law’
FILIPINOS have become less “free” as the Philippines slipped five notches in the Human Freedom Index (HFI) copublished by three foreign think tanks.
— Business Mirror

DA implements nationwide zoning plan to wipe out ASF
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formally implemented its zoning plan for African swine fever (ASF) to more efficiently and effectively control and contain the spread of the fatal hog disease.
— Business Mirror

OFWs allowed only P150K worth in balikbayan boxes a year – BOC
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reminds overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and returning residents that they are only allowed to send in P150,000 worth of duty and tax-free goods via balikbayan boxes to their families or relatives in the Philippines per year.
— The Philippine Star

See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news

Singapore morning news

Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy         @justhine.aecnews

Singapore private home prices to rise by about 2% in 2020 and 2021: Fitch Ratings
The agency said improving borrower affordability, as household incomes grow faster than home prices, and lower interest rates will contribute to rising home prices.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

No, you won’t be fined S$1,000 for using your mobile phone while crossing the road: S’pore police
Using your mobile phone while crossing the road as a pedestrian is not a crime, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would like you to know.
— Mothership

Fishy content: Singapore researchers urge reforms after ‘creative labelling’ of seafood products found
New research from Singapore has revealed significant rates of pork or lower-quality fish DNA in local seafood products, leading researchers to urge clearer food labelling guidelines and more stringent testing with better technology in the F&B industry.
— Food Navigator-Asia

See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news

Thailand morning news

Compiled by John Le Fevre         @photo_journ

BoI upgrades EEC perks to garner HR outlays
The Board of Investment (BoI) agreed on Wednesday to upgrade investment privileges for projects in the government’s flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to make them more enticing and promote human resource development.
— Bangkok Post

Thai army ‘regrets’ killing three Muslim civilians in south
The Thai army has expressed regret after troops shot dead three Muslim men foraging in the jungle this week and promised a probe, a rare admission of wrongdoing by the military in Thailand’s insurgency-scarred south.
— CNA

BoT slashes GDP view on export woes
The Bank of Thailand left the policy rate unchanged at a record low but offered a grim outlook by cutting forecasts for economic growth to 2.5% for this year and 2.8% the next as the US-China trade spat continues to hurt exports.
— Bangkok Post

See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news

Vietnam morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

World Bank sees Vietnam’s economy grow 6.8% in 2019
The World Bank (WB) expects that the Vietnamese economy will have expanded by 6.8% in 2019, with public debt reduced by nearly 8 percentage points of GDP since 2016 and a trade surplus for the fourth year in a row.
— NDO

Vietnam fights China’s ‘nine-dash line’ amid old enmities
Vietnam is pushing back on Chinese claims over the South China Sea targeting Beijing’s controversial nine-dash line.
— Aljazeera

A third of firms bribe tax authorities: study
30 percent of Vietnamese firms bribed tax officials last year for the latter to overlook possible violations and mitigate fines, a study has found.
— VnExpress

See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news

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About Asean morning news.

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