Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Regional consensus needed for a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’
The main protagonists behind the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) concept are continuing diplomatic efforts to crystallise a strategy for its realisation.
— East Asia Forum
Dozens of companies launch US$1 billion bid to end plastic pollution in Asia but environmentalists dismiss it as ‘greenwashing’ stunt
A new oil and chemical industry-led global alliance founded to tackle Asia’s crippling plastic waste crisis has been slammed by environmental groups as a “greenwashing” stunt.
— South China Morning Post
How China and the U.S. Are Competing for Young Minds in Southeast Asia
Business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month warned that China has overtaken the United States in the development of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, such as fifth-generation wireless or 5G.
— World Politics Review
Black hats, hacks and cyber attacks / How Southeast Asia ranks in cybersecurity
A recent report of 60 countries worldwide, released by UK-based tech research company Comparitech, has ranked six of Southeast Asia’s countries among both the worst and best in terms of cybersecurity.
— Southeast Asia Globe
Malaysia’s strategic drift to Japan might provide a template for Asean to follow
From the capitals of Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Bangkok leaders of Asean countries are watching how Malaysia’s strategic drift towards Japan is likely to unfold.
— The Independent
Forum to discuss how US, Asean can tackle challenges
The challenges confronting the United States and Asean – including natural disasters, the scourge of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), maritime tensions and rising populism – and how both sides can work together to overcome them will be discussed at a forum beginning today.
— The Straits Times
CLV products on display at Kratie fair
Kratie will host next month a trade fair to promote agricultural products and handicrafts made in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
— Khmer Times
Reviewing investors’ success in Southeast Asia as we enter the Lunar New Year
The Year of the Pig is finally here. As we look back, it was evident that e-commerce has reached new heights in China.
— Borneo Post Online
Three-day US-Asean Partnership Forum kicks off in Jakarta on Monday
The challenges confronting the United States and Asean – including natural disasters, the scourge of ISIS, maritime tensions and rising populism – and how both sides can work together to overcome them will be discussed at a forum, beginning on Monday (Feb 11).
— The Straits Times
Rebuilding ASEAN’s financial safety net
Singapore and Indonesia signed a US$10 billion bilateral swap agreement (BSA) in October 2018, allowing the two countries to assist each other through US dollar loans during financial stress.
— East Asia Forum
Minilateralism in Southeast Asia
Minilateralism refers to functional or practical cooperation on specific issues at the sub-regional level between countries or localities in a geographically defined areas or regions.
— Khmer Times
Between fake news and press freedom
Fake news is a serious matter. Fake news in India, for example, has even led to the deaths of many through numerous lynching incidents. However, in dealing with fake news, there is a thin yet important line that – if crossed – encroaches into the territory of press freedom, hampering its ability to play watchdog.
— The Asean Post
Asian markets offer major opportunities for fintechs
In a few short years, Ireland has become the fourth-largest exporter of financial services in the world.
— Felton Business News
TCEB and Bangkok Airways launch the ‘Fly and Meet Double Bonus – Redefined’ campaign to attract more corporate groups from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam
With the number of MICE travellers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) growing 206% in 2018 and the opening of many new attractions, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Bangkok Airways launch the redefined campaign with a lower requirement of only 30 persons to encourage more outbound corporate meetings and incentives from the four countries to Thailand.
— NNT
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Piseth Pov @piseth6666
Project aims to test climate change response strategies
The Ministry of Environment has funded a Cambodia Climate Change Alliance project and selected five schools to test climate change response strategies by planting trees and developing gardens with increased biodiversity.
— The Phnom Penh Post
Ministry blasts Sam Rainsy over ‘mutinous’ comments
The Foreign Affairs Ministry on Saturday issued a statement slamming comments condemning the government made by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Facebook.
— Khmer Times
Bombs Discovered in Cambodia’s Poipet Casino
A civilian in Poipet city of Banteay Meanchey province, located in the west of Cambodia bordering with Thailand, detected a suspected package of bomb in Golden Casino on Sunday.
— Fresh News
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Indonesia sees $2.2 billion windfall from halal labelling rule
Indonesia is set to make halal labelling mandatory for consumer products and services this year with the government assuming greater control of the certifying process from the Muslim-majority nation’s Islamic cleric council.
— The Straits Times
Foreign exchange reserves stable at US$120.1 billion in January
Indonesia welcomed 2019 with stable foreign exchange reserves, Bank Indonesia (BI) announced on Thursday, while economists said more favorable external conditions would pave the way for the country to build up reserves this year.
— The Jakarta Post
‘We had no choice’: Indonesia school expels students with HIV/AIDS
Purwotomo 74 public elementary school in Surakarta, Central Java, expelled 14 students identified as positive for HIV/AIDS amid protests from parents of other students.
— Inquirer.net/ The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Piseth Pov @piseth6666
Tariff cuts have no significant impact on revenue collection
The government is still expecting the customs sector to play a key role in generating income even though Laos has eliminated import tariffs on most goods from Asean member countries.
— Vientiane Times
Laos’ rapid economic growth path has so far avoided macroeconomic cliffs
Laos is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. On average the country’s economy has grown by 7.5 per cent per year and trade by 17 per cent per year since 2000, reflecting the importance of trade as a key driver of its growth.
— East Asia Forum
Australia approves AUD4.5 million for business, trade improvement
Laos is now actively working to improve the business environment and facilitate trade as part of supporting the government’s policy to improve the ease of doing business.
— Vientiane Times
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Malaysia’s Ex-PM Hit With More Charges In 1MDB Scandal – Trial Begins On Feb. 12
Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak has been charged with three more counts of money laundering amounting to $11.6 million. He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out to him before Sessions Court judge Azman Ahmad on February 8.
— Investvine
Tensions rise as Greek ship hits Malaysian vessel off Singapore
Tensions between Malaysia and Singapore rose after a Malaysian vessel and a Greek-registered bulk carrier collided off Tuas on Saturday, according to a statement on the website of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
— Bangkok Post
MoF will intervene to strengthen people’s retirement savings
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) will make an intervention, if necessary, to ensure the people’s retirement savings are strengthened for the long-term, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ir Amiruddin Hamzah.
— The Borneo Post
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Rohingya activists demand action against Myanmar at NYC summit
The question of justice has dominated discussions at a New York conference on the persecution suffered by the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
— Aljazeera
Thilawa SEZ to attract more potential investments: Union Minister
Thilawa Special Economic Zone will attract more potential investments as it was implemented systematically, said Thaung Tun, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations on February 5.
— Eleven Myanmar
MYANMAR: FRESH EVIDENCE OF VIOLATIONS AMID ONGOING MILITARY OPERATION IN RAKHINE STATE
Myanmar security forces have shelled villages and blocked civilians from accessing food and humanitarian assistance in Rakhine State, Amnesty International said today, amid a crackdown since armed attacks by the Arakan Army in early January. Security forces have also used vague and repressive laws to detain civilians in the area.
— Amnesty USA
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
BIR eyes $7.3-million Korean grant for invoice system
The government plans to tap a $7.3-million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency to implement the first phase of the electronic invoicing system mandated under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act.
— Manilastandard.net
The Philippines may forego $1.5 billion remittances
The Philippines stands to lose as much as $1.5 billion worth of remittances due to the projected 10 to 15 percent decrease in the deployment of overseas Filipino workers particularly to the Middle East due to declining global oil prices.
— The Philippine Star
House panel to continue hearings on alleged budget anomalies even after P3.757-trillion allocation hurdled bicam
The House appropriations committee will continue hearings on the alleged anomalies in the P3.757-trillion national budget despite it having been passed by the bicameral conference committee.
— Eagle News
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Number of households receiving HDB proximity grant nearly doubles
The number of households that received a government grant for buying a home to live with or near their parents or children has nearly doubled, said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Friday (Feb 8).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
NetLink NBN Trust, Singtel among UOB’s top alpha picks for Feb
UOB Kay Hian is maintaining its “buy” call on NetLink NBN Trust considering its dominant market share of 90% and 34% for residential and non-residential fibre connections, respectively, where growth is projected at a three-year CAGR of 6.2%-8.5% for FY18-21.
— The Edge Singapore
IMDA imposes financial penalty of $100,000 on Singpost for not meeting 2017 QOS standards; Consumers remark “too cheap” for the company
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced on Thursday (7 February) that it will impose a financial penalty of S$100,000 on Singapore Post (SingPost) for its failure to meet the delivery standards of local basic letters and registered mail on nine events in 2017.
— The Online Citizen
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Not happening: Thai King slaps down attempt to drag royal house into politics
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has slapped-down an attempt by a newly formed political party to drag the Thai royal house into the coming general election.
— AEC News Today
Thai Riot Police Put on Alert as Coup Rumors Spread
PHICHIT — Riot police were ordered to mobilize and prepare to defend important facilities Saturday in the central province of Phichit, according to a leaked order from the provincial governor marked urgent.
— Khaosod English
Haze and air pollution return to Bangkok this week
Air pollution around Bangkok is expected to worsen again this week with an increase in the level of PM2.5 dust particles.
— The Nation (very annoying popups)
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vinalines Logistics’ profit growth projected at least 10 percent
Vinalines Logistics Vietnam Joint Stock Company (Vinalines Logistics) will improve logistics services and expand operational network in a bid to realise its target of attaining at least 10 percent in profit growth.
— VietnamPlus
How Vietnam’s high speed railway will get on track
The proposed north-south high speed railway project is expected to be completed by 2045.
— VnExpress
Property market to see new development trends in 2019
Several new development trends are emerging in the real estate market, which is expected to remain strong in 2019 since the economy continues to grow robustly and there is a lot of investment flowing into infrastructure.
— VietnamPlus
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.