Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
China’s growing influence rattles Southeast Asia as U.S. retreats, survey shows
China’s rising economic and political clout in Southeast Asia is a growing source of concern as U.S. influence wanes under President Donald Trump, according to a survey of officials, academics and other professionals published on Thursday.
— Reuters
‘The South China Sea connected us, it never divided us’: how Asean can build bridges
Regional trade and investment in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) cannot be discussed without reference to the larger world. From the earliest days, the people of Southeast Asia have been in continuous interaction with those of East Asia, South Asia and beyond.
— South China Morning Post
Military leaders meet on tackling rise in sea robberies
Senior military leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia met yesterday to discuss ways to combat the recent spike in sea robberies in the Singapore Strait.
— The Straits Times
Asean divided on Rohingya crisis: Poll
Opinions within South-east Asia are highly divided on Myanmar’s Rakhine crisis and the country’s handling of its Rohingya Muslim minority.
— The Straits Times
Thailand to Air Concerns with River Commission over Drought, Chinese Dams in Mekong
Thailand will raise concerns about its current drought during a Mekong River Commission meeting expected next month, the Thai water-resources chief said, as local farmers complained that dams in China were choking the waterway on which millions depend for their livelihoods.
— Radio Free Asia
Are China’s South China Sea Artificial Islands Militarily Significant and Useful?
Are China’s seven artificial islands in the Spratly Group in the South China Sea liable to complicate U.S. freedom of maneuver in a conflict in East Asia?
— The Diplomat
Vietnam to steer Asean towards economic peace
VIETNAM, currently in the driver’s seat as the Asean chair for 2020, must demonstrate a more robust leadership in steering the caucus to challenge anti-international trade and the rules-based world economy at various international platforms.
— The Malaysian Reserve
Stormy seas: Singapore grapples with a spate of piracy
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) is one of the busiest trade routes in the world.
— Asean Today
Southeast Asian startups should combine best practices to lure FDIs — Ong Kian Ming
Startups in Southeast Asia should combine their best practices and explore collaborations to be more viable in the international market.
— The Edge Markets
China’s QR code serves as Asean model
As China is at the global forefront of QR code payment, which makes it easier for businesses and consumers to deal with transactions, its practice is serving as a model for countries in Asean, including Thailand.
— Bangkok Post
Chinese buyers to continue favouring Asia-Pacific property for its proximity, low entry prices and good yields, analysts say
Asia-Pacific will remain the favoured investment destination among Chinese property buyers in 2020, after they shifted their attention to the region last year, analysts said.
— South China Morning Post
China vs. Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam
I recently read an article that said that Malaysia has joined Indonesia and Vietnam to beat China at its own game: The use of lawfare to settle disputes.
— The Philippine Star
ASEAN NTOs share wishlist for ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan review
ASEAN NTOs have agreed to recommend a mid-term review of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025 to their tourism ministers during their meetings today (January 15) and tomorrow.
— TTG Asia
Vietnam’s initiatives for ASEAN operation debated at SEOM 1/51
Vietnam, as ASEAN Chair 2020, presented 14 initiatives, priorities and cooperation plans at the first meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials for the 51st ASEAN Economic Minister’ Meeting (SEOM 1/51), which took place in Hanoi from January 12-14.
— Vietnamplus
In praise of Southeast Asia’s old railways
Early morning at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station is a busy time as overnight trains discharge sleepy passengers into the cacophony of the city via the station’s enormous arched main hall.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
ASEAN tourism makes strides
Progress in the marketing front of ASEAN tourism was presented at the Asean Tourism Media Briefing at the Bridex Hall yesterday.
— Borneo Bulletin Online
How US-Iran tensions will impact Southeast Asia
THE United States and Iran greeted the new year with a sharp escalation in tensions.
— New Straits Times
Vietnam to promote ASEAN-UK cooperation: ambassador
Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Tran Ngoc An has affirmed that Vietnam, as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, supports stronger collaboration between ASEAN And the UK across trade and investment, as well as cooperation for peace, security and development.
— Nhan Dan Online
ACB supports integrating biodiversity into rescue, restoration in areas hit by eruptions
The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has expressed its readiness to provide support in activities that will save the remaining biodiversity in areas affected by the ongoing eruptions of Taal Volcano.
— Philippine Information Agency
Is ASEAN ignoring the cries of its elderly?
Many countries in the Americas and Europe have legalised the use of medical marijuana, with some legalising it for recreational use as well. It is safe to say that when the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in the United States (US) listed marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs with “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse,” it was without scientific backing.
— The Asean Post
Hong Kong needs to get smart on smart cities in ASEAN
Hong Kong will lag behind on smart city development compared to the ASEAN countries if it doesn’t make connections with its neighbours and push further action.
— Harbour Times
Which sustainability solutions are most needed to save Southeast Asia’s cities?
By 2030, 100 million more people in Southeast Asia will move from the countryside to cities.
— Eco-Business
US-China contest won’t let up, will impact Asean: Tommy Koh
The contest between the world’s two biggest economies for power and influence will continue through the new year and beyond, veteran diplomat Tommy Koh has said.
— Hellenic Shipping News
WeWork expanding in region despite global woes
While last year was a very tough one for co-working giant WeWork, its fortunes in this part of the world have been unaffected.
— HRM Asia
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Raksmey Khoem @raksmey.aecnews
Hun Sen dismisses power transfer myth, calls for improved journalism standards
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen has dismissed rumours and speculation that he is planning to have his eldest son succeed him as prime minister, saying such a thing isn’t possible, while urging journalists to improve their professional standards and government spokespeople to be more responsive to media requirements.
— AEC News Today
Cambodia’s Kem Sokha faces court on controversial treason charge
More than two years after being arrested for treason, Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha has gone on trial just before a crucial European Union decision on preferential trading rights that the grouping has threatened to withdraw over human rights abuses in Cambodia.
— Aljazeera
World Bank releases report on women, business and the law
Cambodia ranked below Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand in terms of women, business and the law last year, the World Bank says.
— Thmey Thmey
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Indonesia’s foreign debts reached US$401.4 billion in November
Indonesia’s foreign debts reached US$401.4 billion in November 2019, up 8.3 percent compared to November 2018, but down 12 percent compared to October 2019, Bank Indonesia (BI) said.
— Antara News
2019 trade balance deficit reduced sharply to touch $3.2 billion
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced that Indonesia’s trade balance deficit dropped sharply in 2019, reaching US$3.2 billion, with total exports of $167.53 billion in January-December 2019, and imports touching $170.72 billion.
— Antara News
Population of poor dropped 0.44 percent in 2019: BPS
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded that the number of poor in September 2019 had totaled 24.79 million, plunging 0.44 percent as compared to 25.67 million people recorded during the corresponding period in 2018.
— Antara News
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Raksmey Khoem @raksmey.aecnews
Japan Arrests Lao Citizen for Smuggling Out Ivory
Japan has arrested a Lao citizen for an attempt to smuggle out ivory from the country.
— The Laotian Times
Laos to export 20,000 MW of electricity by 2030
Electricity is considered a huge revenue earner for Laos, especially through exports to neighbouring countries and Asean states such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore.
— ANN/Vientiane Times
Poor Young Women and Girls in Laos Continue to Fall Prey to Trafficking Schemes
Despite educational efforts by the Lao government, an increasing number of Lao women and girls – mostly from poor rural communities or ethnic minorities — are falling victim to trafficking schemes.
— Radio Free Asia
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Malaysia Airlines suspends Boeing 737 MAX deliveries on jet’s grounding
Malaysia Airlines said today it had suspended deliveries of 25 Boeing Co 737 MAX jets, citing the plane’s delayed return to service since it was grounded last year following two fatal crashes.
— The Sun Daily
MoF allocates RM100m for tahfiz, Islamic schools’ maintenance and upgrades
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today handed over an allocation of RM100 million to Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa for the purpose of upgrading and maintenance of registered Islamic.
— Malay Mail
Customs Dept seizes almost 20 million cigarettes in Port Klang this month
The Customs Department has seized almost 20 million cigarettes, for which duty amounting to RM12.5 million has not been paid, in two separate raids this month.
— The Sun Daily
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
ICJ to rule on emergency measures in Myanmar genocide case
UN court’s decision on measures to prevent more harm against Myanmar’s Rohingya minority expected on Jan 23.
— Aljazeera
China-Myanmar pipeline carries 10.8M tonnes crude oil in 2019
China imported 10.8 million tonnes of crude oil via the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline in 2019, up 6.3 percent year on year, according to the Kunming Customs in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
— China.org
Facebook to monitor Myanmar elections
Myanmar is gearing up for elections this year. The general election, tentatively scheduled for some time in November, will essentially pit Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) against the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the country’s two major political parties.
— The Asean Post
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
3 Taal evacuees die in Batangas
At least 3 evacuees in Batangas have died due to cardiac arrest, the police and military said on Wednesday, January 15.
— Rappler
Taal eruption displaces 18,000 families
The number of families in Batangas affected by Taal Volcano’s activity has already climbed to more than 18,000, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Batangas reported on Wednesday.
— Business Mirror
OFW remittances rise to $2.37 million in November
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Wednesday that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sent home some $2.37 million in remittances in November 2019, 2 percent higher than the total amount they sent a year ago.
— Business Mirror
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
More dengue cases reported in Singapore, less common strain detected in more clusters
The number of dengue cases in Singapore has increased since the beginning of the year and it could go up further, with the Aedes mosquito population remaining high.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
Sea robbery incidents in Singapore Strait hit 4-year high
A maritime information sharing centre has urged Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia to step up cooperation on keeping the waters safe.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
First-time dog owner fined S$10,000 for abusing pet after neighbour films incident
A first-time dog owner was fined S$10,000 on Wednesday (Jan 15) for causing pain to his pet poodle, after a neighbour filmed an incident of the abuse and alerted authorities.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Airports on virus red alert ahead of Chinese New Year
Health officials are stepping up monitoring and inspection at airports for the new mystery virus from China ahead of Lunar New Year, when Chinese visitors flock to Thailand, a health official said on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
Bangkok has been told to brace for worsening pollution on Thursday
Residents of the capital have been warned to brace for even more pollutants in the air on Thursday, due to stagnant air which doesn’t disperse the fine dust particles.
— Thai PBS News
Huge new stimulus package coming: Somkid
Thailand needs to rev up both public and private investment, including infrastructure development as well as the promotion of the tourism and service sectors, to boost economic growth this year, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak told a business seminar on Wednesday.
— Bangkok Post
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Việt Nam-China import-export turnover reaches $117 billion
The import-export turnover between Việt Nam and China set a new milestone when reaching nearly US$117 billion last year.
— Viet Nam News
Steel industry not likely to have the best of times in 2020
The Vietnamese steel industry is expected to face difficulties this year due to an increase in production capacity, falling demand and protectionist measures by countries to reduce imports, according to experts.
— Viet Nam News
No State capital for Tân Sơn Nhất Airport’s T3 terminal: Deputy PM
Dũng stressed that the Government would not provide capital for terminal’s construction.
— Viet Nam News
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
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Asean morning news for January 16 added by Digital Editor on
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