Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Indonesia, Southeast Asia Enter Golden Age of Economy: HSBC
Despite the forecast of slow global economic growth in 2020, Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, is expected to enter an economic golden age that will take the region well on the path to become the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc in the next decade.
— Jakarta Globe
ASEAN’s RCEP and sustainability challenges and achievements
As the end of 2019 drew near, Thailand hosted two ASEAN summits under the theme ‘Advancing Partnership for Sustainability’.
— East Asia Forum
All states must play active role to ensure stability in South China Sea
The reports on Jan 17 by Associate Editor Ravi Velloor (Does the PLA tail wag the China dog?) and Mr Robert Beckman (Why Indonesia has stake in fight to defend Unclos) on the South China Sea (SCS) dispute between Indonesia and China, among other things, touched on the concepts of “claimant state” and “party to the dispute”.
— The Straits Times
China’s Response To Coronavirus Outbreak: Implications For ASEAN – Analysis
Almost two decades after the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, the Chinese government is again confronting a mysterious illness caused by an agent similar to the SARS coronavirus.
— Eurasia Review
Search for Common Identity Inspires Asean’s New 2020 Logo
Designed by a young Filipino graphic designer, Asean’s new blooming flower logo represents a new spirit for the bloc in 2020 and a greater sense of belonging.
— Jakarta Globe
Vietnam takes over Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires
Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Dang Xuan Dung took over the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires (ACBA) from Philippine Ambassador Linglingay F. Lacanlale at a ceremony in the capital city on January 22.
— Vietnamplus
Coordinated effort by 3 countries needed to stop ‘disturbing pattern of kidnapping’
Greater cooperation among law enforcement agencies of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines was needed to stop the series of kidnappings, usually in waters off Sabah, mostly by the homegrown terror and crime group Abu Sayyaf based in the Philippine province of Sulu.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
China-Indonesia South China Sea incident likely a blip in a long-term trend of mutual adjustment
In late December, 63 Chinese fishing boats escorted by 3 Coast Guard vessels entered Indonesia’s claimed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
— Asean Today
Countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus
A SARS-like virus has claimed 18 lives since emerging on December 31 in a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
— Malay Mail
India gets ASEAN invite for talks on RCEP, asks for indication that concerns will be addressed
With the ASEAN inviting India to participate in a meeting on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Indonesia in early February, New Delhi will take a call only if gets indications that its concerns will be considered by others and…
— Deccan Herald
Middle East raises stakes in Southeast Asia oil market as US moves in
Middle East oil producers are investing in more Southeast Asia energy projects to keep their market share as US crude exports grow in a region that is equivalent to India’s $3 trillion economy.
— S&P Global
What Does the UK’s New ASEAN Mission Say About Its Southeast Asia Engagement Post-Brexit?
Last week, the United Kingdom opened its new mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
— The Diplomat
Philippines prepares for Asean Para Games
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo said yesterday the next few weeks will be critical in ensuring the successful staging of the 10th Asean Para Games which the country is hosting on March 20-28 and expressed confidence that with the PSC’s support, things will fall into place.
— The Philippine Star
SE Asia Stocks-Most end lower as China virus scare looms; Philippines climbs
Most Southeast stock markets ended lower on Thursday as mounting concerns of a coronavirus outbreak in China sapped confidence, while the Philippine index marked its best session in more than three months as traders picked up beaten-down stocks.
— Reuters
Advertisers targeting children online
Advertisements targeted at young children in today’s digital world are becoming increasingly invasive and prevalent.
— The Asean Post
“Fly, Meet, Shop” Campaign Targets Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) introduced a new enhanced campaign so-called “Fly, Meet, Shop” to boost Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) corporate travel markets.
— FTN News
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Raksmey Khoem @raksmey.aecnews
Government Lawyer Thanks for Sam Rainsy’s Crucial Evidence against Kem Sokha
Government Lawyer Ky Tech thanked former opposition leader in exile Sam Rainsy for providing a crucial evidence supporting the charges of Kem Sokha’s treason, speaking to the press following a hearing held on Thursday morning.
— Fresh News
Tax Revenue: Over US$2,800 Million Collected in 2019
Cambodia has collected more than US$2,819 million as tax revenue for the whole year 2019, up 23.20 percent of the annual plan, according to figures from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
— AKP
Cambodia rice crisis signals deeper economic rot
Cambodia’s beleaguered rice sector is both literally and figuratively drying up, with drought parching crops and commercial banks refusing liquidity to farmers and millers in need of loans to stay afloat.
— Asia Times
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Bank Indonesia Keeps Benchmark Rate, Says Worst Time Has Passed
Bank Indonesia, the country’s central bank, has kept its benchmark interest rate at 5 percent for the third consecutive month on Thursday, saying there are signs that the largest economy in Southeast Asia may have seen the worst of its recent slow economic growth.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia, Southeast Asia Enter Golden Age of Economy: HSBC
Despite the forecast of slow global economic growth in 2020, Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, is expected to enter an economic golden age that will take the region well on the path to become the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc in the next decade.
— Jakarta Globe
Save Pigs campaign kicks off in North Sumatra following African swine fever outbreak
Hundreds of Batak people in North Sumatra have kick started a campaign to protest a proposed plan to cull domesticated pigs across the province following the sudden deaths of thousands of pigs from the recent African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the region.
— The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Raksmey Khoem @raksmey.aecnews
Lao health ministry calls for vigilance over new virus
Particular vigilance is in place at borders in the northern provinces of Phongsaly, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay, which share a border with China, while travellers from China will be carefully screened.
— ANN/Vientiane Times
No New Thinking in Laos?
Laos’ ruling communist party will hold its National Congress early next year, when new leaders and a new Politburo is elected, but there’s not much use in trying to predict the outcome.
— The Diplomat
Laos eyes sale of 500,000 cattle to China
The steps needed to increase exports will be backed by studies undertaken by the National Institute for Economic Research.
— ANN/Vientiane Times
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Report: Malaysia to buy more sugar from India to help resolve palm oil spat
Malaysia’s top sugar refiner said it will increase purchases of the commodity from India, which according to two sources is part of efforts to placate New Delhi amid an ongoing spat over palm oil.
— Malay Mail
Economist Intelligence Unit projects 4.4% GDP growth for 2020
The Economist Intelligence Unit, the business intelligence unit of London-based media company The Economist Group, is projecting Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 4.4% in 2020, similar to the economic growth seen in 2019.
— The Sun Daily
Lee urges AirAsia to use aerobridges in all Sarawak airports
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin has urged AirAsia Bhd’s management to use aerobridges in all airports in Sarawak, except in airports where such facility is fully occupied.
— The Borneo Post
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Top UN Court Orders Myanmar to Protect Rohingya Rights, End Genocide
In a blow to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the International Court of Justice has approved provisional measures to protect the Rohingya.
— Irrawaddy
Myanmar could be added to travel ban – WSJ
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday his administration was preparing to add a “couple of countries” to the controversial list of states whose citizens are subject to travel bans or severe restrictions on entry to the United States.
— Mizzima
Ethnic political parties harbour concerns over China’s role
Some of Myanmar’s ethnic political parties on Wednesday expressed concern over potential negative impacts of China’s planned multibillion-dollar mega-projects in their regions, days after the two countries’ leaders signed more than 30 memorandums of understanding regarding the deals, RFA reported.
— Mizzima
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Philippines drops to 113th rank in 2019 Corruption Index
The Philippines dropped to the 113th rank out of 180 countries in the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index, a 14-notch fall from its standing of 99th place in 2018.
— GMA Network
5.9% PH economic growth in 2019 slowest in 8 years
THE Philippine economy recorded its slowest growth in eight years at 5.9 percent in 2019, lower than the 6.2 percent expansion in 2018.
— Manila Times
Duterte rejects Trump’s invite to attend special U.S.-ASEAN summit
President Rodrigo Duterte rejected United States President Donald Trump’s invitation for him, along with other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to fly to the US for a special summit in March.
— Rappler
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Singapore ranked fourth least corrupt country in the world, cleanest in Asia
Singapore has taken fourth spot in an annual ranking of countries deemed to have the least corruption in the public sector, tying with Switzerland and Sweden in its scoring for the second year running.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
Confirmed imported case of novel coronavirus infection in Singapore; Multi-ministry taskforce ramps up precautionary measures
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has on 23 January 2020 confirmed one imported case of novel coronavirus infection in Singapore.
— The Online Citizen
Singapore core inflation inches up to 0.7% in December
Singapore’s core inflation inched up to 0.7 per cent year-on-year in December, mainly due to higher services inflation, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a joint news release on Thursday (Jan 23).
— 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
Government considers Plan B due to delays of budget disbursement
The Thai government’s economic team has been tasked, by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, to work out a Plan B in case the already late disbursement of the fiscal budget is further delayed, possibly until the second quarter, by proceedings in the Constitutional Court to determine the legal status of the bill.
— Thai PBS News
PPRP blames machines for proxy voting
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on Thursday defended the proxy voting by its MPs after a video clip showed one of its lawmakers inserting more than one card during the budget bill vote.
— Bangkok Post
Thai protesters demand action as air pollution clouds Bangkok
Dozens of activists held a rare protest on Thursday over air pollution in Bangkok, a day after Thai officials closed schools due to concern over the impact.
— CNA
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
ADB agrees financing package for 50-MW solar project in Vietnam
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has inked a USD-37.8-million (EUR 34.1m) deal to support the development and construction of a 50-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) park in Vietnam.
— Renewables Now
Vietnam confirms first acute pneumonia cases in Saigon
Two Chinese nationals were quarantined at a Saigon hospital Thursday after they tested positive for the pneumonia virus originating in Wuhan, China.
— VnExpress
3 Insights into 2020 Prospect of Vietnam’s E-commerce
2019 was a year of many surprises for the Vietnamese e-commerce sector: new ambitious players joining the heated competition, previously formidable companies abruptly leaving the market, and strong positive movements from the big brands.
— Vietnam Insider
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
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