Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
COVID-19 in Asean: update for July 21 — USA nudges 4 mln cases, 2 mln active
As of 00:46 GMT July 21 there was 84,960 active cases of COVID-19 throughout the 10 Asean member countries, an increase of 785, or 0.93 per cent, on the day prior.
— AEC News Today
Southeast Asia budget airline boom turns sour for planemakers, lessors
Southeast Asian low-cost carriers, a key growth engine for planemakers and leasing companies for a decade before the pandemic, are faltering financially as demand plunges, raising questions over whether they can replace and double their fleets.
— CNA
China says U.S. undermines stable situation in South China Sea
China again refuted the statement concerning the South China Sea released by the U.S. Department of State last week, noting that the U.S. undermines stable situation in South China Sea.
— CGTN
Moody’s publishes 20th edition of Inside ASEAN
Moody’s Investors Service has released the latest issue of Inside ASEAN, a quarterly publication covering key credit trends across Southeast Asia.
— Moody’s (media release)
Lack of Rain, Dams Hurt Livelihoods on Mekong River
The rainy season has begun in South and Southeast Asia.
— VOA (video)
COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Southeast Asia
Health authorities in seven Southeast Asian countries on Tuesday confirmed new coronavirus cases and fatalities.
— Anadolu Agency
South China Sea: beware of US ‘sabotage’, Beijing warns Southeast Asia
China’s Ambassador to the Philippines has urged Southeast Asian countries to be on guard against US attempts to “sabotage” the region’s stability by inserting itself into the South China Sea disputes.
— South China Sea
Vietnam helps boost Asean’s economy amid Covid-19
Amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Asean chair Vietnam has managed to formulate a regional comprehensive economic recovery plan.
— New Straits Times
22 nations participate virtually in 19th SEACAT
The largest number of nations ever will participate in the 19th iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), being held as a virtual symposium, July 21-23.
— Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
EU Mobilizes 800mn Euro to Fight Coronavirus in ASEAN
To support partner countries in the fight against the coronavirus and its consequences, the European Union has mobilised a “Team Europe” package of over €800 million for the ASEAN region.
— Tempo.co
After US Toughens South China Sea Legal Stance, China Deploys More Survey Ships
Multiple Chinese survey ships have intruded into the exclusive economic zones of other South China Sea claimant states since the United States last week resolved to help safeguard the resource rights of Southeast Asian nations facing pressure from China.
— Radio Free Asia
China’s economic recovery fosters ASEAN’s exports: Singaporean bank
ASEAN’s exports will benefit from China’s economic recovery, with Malaysia seeming most poised to gain, according to a report released by Singapore’s OCBC Bank on July 21.
— Vietnamplus
Wang Yi: South China Sea is common home of China and ASEAN
The South China Sea is the “common home” of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, adding that both sides wish to promote peace and development in the region.
— CGTN
Pompeo on South China Sea: The ball is now in Asean’s court
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s statement on July 13 is not a radical departure from the United States’ existing South China Sea policy but rather an evolutionary step in its hardening stance towards the disputes.
— The Straits Times
Migrant workers in Thailand at risk of abuse amid economic slowdown
Thailand is a regional leader in attracting migrant workers, especially from Myanmar and Cambodia.
— Asean Today
Aspac businesses prefer phased reopening amid Covid-19–poll
BUSINESS owners in Asia and the Pacific will implement a phased return to work instead of a full reopening to maintain social distancing in the workplace, according to a survey by a consulting firm.
— Business Mirror
Online meeting discusses preparations for SEA Games 31
The Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) is convening a virtual meeting on July 21 and 22 to review Vietnam’s preparations for hosting the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) next year.
— Vietnamplus
China, ASEAN see thriving digital economy cooperation amid anti-pandemic “new normal”
The year 2020 was designated as the China-ASEAN Year of Digital Economy Cooperation. China and ASEAN will expand cooperation in 5G, Internet of things, AI, industrial internet and digital epidemic prevention.
— Xinhuanet (video)
Asean+3 discusses Covid-19 response plans
China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) affirmed their support for Asean’s initiatives in promoting cooperation to respond to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic at an online meeting of Asean+3 Senior Officials’ Meeting on Monday.
— Philippine News Agency
Climate Change To Blame For Lao Dengue Outbreak?
As nations around the world scramble to combat the deadly COVID-19 virus, it is important to remember that old diseases continue to remain a threat to many.
— The Asean Post
EMERGING MARKETS-Philippine shares lag as vaccine view lifts Asia
The Philippines trailed gains for Asia’s emerging stock and currency markets on Tuesday, as a surge in local coronavirus cases gnawed at investor sentiment while others cheered promising data for potential COVID-19 vaccines.
— Reuters
Vietnam an invaluable member of ASEAN Community: Philippine Ambassador
Vietnam is an invaluable member of the ASEAN Community and has actively shepherded a number of important initiatives and led efforts that continue to enrich the ASEAN agenda and experience, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Ambassador Noel Servigon told the Vietnam News Agency’s reporter in Jakarta.
— Vietnamplus
Natural gas boasts the potential to drive greening of Asean region
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the global platform of the leading gas producing nations, organised a joint online workshop with the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) on ‘The Role of Natural Gas Towards Greening Society in ASEAN and East Asia’ on 16th July 2020.
— The Peninsula Qatar
Farmers need to be better protected against the risk of ASF
African swine fever (ASF) is continuing to spread across Asia at a worrying rate and in September 2019 the disease was confirmed for the first time in South Korea, where six cases were reported within a two-week period.
— Foodnavigator.com
Study reveals strong entrepreneurial aspiration of Southeast Asian women
THE entrepreneurial spirit among Southeast Asian women is high compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the world, revealed the second annual Global Entrepreneurship Survey 2020 of Herbalife Nutrition.
— Business Mirror
Eight ways Asean consumer habits will change by 2030
WHILE Covid-19 will cause a significant economic impact with potential gross domestic product (GDP) contractions in 2020 and likely spilling over to 2021.
— The Business Times
ASEAN Online Sale Day set for August 8
The ASEAN Online Sale Day (AOSD), an initiative of Vietnam within ASEAN’s cooperative framework, is to take place on e-commerce platforms on August 8, the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency (IDEA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced.
— Vietnamplus
How startups can aid Southeast Asia’s Open Banking landscape
The first time I heard about Open Banking was in 2015 when the EU rolled out guidelines for the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2).
— e27
Reuters appoints key editorial roles in Southeast Asia
Visuals journalist Angie Teo will lead our coverage from Indonesia, covering the world’s fourth most populous country and one that spans a distance wider than the continental United States.
— Reuters
Vietnam still leads Southeast Asia’s football rankings
The Vietnamese national football team has maintained their leading position in Southeast Asia, according to the July FIFA world rankings.
— Vietnamplus (video)
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
Cambodia Reports 26 New Cases of Covid-19
Cambodia reported 26 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, while four patients recovered, according to the Ministry of Health’s press release dated 21 July 2020 (updated as of 9:00 a.m).
— Fresh News
Feeding Cambodia’s hungry children amid COVID-19 and saving the environment too ( video & gallery)
Although Cambodia has escaped largely unscathed from the medical effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic the effects of lost jobs on household incomes is something else.
— AEC News Today
Cambodia identifies 50,000 more poor families affected by COVID-19: PM
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Tuesday that the kingdom has identified another 50,000 new poor households, raising the total number of poor families affected by the COVID-19 to over 610,000 so far.
— The Pakistan Post
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Indonesia records $17.5b budget deficit in H1 as govt seeks to bolster spending
Indonesia recorded a Rp 257.8 trillion (US$17.5 billion) budget deficit in the first half of the year as the government seeks to bolster stimulus spending to cushion the coronavirus-battered economy.
— The Jakarta Post
Theft of Corpses Adds to Indonesia’s Coronavirus Challenges
Body stealing, island hopping and smiling are some of the latest challenges facing Indonesia as the virus spreads along the world’s largest archipelago, turning the Southeast Asian nation into the latest cautionary tale about how long the battle against the pandemic will last.
— Bloomberg
Indonesia ranks third among TB high-burden nations: president
President Joko Widodo drew attention to the harrowing reality that Indonesia ranked third for the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) globally.
— Antara News
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
Dengue fever cases in Laos rise to 3,422
Dengue cases in Laos have reached 3,422 with eight deaths since January, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Health.
— Xinhuanet
U.S. Provides 88,000 Additional Mosquito Nets to Prevent Malaria in Laos
U.S. Ambassador to Laos Peter M. Haymond presented 88,000 specially-treated mosquito nets funded by the United States to Vice Minister of Health Phouthone Meuangpak at a ceremony in Vientiane on July 17.
— KPL
FM receives outgoing EU ambassador
On Jul 21, Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith received a courtesy call from outgoing EU Ambassador to the Lao PDR Leo Faber as the latter was finishing his diplomatic tenure in the country.
— KPL
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Malaysia to sign US$880 mln rail deal with Singapore July 30, minister says
Construction of a US$880 million light rail project linking Malaysia’s southern state of Johor with neighbouring Singapore will begin next year, after both countries formalise the deal on July 30, Malaysia’s transport minister said on Tuesday.
— The Star Online
Focus on optimising 3G, 4G and 5G will still be maintained, says communications minister
The government will still implement the 5G technology although the focus now is towards optimising 3G and 4G usage, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
— Malay Mail
Malaysia repatriates 5,951 illegal immigrants throughout MCO
About 5,951 detainees at the Immigration Detention Depot have been repatriated throughout the Movement Control Order from March 18 until July 1.
— The Sun Daily
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Myanmar pro-democracy forces form new parties as elections loom
Some lawmakers who have grown disgruntled with Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy are adding to Myanmar’s political landscape in a way that could give the dominant party something to think about ahead of elections scheduled to take place on Nov. 8.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
Border trade of Myanmar hits more than USD8.6 billion
Data published by the Myanmar Commerce Ministry on Monday showed that the trade of Myanmar with other countries through border gates has set at more than USD8.6 billion as of the 10th of July in the gong fiscal year 2019-2020 that began back in October.
— Menafn
In Myanmar, Even a Chief Minister is Prone to Military-Controlled Intelligence
Mandalay Region’s chief minister banished Special Branch (SB) officers from his Sunday press conference, showing even a senior member of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government is still prone to be watched by military-controlled intelligence like under the military dictatorship.
— Irrawaddy
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Immigration bureau: Only foreign permanent residents can enter PHL starting Aug. 1
The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday, July 21, clarified only foreigners with permanent or immigrant visas will be allowed entry into the country starting Aug. 1.
— Eagle News
Patients wait-listed as 206 of PGH’s 210 COVID-19 beds already occupied
Two hundred six of the Philippine General Hospital’s 210 beds set aside for COVID-19 patients are already occupied, its spokesman said on Tuesday.
— GMA Network
3 months after lockdown, poor Filipinos still hungry waiting for cash aid
“Gagastos tayo para sa Pilipino (We will spend for the Filipino),” President Rodrigo Duterte declared in an April 13 midnight address.
— Rappler
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Some ERP charges to resume for first time since COVID-19 circuit breaker
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges at three gantries will resume starting next week after being suspended at the beginning of the “circuit breaker” period, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Tuesday (Jul 21).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
MOM: 69 more dormitories cleared of COVID-19, largest PBD with 16,000 workers to resume working
Earlier today (21 July), the Ministry of Manpower released a statement announcing that 69 more migrant worker dormitories have been cleared of COVID-19 with effect from today.
— The Online Citizen
Duke-NUS’ vaccine approved for clinical trials ahead of predicted date; first study to involve 108 volunteers
A vaccine jointly developed by Duke-NUS Medical School and United States pharmaceutical company Arcturus Therapeutics has received approval for clinical trials.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Another emergency extension to be proposed
A committee on lockdown easing will on Wednesday propose that the state of emergency be extended by another month to the end of August, citing increased uncertainty.
— Bangkok Post
Returning Thais asked to pay for quarantine expenses
Thai citizens returning to the country on repatriation flights have been urged to seek stays in alternative state quarantine facilities rather than the free government quarantine facilities as the cost of putting up returning citizens takes its toll in government finances.
— Sawadee Siam
How to return to Thailand
Around the world tens of thousands of foreigners who ordinarily reside in Thailand have been chomping at the bit trying to get home after inbound air travel was banned for non-Thai citizens in March.
— AEC News Today
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vietnam’s technology skills set ranks second in Asia Pacific
Data from the Global Skills Index 2020 report rated Vietnamese technology skills second in Asia Pacific and 22nd globally.
— VnExpress
Vietnam population might peak 10 years earlier than UN forecast: Lancet study
Vietnam’s population might peak at 107.25 million in 2044, a decade earlier than forecast by the U.N. last year, according to a recent study.
— VnExpress
China-built metro line in Vietnam falls 2 years behind schedule
Coronavirus restrictions also take toll on $900m project in Hanoi Construction of a 13 km…
— Vietnam Insider
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
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