Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu        @stmarisewudolu
COVID-19 in Asean: update for May 5 — regional cases nudge 50,000; 35,000 active
As of 01:03 GMT May 5 there was 35,753 active cases of COVID-19 throughout the 10 Asean member countries, an increase of 966, or 2.78 per cent, on the day prior.
— AEC News Today
Turbulence ahead: massive revenue and job losses forecast for Asia-Pacific airlines
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has doubled-down on its March forecast of the challenges facing the international civil aviation industry, last month forecasting that the lock-downs and border closures could cost Asean airlines $38.2 billion in revenues this year and see the axing of some 7.2 million jobs.
— AEC News Today
Singapore to propose post-corona protocol for ASEAN
Once the COVID-19 pandemic shows a downward trajectory and countries in ASEAN region starts to reopen, Singapore will likely propose a new protocol that would allow for a cross-border movement of people.
— The Jakarta Post
ASEAN April PMI hits all-time low 30.7 after March retreat to 43.4
FACTORY activity in the ASEAN region deteriorated further to a record low in April due to disruption on the supply side while demand dried up during the pandemic, IHS Markit said.
— BusinessWorld Online
New UN initiative to reduce plastic pollution from ASEAN cities
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in partnership with the Government of Japan, today launched a new project which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cities in South East Asia by addressing plastic waste pollution in rivers and oceans.
— ESCAP
COVID-19 may be taking its toll on businesses in APAC, but a majority still won’t consider layoffs
With COVID-19 taking a toll on businesses around the world, many employers are undoubtedly turning to cost-saving measures as a means to cope with the impact.
— Human Resources Online
Governments facing tough choices in COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating lives and livelihoods globally. Before the pandemic, the World Bank projected that 35 million people in East Asia and the Pacific would escape poverty in 2020.
— Thailand Business News
AirAsia broadens Big points appeal
AirAsia Group’s BIG Loyalty programme released its revamped mobile app with additional features to give members more choices to use their points beyond flights and travel.
— TTR Weekly
Asean link in China-US Covid-19 fight
It took Laos, the coordinator of Asean-US relations, a full three days to work on the joint statement from the April 23 teleconference between the Asean foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before it could be released.
— Bangkok Post
Pandemic: Grim Future For ASEAN’s Workers
Yesterday marked Malaysia’s first day of a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which is the country’s move to relax its virus lockdown.
— The Asean Post
Sustainable infrastructure a key ingredient for a green economic recovery in Asean
AS GOVERNMENTS around the world reel from the impact of the coronavirus, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a bleak outlook for Asian economies: zero growth for 2020 – a first for the region in 60 years.
— The Business Times
Indonesia, ASEAN and EU: Partners for the long haul
The COVID-19 crisis is a colossal, global shock unlike any other in living memory.
— The Jakarta Post
Virus leads companies to turn sights on SEA
How countries respond to and manage the Covid-19 pandemic is a new factor in risk assessments, analysts say, as companies increasingly look to Southeast Asia as an alternative to China as a manufacturing and supply engine.
— The Phnom Penh Post
Turkish agency sends COVID-19 aid to Southeast Asia
The Istanbul-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) dispatched food packages to residents and refugees affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asian countries.
— Anadolu Agency
SE Asia Stocks-Philippines gains most as Duterte apology boosts Ayala, Metro Pacific
Most Southeast Asian stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, with Philippines gaining the most after President Rodrigo Duterte apologised for his “hurting words” about two tycoons associated with some of the biggest companies in the country.
— Reuters
Expats in Southeast Asia unsure about shifting lockdown rulings
Expats living, working or retiring all across Southeast Asia are confused and afraid the various governments will either keep lockdowns on for an extended time or end them before the pandemic is under control.
— Emigrate.co.uk
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
Ministry: More motorists abide by road traffic law
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport said yesterday the number of vehicles that had been checked for defects increased fivefold as traffic police nationwide last week imposed increased fines for traffic violators in accordance with the government’s mission to reduce traffic accidents in the Kingdom.
— Khmer Times
With No Buyers, Phnom Penh’s Waste Pickers Are Helpless
Every evening, Phnom Penh residents can see little flashlights making quick movements around the city’s markets – the beam of light swaying from sidewalk to sidewalk.
— VOA Khmer
GMAC Warns That 200,000 Garment Workers Will Be Suspended
The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) on May 4 urged garment, footwear, and travel goods buyers sourcing from Cambodia to honor their contracts as an estimated 150,000 garment workers have been suspended.
— Cambodianess
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy        @justhine.aecnews
Indonesia Posts Lowest Growth in Almost Two Decades
Indonesia posted its slowest growth in more than two decades as the coronavirus crisis made its effects felt in export, investment and consumption in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
— Jakarta Globe
Biggest daily jump in Covid-19 cases in Indonesia
Indonesia reported on Tuesday (May 5) its biggest daily rise in Covid-19 (coronavirus) infections with 484 new cases, taking the total in the South-East Asian country to 12,071, said health ministry official Achmad Yurianto.
— The Star
Indonesia’s unemployment numbers rise to 6.88 million in February
The number of unemployed people across the country increased slightly to 6.88 million in February, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data reveals, although this number does not reflect the impact the COVID-19 outbreak has had on the economy.
— The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
Laos reopening businesses after no virus cases for 23 consecutive days
Laos confirmed no new Covid-19 (Coronavirus) cases for 23 consecutive days, with the total number of confirmed cases remaining at 19, Laos Deputy Minister of Health Phouthone Meaungpak told a press conference on Tuesday (May 5).
— The Star
Government Mulls Unemployment Package amid Economic Downturn
The government is considering measures to be included in an unemployment package to aid those who have found themselves jobless due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— The Laotian Times
Govt strictly monitoring people entering Laos to prevent spread of Covid-19
The government is strictly implementing preventive measures and monitoring people entering Laos at the borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19, even as the country recorded no new infections for 23 consecutive days.
— Vientiane Times
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men        @MenSreypov
30 new Covid-19 cases, one additional death: Health DG
Malaysia recorded 30 new cases of Covid-19, with zero imported cases, which brings the total number of cases in the nation to 6,383.
— The Sun Daily
Blockchain for palm oil: Malaysia looks to technology and traceability to foster industry trust
Malaysia is looking to utilise blockchain technology and traceability to raise the level of trust in its local palm oil industry, by proving its commitment to transparent, sustainable and responsible supply chains.
— Food Navigator
Malaysia’s surprise move to ease coronavirus rules worries scientists
Malaysia’s surprise move to ease coronavirus restrictions early and start reopening the economy has alarmed scientists, who warn it could trigger a second wave of infections across the country.
— SMH
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men        @MenSreypov
Myanmar Confirms 10 New COVID-19 Cases After Two-Day Reprieve
Six new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Myanmar on Monday, following four fresh cases the previous day; the country’s total now stands at 161 with six deaths.
— Irrawaddy
Myanmar’s 2020 Elections: What Does the Future Hold?
If the polls move forward despite the pandemic, it will be a landmark development for Myanmar.
— The Diplomat
57% of Covid-19 patients in Myanmar asymptomatic
Fifty seven percent of confirmed Covid-19 patients in Myanmar exhibit no symptoms although they have tested positive for the virus, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health and Sports.
— Eleven Myanmar
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu        @stmarisewudolu
ABS-CBN ordered to go off air as franchise lapses
The government on Tuesday ordered broadcast giant ABS-CBN Corp. to “cease and desist” after its license to operate, which Congress is yet to renew, expired.
— Philippine Star
PH coronavirus cases rise to 9,684, deaths now at 637
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philippines has reached 9,684, after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 199 new patients as of 4 pm on Tuesday, May 5.
— Rappler
Immigration bureau: More than 4000 Filipino seafarers to disembark from quarantined vessels at Manila port by May 17
More than 4000 Filipino seafarers are expected to disembark from vessels quarantined off a Manila port by May 17, the Bureau of Immigration said on Tuesday, May 5.
— Eagle News
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy        @justhine.aecnews
Singapore retail sales plunge 13% in sharpest drop in 22 years
​Singapore is seeing one of its worst retail slumps ever, with recent takings at the till registering their sharpest drop in nearly 22 years.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
MOH preliminarily confirms additional 632 cases of COVID-19 infection; Total tally at 19,410 cases
As of Tuesday noon (5 May), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed an additional 632 cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore.
— The Online Citizen
Law passed to allow virtual marriage solemnisations during COVID-19 period
Marriage solemnisations during the COVID-19 pandemic can now be conducted virtually either through a live video link, after the passing of new legislation in Parliament on Tuesday (May 5).
— 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
April consumer prices dive
The consumer price index (CPI), a gauge of headline inflation, fell 2.99% year-on-year in April, the biggest decline in 10 years and nine months.
— Bangkok Post
Government health official warns of near-certainty of “second wave” of Covid-19
With the easing of some restrictions put in place to slow and eventually halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus, a government health official is now warning of the rise of a “second wave” from next week is “inevitable”.
— The Thaiger
THAI told to shape up before it gets government financial support
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that Thai Airways International should be given a last chance to shape up if the flag carrier is to get a rescue package from the Government.
— Thai PBS News
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov
Vietnam PM Says Economy Must Grow Faster Than 2.7% IMF Forecast
Vietnam’s economy must grow faster this year than the 2.7% forecast by the International Monetary Fund, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on Tuesday, with economic activity resuming after a lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
— New York Times
Ministry calls for allowing private investment in power transmission
The Ministry of Industry and Trade wants private investments allowed in power transmission, now a state monopoly, as demand surges in a booming economy.
— VnExpress
Airlines propose increase of domestic flights, removal of seat distancing
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), on May 4, proposed that the Ministry of Transport increase the frequency of domestic flights and remove the distance between seats on aircraft to ease the difficulties for airlines affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
— NDO
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
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About Asean morning news.
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