#Asean Morning News For April 10, 2017

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

Investment bank exec eyes visible impact of Asean integration
The on-going economic integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is forecast to be widely felt in the Philippines by 2020 as more foreign businesses become more visible in the country.
— Malaya

DTI official encourages MSMEs to take advantage of ASEAN potential
“The world is looking at us,” said Director Ann Claire Credo-Cabochan of the Bureau of International Trade Relations of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during a meeting with ASEAN focal persons from the different regions of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here yesterday (April 4).
— Philippine Information Agency

ASEAN Needs to Emphasise Importance of Socio-Cultural Pillar, Says ASEAN Deputy Secretary
In addition to the very important aspects of economic community and economic integration, ASEAN member countries need to emphasise the importance of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee has said.
— Lao News Agency

Asean needs to invest in off-grid energy
About 134 million people in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region do not have access to electricity.
— Bangkok Post

Britpart inaugurates pioneering depot in Philippines, Asean
GLOBAL car-parts distributor and manufacturer Britpart recently opened its first depot in the Philippines, strengthening the country’s bilateral tie with the United Kingdom (UK), and at the same time, making it the regional hub for its operations.
— Business Mirror

BRP-Malapascua blessed, to sail to Bohol to secure Asean delegates
The Philippine Coast Guard’s new vessel, the BRP-Malapascua is set to help secure the seas in Bohol where another set of Asean meetings will be held this month.
— Inquirer.net

The Philippines’ Economic and Political Relations With China
The focus of this article is a very complicated but important regional issue in ASEAN – the current state of the economic, trade and political relations between the Philippines and the Peoples Republic of China. The election of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 has in fact changed the strategy and effects of this relationship.
— Asean Briefing

Mazda sees Malaysia as springboard to Asean
Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a 30%-owned associate of Bermaz Auto Bhd, is eyeing a larger slice of the pie in the Asean markets, as the automotive firm targets to export the locally assembled CX-5 to Cambodia, Indonesia and Myanmar in the second half of this year.
— The Edge Markets

AmorePacific aims to top ASEAN market
Most Korean exporters have been hit hard by China’s trade curbs over Korea’s deployment of the U.S. missile defense system.
— Korea Times

Integration ‘more crucial’ amid wobbling abroad
FINANCE and central bank officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustain cooperation toward a “highly-integrated and cohesive” Southeast Asian by 2025.
— Sun Star

Peso seen to remain volatile in 2017
The peso is expected to remain volatile alongside regional currencies this year but will likely gain ground and hit an average of 47.36 to $1 by next year, the chief economist of Maybank Group said.
— Inquirer.net

PHL hosting of ASEAN Summit seen to boost Cordillera agriculture, tourism
The Cordillera region will benefit in the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit this year.
— Northbound Philippines News

India Loses Faith in Trade
Till fairly recently, it looked like two massive new agreements would compete to define the future of world trade. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, backed by the U.S., would try to move the global trade architecture toward new norms, with harmonized regulations at its center. Meanwhile, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, backed by China, would drastically reduce remaining tariffs across a swathe of Asia and push the existing model of trade and manufacturing as far as it could go.
— Bloomberg

MAVCAP set to hit $50m first close for Meranti Fund, Elixir-partnered Islamic Fund
Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (MAVCAP) plans to announce a $50 million first close for two of its funds that will be launched this year — Asean Growth Fund (Meranti Fund) and Global Islamic Economy Fund, and the combined size of the two vehicles will be about $450 million, a top executive with the government-owned venture capital firm told this portal in an interaction.
— Deal Street Asia

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Digital Payment Apps Face Hurdles to Success in Cambodia
Despite a growing lineup of digital payment apps in the country and predictions of a cashless society within 10 years, experts say major hurdles remain before such a system can catch on and become sustainable in Cambodia.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Government Seeks Private Funding for Drug Rehab Center
Wealthy businessmen are being asked to contribute funds toward a new national drug rehabilitation center in Sihanoukville and other treatment programs, part of a government effort to solicit help from the private sector for an anti-drug campaign.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Vietnam among top investors in Cambodia as bilateral trade grows
VIETNAM is Cambodia’s third-largest partner and continues to be among the top five investors in this country, with bilateral trade reaching US$3 billion (Bt108 billion) until the end of last year.
— The Nation

Firm Hired for $100M Power Line Project
The local subsidiary of Malaysia’s Pestech International Berhad has been hired to design and build a $100-million power line running from Koh Kong province to Phnom Penh, which environmentalists are worried will cut through critical, pristine habitat.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Pestech awarded $100M transmission line contract
Malaysian-owned power infrastructure provider Pestech (Cambodia) Ltd has been awarded a contract to build a 230-kilovolt transmission line valued at $100 million to connect Koh Kong province’s Stung Tatai hydropower dam to Phnom Penh, according to a filing on the Malaysian stock exchange.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Promoting industrial development
As Cambodia moves forward with its Industrial Development Policy (IDP), the government is seeking support from international organisations for smooth implementation.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Lack of Iodized Salt Causes ‘Serious Public Health Problem’ in Cambodia
When Arnaud Laillou, a nutrition specialist with UNICEF, led a salt iodization study in 2014, he wanted to be sure that salt producers were not adding too much iodine.
— VOA

Cataloger of Khmer Rouge Crimes Wins Prestigious Human Rights Award
The director of the Documentation Center for Cambodia (DC-Cam), Youk Chhang, who has devoted much of his life preserving information about Khmer Rouge atrocities, has won the Judith Lee Stronach Human Rights Award.
— VOA

White Building Residents Asked to ‘Help’ CPP
Land Management Minister Chea Sophara on Friday reminded more than 200 residents and soon-to-be evictees of Phnom Penh’s iconic White Building to “help us back” by voting in upcoming elections in return for the government negotiating compensation for their properties.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Land minister latest to tell White Building residents to vote CPP
Land Management Minister Chea Sophara doubled down on controversial remarks recently made by local officials, suggesting he could expedite redevelopment plans for the White Building only as long as the Cambodian People’s Party was re-elected in the upcoming commune elections.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Boiler explosion at unregistered garment factory kills two
Authorities are investigating a boiler explosion at an unregistered garment factory that killed two and injured four others in the capital’s Meanchey district on Saturday, the second fatal boiler incident in a garment factory in the capital in less than three weeks.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Two dead, 4 injured in steam boiler explosion at Cambodia factory
Two people were killed and four others injured after a steam generator at a garment factory exploded on Saturday in southwestern Phnom Penh, a local police officer said.
— Xinhua

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Foreign Exchange Reserves Indonesia Grew in March 2017
These receipts outnumbered the exchange required for repayments of the government foreign debt and Bank Indonesia’s maturing foreign exchange bills.
— Indonesia Investments

Go-Jek’s food delivery beats all food startups combined: Piotr Jakubowski, CMO
When one brings up Go-Jek as a conversation, one is not just talking about a tech-based ride-hailing business in Indonesia. Be prepared to also reflect on the whole startup ecosystem in emerging markets, integrated solution, the world, and eventually the meaning of life.
— Deal Street Asia

Indonesia regulator expects fintech firms to double to 250 by year-end
Indonesia – the largest economy in the south east Asian region – is betting on the great big fintech opportunity riding on its demographics and unbanked population. Indonesia, which has already seen the emergence of 130 fintech companies, is expecting this number to double in a year with $3.6 billion worth of transactions on this model over the next one year, deputy director of OJK, the financial services regulator, Pak Tuahta Aloysius Saraguh, said in an interaction.
— Deal Street Asia

Marvel to discipline Indonesian X-Men Gold artist for hidden political, religious references
Marvel Comics is planning to take disciplinary action against an Indonesian artist who sneaked several controversial references into his artwork for the first issue of X-Men Gold, according to reports citing a statement by the comics giant.
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia puts high hopes on one halal certification with Indonesia
Malaysia is putting high hopes on the planned unified halal certification with Indonesia, the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, in a bid to strengthen halal trade relations between the two countries.
— The Jakarta Post

Second landslide in Ponorogo complicated rescue mission
A second landslide hit Banaran village in Ponorogo, East Java, on Sunday, just days after a previous one killed at least three people and displaced 200 others at the same location.
— The Jakarta Post

Family of five found dead in possible mass murder in Medan
An apparent mass murder has taken place at a house on Jl. Kayu Putih in the densely-populated Medan Deli district in Medan, North Sumatra. On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., locals discovered a family of five dead and covered in blood in their house.
— The Jakarta Post

PKS Politician Deported From Turkey for Trying to Enter Syria
Muhammad Nadir Umar, member of East Java’s Pasuruan Legislative Council, or DPRD, from the Prosperous Justice Party, or PKS, was deported from Turkey for allegedly attempting to enter Syria to join the Islamic State militant group.
— Jakarta Globe

XL Axiata to Offer Rp 2.18t Islamic Bonds
XL Axiata, Indonesia’s second-largest mobile phone operator is planning to raise Rp 2.18 trillion ($163 million) from selling Islamic bonds this month to refinance its debt and fund its working capital.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia promotes culinary to lure tourists
Indonesias Tourism Ministry believes that love comes from the heart but passes through the stomach. Hence, the country has been introducing its culinary arts overseas in order to lure tourists.
— Antara News

ITB Students Develop Fake News App for Microsoft-Backed Competition
A group of young app developers from Bandung Institute of Technology will present an app that can detect fake news in an international competition organized by tech giant Microsoft in the Philippines later this month.
— Jakarta Globe

Angolan FM Visits Indonesia to Strengthen Cooperation in Economic Affairs
Angolan Foreign Minister Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti is going to visit Jakarta on Monday (10/04) to strengthen relations with Indonesia, especially in economic affairs.
— Jakarta Globe

Government continues to promote fish consumption program
The government of Indonesia, which is an island country rich in various fish resources, continues to promote its fish consumption program as part of its efforts to build the nations healthy and smart human resources.
— Antara News

Gay couple arrested for having sex face up to 100 lashings
A gay couple face up to 100 lashings by cane after a neighbours reported them to police for having sex.
— Metro

Qatar Charity conducts mass wedding in Indonesia
A collective wedding was organised by Qatar Charity (QC) in Indonesia, and funded by a generous Qatari benefactor who wanted to put the basic building block of an Indonesian Muslim community.
— The Peninsula Qatar

Free trade zone at Sabah-Indonesia border mooted
A free trade zone at the Sabah-Indonesia border will possibly help reduce smuggling activities and at the same time bring about business opportunities for both sides, said a chamber of commerce leader.
— The Star Online

Indonesia Bad Loan Problem to Worsen, Bank Bailout Chief Says
The non-performing loan problem at Indonesia’s banks is likely to get worse, keeping economic growth below 6 percent over the coming two years as lenders hold back from boosting credit, according to the head of the country’s deposit insurance agency.
— Bloomberg

KPK Refuses Law Revision
Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Agus Rahardjo, said that the agency’s commissioners and employees are in favor of a strong KPK.
— Tempo

International community condemns lashing of gay men in Indonesia
Two men in Indonesia arrested on suspicion of being gay should be released immediately according to Human Rights Watch.
— Gay Star News

Itemku raises US$1.2M investment, wants to fuel Southeast Asia expansion
Jakarta-based Five Jack, the company behind e-commerce platform for virtual goods itemku, today announced that it has raised US$1.2 million of funding from 500 Startups and unnamed South Korean venture capitals.
— Yahoo News

PH, Indonesia ‘likely to get’ rating upgrades
WHILE most economies are at a risk of credit downgrades in the face of economic volatility, the Philippines is one of only two countries in Southeast Asia that may see sovereign credit rating improvements.
— Sun Star

Indonesia urged to heed UN call to abolish death penalty
The government has been encouraged to heed the United Nations’ call to abolish the death penalty from the country’s judicial system.
— The Jakarta Post

BREAKINGVIEWS-Indonesian tax amnesty odd help for private banks
Indonesia’s tax amnesty could have been a real nightmare for the world’s top private banks. Instead, the scheme, which resulted in the disclosure of $365 billion in assets, has turned out to be a blessing in disguise resulting in limited actual outflows to Indonesia and providing a chance to wash away undesirable customers.
— Nasdaq

Emirates to Launch Double Daily Services to Bali, Indonesia
Emirates is to launch a second daily service to the island of Bali, Indonesia on 2 July 2017.
— ASIA Travel Tips

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Laos witnesses slight drop in tourism revenue in 2016
Tourism injected more than 724 million U.S. dollars into Laos’ national budget during 2016, according to the latest data from the Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on Sunday.
— Xinhua

China reclaims top foreign investor spot in 2016
China overtook Vietnam to reclaim the number one position as the largest foreign investor in Laos last year, according to an annual report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
— Vientiane Times

Lao Airlines arranging extra New Year flights
Lao Airlines will schedule an additional two flights daily on the Vientiane-Luang Prabang route for the five day Lao New Year holiday, a Lao Airlines marketing official said.
— Vientiane Times

Vientiane Needs Proper Strategy to Control Dengue
A seminar on mobilising a community campaign to participate in dengue prevention and control was held in Vientiane Capital on April 6 to push the Ministry of Health to have a proper strategy on dengue fever control in 2017.
— Lao News Agency

Construction of China-Laos railway speeding up before rainy season
“This is my office, and also my bedroom,” Project Manager Cai Li told Xinhua reporter while pointing at a small tent amid the roar of generator.
— Xinhua

News Analysis: How can Laos retain economic growth motivation in 2017
Lao government set its target of economic development in 2017 at seven percent, one of the highest among regional countries.
— Xinhua

Win a $250,000 Dream Life in Laos By Making a Two-minute Video
Canadian filmmaker Isabel Dréan will be giving one lucky winner the $250,000 dream life she created for herself in Laos.
— Travel+Leisure

Buying That Luang Condos Will Not Grant Lao Citizenship
The That Luang Swamp Special Economic Zone Committee has disclaimed international news reports that foreigners who purchase a condominium in the new That Luang Swamp Special Economic Zone will automatically be granted Lao citizenship.
— Lao News Agency

Houaphanh; over 20,000 Children Expected to Benefit from Nutritional Programme
More than 20,000 children under the age of five are expected to benefit from the National Nutrition Initiative Programme implemented by UNICEF Lao PDR in six targeted districts in Huaphan Province over the next five years.
— Lao News Agency

Thailand repeats request for Laos to arrest ‘Kotee’
Thailand has repeated its request for Laos to arrest hardcore red-shirt leader Wuthipong Kochathamakun, alias Kotee, as it believes the fugitive is continuing to stir up political trouble.
— Bangkok Post

Laos moves to ensure progress
THE GOVERNMENT is creating new decrees to ensure the sustainable development of special economic zones in ways that yield strong benefits.
— The Nation

Vietnam holds “Miss Vientiane 2017 Contest”
A contestant participates in “Miss Vientiane 2017 Contest” in Vientiane, Laos,
April 8, 2017. Winners of the “Miss Vientiane 2017 Contest” will join the coming celebration parade of the Lao New Year, and to promote Laos’ traditional culture.
— Global Times

Over 200 families to relocate for Pakbaeng dam
Over 200 families in seven villages of Pakbaeng district in Oudomxay province are set to move to higher ground and new sites to make way for construction of the Pakbaeng hydropower project.
— Vientiane Times

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Report: New tourism tax could hurt hotel operators
A new tourism tax bill passed by Parliament last week could hurt hotel owners, including Genting Malaysia Bhd and Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), CIMB Research said in a report.
— The Star Online

WEF ranks Malaysia second in region for tourism edge
Malaysia has placed 26th out of 136 countries measured in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, the second highest in the region.
— Malay Mail Online

Minister denies government weighing bump to retirement age
Putrajaya has no plans to extend the mandatory retirement age by another five years, said Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
— Malay Mail Online

Ringgit slightly lower against US dollar
The ringgit was slightly lower against the US dollar today on lower demand for the local note, a dealer said.
— New Straits Times

Banks seen on new growth trajectory
Analysts more positive amid optimism on economy, bottoming out of sector’s earnings. THE tide is changing for the banking sector on optimism about Malaysia’s economy and the bottoming out of the sector’s earnings.
— New Straits Times

Obor lights the way to China
The newly established non-governmental organisation, One Belt One Road Association Malaysia (Obor), is set to provide the platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to take advantage of China’s initiatives on the development of
Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road.
— The Star Online

Only 45 pct Malaysians have investment accounts with PNB
Only 45 per cent out of close to 30 million Malaysian population have at least one account in unit trusts managed by Permodalan Nasional Malaysia Bhd (PNB).
— New Straits Times

PNB targets 150,000 new investors during MSAM 2017
Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) is targeting to sign up least 150,000 new investors during the Malaysian Unit Trust Week 2017 (MSAM 2017), which will be held here from April 20-25.
— New Straits Times

How Malaysian politicians use big data to profile you
At Invoke’s office here with hip double-decker cubicles, twenty-somethings crunch data, which range from basic demographics to one’s preferred choice of prime minister, so political parties can profile voters and target fence-
sitters.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia ahead of Thailand in WEF’s travel and tourism competitiveness index
Malaysia is ranked higher than Thailand in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
— The Star Online

PublicInvest Research sees fair value for Eversafe Rubber at 40 sen
PublicInvest Research has accorded a fair value of 40 sen for soon-to-be-listed Eversafe Rubber Bhd, which is four sen above its offer price of RM1.36.
— The Star Online

Bosses see red over flawed online application
Employers are at their wits’ end as to how to go about with the online registration for foreign workers which came into force on April 1.
— Malay Mail Online

48 flights at Sibu Airport cancelled after Malaysia Airlines plane skids off runway
More than 3,500 people were stranded at the Sibu Airport in Sarawak on Sunday (April 9) after flights were cancelled to make way for the removal of a Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH2718 which skidded off the runway upon landing Saturday night.
— Today Online

Malaysia and the Arab world – the past and present
Over the decades, Malaysia has become known in the Middle East as a successful model of a Muslim country.
— New Straits Times Online

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Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Rohingya Refugees Fearful of Forced Relocations to Hazardous ‘Thenga Chor’ Island
“Forced relocations to hazardous ‘Thenga Chor’ Island could put our lives at risk” said a Rohingya refugee representative to the minister of the Relief and Disaster Management of Bangladesh last Saturday (Apr 8).
— Rohingya Vision

Hong Kong to help Myanmar set up a gold exchange
The operator of Hong Kong’s gold exchange is in talks to help the government of Myanmar establish a bourse in the country for trading the precious metal, according to Haywood Cheung Tak-hay, president of the Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society.
— South China Morning Post

Grab eyes Myanmar growth
THOUGH THE TAXI-HAILING service is still a relatively new concept in Myanmar, Grab, the leading ride-hailing firm in Southeast Asia, has revealed its ambitious target of attracting everyday taxi users in Yangon to book taxis through their app.
— The Nation

UN pushes Myanmar to release Rohingya children from prison
The UN children’s agency UNICEF has called on Myanmar’s government to release Rohingya children detained as part of a sweeping military campaign in Rakhine State.
— Coconuts Yangon

HCMC Expo 2017 opens in Myanmar
The 2017 Vietnam- Myanmar Trade, Services and Tourism Exhibition (Ho Chi Minh City Expo 2017) has just opened at Tatmadaw Hall, Yangon city, Myanmar.
— SGGP

New industrial zones planned
Five industrial zones are in the process of being selected, according to Aung Naing Oo, secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC).
— Eleven

Driver under meth influence crashes bus into truc
A bus, driven by a man under the influence of meth-amphetamine, rear-ended a truck in Angthong province on Sunday morning, injuring about 10 Myanmar passengers.
— The Nation

Vessel Collision in Myanmar: 20 Die, 40 Survive
A total of 40 passengers have been rescued after two vessels collided in Pathein, southwestern Myanmar’s Ayeyawaddy region Friday night, in which 20 others have been confirmed killed, Xinhua reported quoting Pathein Water Transport Police.
— Marine Link

CButhidaung-A Ngu Maw Road upgraded to concrete
Under the supervision of the Rakhine State Rural Area Development Department using Union Special Funds for the 2016-17 fiscal year, Buthidaung-A Ngu Maw Road is being upgraded to concrete road with a concrete bridge constructed.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Warrants Issued for Hundreds of Rohingya Youths in Northern Maungdaw
The Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) has recently issued arrest warrants for more than hundred of Rohingya youths in northern Maungdaw in alleged connection with the rebels in the region, it has been reported.
— Rohingya Vision

Poverty forces families in Myanmar to ditch their elderly
With weak hands, widow Daw Hla Than, 75, begins kneading the flesh of the woman lying on the floor of her wooden hut.
— Channel NewsAsia

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Factory output growth seen easing to 8.7%
Moody’s Analytics estimated ahead of official data that Philippine manufacturing output in February grew 8.7 percent, indicating a slowdown from a year earlier and the preceding month.
— The Manila Times

Phl auto industry still second fastest growing in Asia
The Philippine automotive industry maintained its position as the second fastest growing market in Southeast Asia despite a slowdown in sales in February, but lost its regional leadership in terms of motorcycle sales growth.
— Phil Star

$650-M investment pledges await Duterte’s visit to ME
President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to the Middle East is expected to yield $650 million with 18 companies signing memorandum of understanding (MOUs) for various investments in agricultural processing, tourism, food, and pharmaceutical projects with potential creation of 21,170 new jobs.
— Manila Bulletin

Duterte: Rush release of P6.5-B veterans’ pension
Calling all war veterans his heroes, President Duterte on Sunday ordered the Department of Budget and Management to speed up the release of increases in veterans’ pension totaling P6.5 billion.
— Inquirer.net

Duterte to seek better conditions for OFWs in Mideast visit: analyst
President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to seek deals that would guarantee better working conditions for overseas Filipino workers when he visits the Middle East this Holy Week, an analyst said Sunday.
— ABS-CBN

PSEi may attempt to break resistance at 7,667
THE benchmark PSEi is likely to attempt piercing the resistance level at 7,667, fueled by the recently concluded Asean Finance Ministers’ meeting in Cebu City, where the Philippines bagged business pacts with peer countries.
— The Manila Times

US Embassy warns vs travel to Central Visayas
The United States Embassy in Manila on Sunday warned Americans to be careful in traveling to Central Visayas, citing “unsubstantiated yet credible information” that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings there
— Inquirer.net

P8 billion to P21billion DAP funds missing
I APPLAUD President Duterte’s recent tirade against his predecessor Benigno S. Aquino 3rd and the latter’s budget secretary, Florencio Abad, over their Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which was really an unprecedented, mammoth hijacking of government funds.
— The Manila Times

Batangas poised to declare state of calamity due to quakes
The provincial government is poised to declare a state of calamity in Batangas, following a week marked by damaging earthquakes and over 5,000 residents evacuated to safer ground just last Saturday.
— Manila Bulletin

A plastic solution for the Philippines’ trash dilemma
Ziggie Gonzales’ disdain for plastic was born in the sea. The keen surfer grew tired of sharing his waves with rubbish, the polluted products of the Philippines’ plastic addiction.
— Channel NewsAsia

Duterte keeps ‘very good’ net satisfaction rating: SWS
President Rodrigo Duterte maintained his “very good” net satisfaction rating in the first quarter, as growing support in his bailiwick Mindanao offset a decline in Luzon, according to results of an opinion poll released on Monday.
— ABS-CBN

Shares open higher, peso strengthens ahead of Holy Week break
Shares opened higher on Monday, with investors seen staying on the sidelines during the three-day trading week.
— ABS-CBN

‘Yellow’ power alert raised in Luzon
A “yellow” power alert was raised in Luzon on Monday, meaning there was not enough reserve capacity, the National Grid Corp said.
— ABS-CBN

Philippine, Vietnamese navies boost ties in goodwill visit
A ship of the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) docked at the Manila South Harbor on Saturday, April 8, for a goodwill visit to the country.
— Rappler

Bataan survivors mark 75th anniversary of surrender in the Philippines
It’s been 75 years since Oscar Leonard fought alongside his American and Filipino buddies, affectionately known as the “Battling Bastards of Bataan.”
— Stars and Stripes

Taiwan, PH bolster fisheries enforcement
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of the Philippines held the third technical working group (TWG) meeting under their bilateral agreement on law enforcement cooperation in fisheries matters whereas the two sides conducted in-depth discussions and reached consensus on various important issues, thereby further advancing bilateral relations and strengthening future law enforcement cooperation in fisheries matters.
— The Manila Times

Duterte: It is our sacred duty to promote peace, development
War is never worth it, regardless of the spoils, President Duterte declared in pushing for peaceful settlement of conflicts among nations.
— Manila Bulletin

Mober counting on more partnerships to boost growth in Philippines
MOBER Technology Pte, Inc. is counting on more partnerships to expand the reach of the country’s first on-demand mobile delivery start-up.
— BusinessWorld Online

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

HNA Group Plans to Acquire CWT for $1 Billion
HNA Group Co. plans to acquire logistics provider CWT Ltd. after almost a year of exclusive talks in a deal valuing the Singapore company at about S$1.4 billion ($996.4 million). Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin reports on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia.”
— Bloomberg

Singapore ‘stooges’ want for ATO rules
The time has come for the Commonwealth to provide some indelible clarity on government’s expectations of Australian exporters that choose to use Singapore as the most logical, transparent and secure gateway into regional markets generally and China’s seaborne raw materials supply chain very specifically.
— Financial Review

Manufacturing muscle boosts economy
The outlook for Singapore’s economy is brightening on the back of export-led growth in the resurgent manufacturing sector.
— The New Paper

Singapore’s DBS to boost private banking in London
Singapore’s DBS, south-east Asia’s biggest bank by assets, will use a new UK licence to quadruple the size of its hitherto tiny London wealth management operation, in a post-Brexit endorsement of the UK as a destination for rich Asian investors.
— Financial Times

UOB, OCBC customers can now withdraw cash from both banks’ ATMs for free
Need to withdraw some cash but don’t see your bank’s automated teller machine (ATM) nearby?
— Asia One

HNA Group to offer $2.33 a share for logistics group CWT
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group has tabled a pre-conditional general offer for logistics provider CWT after almost a year of exclusive talks with CWT’s three controlling families.
— The Straits Times

Singapore To Buy Maritime Aircraft, UAVs
New aircraft will greatly lift Singapore’s patrol capacity
— Aviation Week

Singapore’s Bolt Media renames itself content.co
Singapore-based startup Bolt Media has changed its name to content.co after claiming to have “outgrown” its original moniker.
— Mumbrella Asia

Singapore: Saleswhale closes $1.2m seed led by GREE Ventures
Singapore-based Y Combinator (S16) startup Saleswhale, has closed a $1.2 million seed round led by GREE Ventures. Other investors participating in the seed round are Monk’s Hill Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, the company announced Monday.
— Deal Street Asia

Oil prices firm on strong demand, political uncertainty in Syria
Oil prices were firm on Monday, supported by strong demand and political uncertainty in Syria, although another rise in U.S. drilling activity kept a lid on gains.
— The Star Online

Rakuten invests $2.8m in Singapore-based serviced apartment startup
Singapore-based serviced apartment MetroResidences today announced it’s all set for expansion to key Asian business cities after raising US$2.8 million in series A funding from Japanese ecommerce titan Rakuten.
— Tech In Asia

Collective action to meet community needs sustainably
AS companies today find themselves caught between the dilemma of limited resources and the compelling desire to create social impact, it is increasingly apparent that the key lies in collective solutions.
— The Business Review

Easier way for parents to settle kids’ school matters
From paying fees to granting permission for activities, parents can soon settle their children’s school matters online.
— The New Paper

Ecosystem for start-ups needs strengthening
It is again evident, and not surprising, that Singapore has a robust ecosystem for start-ups (S’pore beats Silicon Valley for start-up talent: Survey; March 22).
— Today Online

Government cites progress in foreign workers’ housing conditions
The foreign worker housing landscape has improved over recent years as the government has stepped up enforcement and raised standards, Minister of Manpower Lim Swee Say said last week.
— HRD

More neighbourhood centres set for a new shine
Estate upgrading plans are afoot in 14 neighbourhood centres (NCs) across Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris, potentially featuring new works such as playgrounds and shelters built under a Housing Board scheme.
— The New Paper

The best business class on Melbourne-Singapore flights
Melbourne-based travellers are quite literally spoiled for choice when jetting to Singapore with no less than five airlines offering non-stop flights including Qantas and Singapore Airlines, but also Emirates, Jetstar and Scoot.
— Australian Business Traveller

Passion card, vouchers among perks for national servicemen
National servicemen will receive a complimentary NS50 PAssion card with a five-year membership, on top of benefits announced previously to mark 50 years of National Service (NS).
— Today Online

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Best Western to rise at Thailand’s biggest market
Best Western Hotels & Resortshas signed a brand new hotel that will be ideal for shoppers, business travelers and guests wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Thai culture.
– TravelDailyNews

PayPal reveals ambition for deeper footprint in Thailand
PAYPAL AIMS to be a “must choice” e-payment option in Thailand. The company recently set up a representative office and appointed its first country head for Thailand.
– The Nation

Army asks netizens to not share a clip of abuses of conscripts
Netizens were asked by the army to not share a video clip featuring abuses against conscripts which has been circulating in the social media.
– Thai PBS

Another ‘garbage island’ found off Bang Saphan coast
A floating garbage island has been found in the Gulf of Thailand off Bang Saphan district.
– Bangkok Post

Thailand lacks understanding of CLMV
Thailand loves to discuss plans to help its neighbouring countries. “Prosper-Thy-Neighbour” has been the motto for decades for successive Thai governments. Since the end of the Vietnam war and the subsequent rapid economic development period of 1980s, Bangkok has dished out so many strategies and plans to bring about their developmental and improve their standard of living.
– The Nation

Growth in jobless spurs government skills plan
Close to half a million people were unemployed last month, up 99,000 or 1.3% in the same period last year, which is spurring the government to offer skills training for jobless workers.
— Bangkok Post

Driver under meth influence crashes bus into truck
A bus, driven by a man under the influence of meth-amphetamine, rear-ended a truck in Angthong province on Sunday morning, injuring about 10 Myanmar passengers.
– The Nation

Unlicensed IoT platform to get spectrum
The telecom regulator has tentatively identified spectrum in the 920-925 megahertz band for Internet of Things (IoT) access under the unlicensed platform.
— Bangkok Post

Malaysia ahead of Thailand in WEF’s travel and tourism competitiveness index
Malaysia is ranked higher than Thailand in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
– The Star Online

Thailand trade expo from May 9
Thai Trade Exhibition Oman 2017 (TTXO 2017) is scheduled to begin on May 9 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), Muscat. The five-day event, ending May 13, is expected to attract some 100 exhibitors and 22,000 visitors.
— Times of Oman

Livelihoods for elderly now a top priority
WITH most elderly Thais having no or hardly any savings, Thailand has an acute need to keep people in work as long as possible.
– The Nation

Thailand Discovering the Power of Woman Travellers
Thailand has long been a magnet for male travellers from the West, but now the kingdom’s tourism authorities are recognizing the power of woman travellers especially from Asia – among others from India, China and Japan.
– IDN

April 11 D-Day on passenger vans
The Land Transport Department will on Tuesday start cracking down on passenger vans which do not observe the 13-seat regulation.
– Thai PBS

Thailand seeks to lure UK pensioners in the wake of Brexit
Thailand has launched a campaign aimed at attracting pensioner-age Britons to move to the country after the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union, a British media outlet has reported.
– The Straits Times

Small retailers to get govt aid
TRADITIONAL retail businesses will get help from the government to enable them to compete better with modern operators and stimulate the domestic economy.
— The Nation

Four arrested in fake education degrees scam
FOUR SUSPECTS have been arrested for allegedly issuing fake educational degrees to paying customers who will also face legal action.
– The Nation

Government to promote traditional Songkran celebration
The government will hold a traditional Songkran celebration during April 13-17 and urge all sectors in the society to follow suit with emphasis on safety, proper clothing, and using water sparingly.
– Thai PBS

Commerce opens first Thai fast food shop at PTT petrol station in Suphanburi
The Commerce Ministry yesterday opened the first low priced fast-food restaurant at the PTT petrol station in Suphanburi province to service travellers during the Songkran festival.
– Thai PBS

Eastern innovation districts planned to boost start-ups
THE NATIONAL Innovation Agency (NIA) and its partners are developing “innovation districts” in the Eastern region, expecting to generate 400 start-ups over the next three years and generate total economic value of Bt17.6 billion in five years.
– The Nation

Thailand’s deadly rich kids
The Thai media has dubbed them the “deadly rich kids” – young people of privilege who, while driving in fancy cars, were involved in fatal accidents.
— Asia One

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Vietnam among top investors in Cambodia as bilateral trade grows
VIETNAM is Cambodia’s third-largest partner and continues to be among the top five investors in this country, with bilateral trade reaching US$3 billion (Bt108 billion) until the end of last year.
— The Nation

PM okays 2.4 billion USD aid for major highway
The Prime Minister has agreed to support 55 trillion VND (2.4 billion USD) sourced from Government bonds for construction of the North-South Highway during the 2016-2020 period.
— Saigon

Leather and footwear exports could reach $26 billion by 2020
Việt Nam is targeting to earn between US$24 billion to $26 billion from leather and footwear exports by 2020 under a revised plan for leather and footwear industry development until 2025 with a vision to 2035.
— Viet Nam News

Atomic energy generating billions of USD
Radiation and radioactive isotope applications have helped Vietnam produce more high-yield rice varieties resistant to pests and diseases, while new technologies have helped diagnose and treat critical diseases.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Over VND 3.5 trln to be invested into Phuoc An bridge
The People’s Committee of Dong Nai province has just approved a construction project stretching from an intersection with Ben Luc- Long Thanh Expressway to Phuoc An Port in the form of build- operate- transfer (BOT).
— Saigon

Vietnam growth deficient in quality
The large foreign direct investment in Vietnam is not reflecting in the country’s economic growth.
— Eleven Myanmar

Japanese investors to revitalize polluted canal in Ho Chi Minh City
A number of Japanese investors have agreed to help revitalize the eight-kilometer Xuyen Tam Canal in Ho Chi Minh City after a meeting with city leaders in Tokyo on Saturday.
— Tuoi Tre News

Vietnam’s road safety continues to improve
A continuing improvement in road safety is being seen in Vietnam. There were 3,800 people injured on Vietnam’s roads in the first quarter of 2017, a notable decline from the same period in the previous year.
— World High Ways

Vietnam should not aim to become industrial power: economist
Vietnam should not continue to try to become an industrial power and instead should shift to developing agriculture and tourism, according to economist Le Xuan Nghia, head of the Business Development Institute (BDI).
— VietNamNet Bridge

Vietnamese PM asks SCG to expand investment
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) to expand its investments in the country.
— The Nation

Rent-A-Port NV expands business in Việt Nam
Rent-A-Port Green Energy on Saturday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop wind and solar driven micro desalination, in a bid to solve the problems of salt water harming rice fields in the Mekong Delta region.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam’s HCM City provides residents with real-time environmental indexes
Authorities of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on Monday started offering its residents and visitors real-time information about air quality, noise, and quality of river and canal water.
— Xinhua

Business should be main driver of new-style agriculture: PM
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said on Saturday that business should be the main force in building a new-style agriculture and creating farm produce that meets consumer demand. Phúc, speaking at a conference in the northern province of Thái Bình, said the role of business is especially necessary in areas where the State economy accounts for much of the economic activity.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam reacts to Philippines’ plan to occupy disputed islands
Vietnam is verifying information that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered troops to occupy uninhabited islands and shoals that the Philippines claims in the East Sea, the Vietnamese reference for the flashpoint South China Sea.
— VnExpress

Stocks set to rise on first quarter hopes
Shares will continue to rise this week as investor sentiment remains positive, analysts say, driven by expectations that good earnings reports will be released in the “shareholder meeting season.”
— Viet Nam News

Soaring tra fish prices entice Mekong farmers
With prices of tra skyrocketing, farmers in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta are scrambling to breed the fish, paying little heed to warnings from experts.
— Viet Nam News

HCMC Expo 2017 opens in Myanmar
The 2017 Vietnam- Myanmar Trade, Services and Tourism Exhibition (Ho Chi Minh City Expo 2017) has just opened at Tatmadaw Hall, Yangon city, Myanmar.
— Saigon

Health ministry car driver faces harsh punishment for breaking rules on Hanoi expressway
Authorities in Hanoi will punish the drivers of five automobiles, one of which belongs to the health ministry, that were caught speeding in the wrong direction on a local expressway earlier this week.
— Tuoi Tre News

HCM City to begin first river bus route in June
HCM City People’s Committee has called on departments of transport, natural resources and environment and district-level People’s Committees to facilitate the city’s first two river bus routes.
— Viet Nam News

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Asean Morning News is the most comprehensive selection of reports on what you need to know from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. All articles are hand curated by the team at AEC News Today. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.