Asean Morning News For April 12

The most comprehensive #Asean Morning News Roundup published

Asean Morning News For April 12
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Asean morning newsAsean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today    @aecnewstoday

 

ASEAN to promote mobility of women migrant workers in the region
A regional workshop to validate the draft study report on women migrant workers in the ASEAN Economic Community was held yesterday. It was attended by labour officials from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Confederation of Employers, ASEAN Trade Union Council, ASEAN Services Employees Trade Union Council, Migrant Forum in Asia, Mekong Migration Network, ASEAN Secretariat, UN Women, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
— ReliefWeb

Nissan Kicks Could Be Assembled In Thailand For ASEAN
Nissan introduced the affordable Kicks compact SUV about a year ago in Brazil, aimed at the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi ASX.
— Carlist.my (blog)

AirAsia becomes official airline partner of SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games
Budget airline AirAsia has just announced its participation in the 29th SEA Games and ninth ASEAN Para Games as an official partner.
— The Jakarta Post

SGSS wins mandate for ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund
BlueOrchard Finance, an impact investment manager, has appointed Societe Generale Securities Services (SGSS) to provide fund services for the Luxembourg-based Japan ASEAN Women Empowerment Fund.
— Asset Servicing Times

 

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Cambodia morning newsCambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

CBS completes merger with Legend Tiger
Cambodia Broadcasting Service (CBS), a subsidiary of business tycoon Kith Meng’s Royal Group, has finalised its merger with TV advertising company Legend Tiger Investment Co Ltd, creating the nation’s largest and best equipped television advertising production facility, according to a release yesterday.
The Phnom Penh Post

EGA reports Cambodian casino losses
Nasdaq-listed Entertainment Gaming Asia (EGA) reported a net loss of $6.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, compared with a loss of $2.7 million in the same time in 2015 largely due to the cancellation of its operations in Cambodia, the company said in a filing on Monday.
The Phnom Penh Post

Bilateral Trade With China Jumps to $4.8 Billion
Trade between China and Cambodia swelled to $4.8 billion last year, up by about $200 million from the year before, while Beijing has now given the government $4.2 billion in grants and loans, Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Tuesday.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia-China trade volume reaches 4.8 bln USD last year: PM
Trade volume between Cambodia and China was valued at 4.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday.
Xinhua

Government Screed Slams Critics, Vows ‘To Tell the Truth’
The Foreign Affairs Ministry released an unusual defense of some of the government’s recent actions on Tuesday, accusing foreign diplomats and journalists in the country of colluding to destabilize the country by deliberately twisting the truth.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Investors Start To See Potential Returns in Cambodian Startups
Five-year old Khmerload, a Cambodian entertainment news website modeled after the American media giant Buzzfeed, has become one of the country’s first local tech startups to attract the backing of Silicon Valley investors.
VOA

Government Scrutinizes Garment Worker Truck Drivers’ Backgrounds
The backgrounds of garment worker transport trucks are to be put under the microscope in a government initiative aimed at stymieing reckless driving, officials have said.
VOA

Regulator pushes for corporate governance
The vast majority of local companies lack corporate governance standards and provide insufficient business information, requiring investors and regulators to do heavy due diligence work that stops businesses from tapping into additional funding sources, officials said yesterday.
The Phnom Penh Post

Government sounds off on critics in report, claiming detractors twist facts
The Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday issued a scathing and wide-ranging rebuttal to longstanding accusations of human rights violations and political persecution, calling these allegations a campaign of misinformation led by foreign governments and institutions, particularly the United States, bent on regime change.
The Phnom Penh Post

Audit Gives Thumbs-Up To Voter List; Doubts Linger
Rectifying one of the greatest sources of outrage and discontent surrounding previous elections, the voter list compiled for upcoming commune elections has passed an audit with flying colors, though commentators remain skeptical as to whether the country will actually witness free and fair elections on June 4.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Plantation Found With Logs Absolved Before Probe Ends
Authorities in Kratie province have identified a rubber plantation where nearly 50 cubic meters of illegally logged luxury-grade timber was found on Sunday, but are ruling out the owners as suspects before the investigation is completed.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia Slams West, NGOs For ‘Disinformation’ Undermining Ruling Party
Cambodia’s government on Tuesday slammed what it said is an ongoing campaign of “disinformation” led by Western governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) against Prime Minister Hun Sen’s ruling party as part of a bid to unseat it.
Radio Free Asia

Scholar Who Documented Endangered Cambodian Indigenous Language Gains Recognition
The stoic professor taught Sanskrit and linguistics some 20 years ago to students who became Cambodia’s most accomplished linguists.
VOA

Jiang Jianguo: President Xi’s book can boost ties with Cambodia
I am very pleased to meet all you friends in beautiful Phnom Penh. All our Cambodian media colleagues present here have for a long time kept a close watch on and covered China and thus made important contributions to the enhancement of China-Cambodia friendship.
China.org.cn

Seabees’ departure reflects dwindling US aid
The US embassy in Cambodia announced earlier this month that a US Navy aid unit was told to leave the country because the Royal Government of Cambodia made a decision to postpone its program indefinitely.
Global Times

Cambodian-American charged with molesting village boys
Prosecutors in Cambodia have charged a Cambodian-American man with sexually abusing 11 boys aged 10 to 15 years old.
ABC News

 

Indonesia morning newsIndonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

Indonesia’s 2017 GDP Growth to Reach 5.2 Percent: Finance Minister
Indonesia’s economic growth this year will probably exceed the government’s official target and reach 5.2 percent, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Tuesday (11/04).
— Jakarta Globe

Acset pays out Rp 27.3 billion in dividends
Publicly listed construction firm PT Acset Indonusa announced on Monday its plan to distribute Rp 39 per share in dividends, totaling Rp 27.3 billion, 40 percent of the firm’s 2016 net profit.
— The Jakarta Post

House to deliberate alternative forms of punishment in Criminal Code
The House of Representatives’ working committee for the amendment of the Criminal Code (KUHP) is looking into alternative forms of punishment in addition to imprisonment.
— The Jakarta Post

COMMENTARY: EU moves to wipe out palm oil from the European economy
The European Union has since 2013 been slapping anti-dumping countervailing duties on Indonesian exports of palm oil-based biodiesel, despite a lower EU court ruling last year that annulled the duties.
— The Jakarta Post

Tensions high in Jakarta before final round of governor election
The highlands of west Java provide a calmness that can’t be found in the Indonesian capital.
— ABC News

Papua releases export containers to China
The Papua provincial government, facilitated by the Indonesian ship management PT. Pelindo IV, has released 100 containers of forest products to China.
— Antara News

Indonesia shuts Malaysian firm’s station
Indonesia has shut down what it believes is an illegal landing station built by a Malaysian company as part of a sub-marine cable project linking Peninsular Malaysia to Sarawak.
— The Straits Times

Indonesia delays blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s Christian governor
An Indonesian court on Tuesday adjourned the blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s Christian governor until after the city’s April 19 election, a contest pitting him against a Muslim rival that has divided the city and fanned religious tension.
— Channel NewsAsia

Speaker travel ban may hamper House’s legislative agenda
Following the imposition of a travel ban on House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto, the House is concerned that the prohibition will hamper its agenda given the pivotal role the Golkar Party chairman plays in the legislative body.
— The Jakarta Post

Pulp and Paper Industry Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities
The pulp and paper industry of Indonesia is on the receiving end of plenty of criticism for its negative impact on the environment. However, the industry also plays a major role in the Indonesian economy, accounting for 6.7 percent of the country’s processing industry’s gross domestic product (GDP) and providing employment to 260,000 direct workers and 1.1 million indirect workers. Last year, in 2016, Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry ranked seventh in terms of biggest foreign exchange earners (excluding the oil and gas sector) when it reaped USD $3.79 billion.
— Indonesia Investments

Uncovering tax evaders after deadline of amnesty program
The Indonesian government, which is in dire need of funds to finance its development programs, is harboring high hopes of collecting adequate taxes and is optimistic that taxpayers would meet their tax obligation.
— Antara News

Govt Expects Development of Kuala Tanjung Port II to Start in May
The government has called on the Port of Rotterdam Authority to confirm when it is going to develop of the second phase of Kuala Tanjung Port in North Sumatra. The Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has given the Dutch government until May to start construction of Kuala Tanjung II. “If no development is carried out and no certainty is given, we will give it to other investors,” Budi said in his office yesterday.
— Tempo

US‘ Interest in Developing Indonesia‘s Tourism Sector
The US has specifically offered technical assistance to manage environment-friendly tourism destinations in Indonesia, the US Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph R. Donovan stated after a meeting with Tourism Minister Arief Yahya here, Monday.
— Netralnews

Latest poll shows voters favoring Anies (49.8%) to Ahok (43.5%) despite high satisfaction in incumbent’s work, due to ’emotional reasons’
With a little over a week to go until the runoff election between the incumbents, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama and Vice Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, and their rivals, Anies Baswedan and his running mate Sandiaga Uno, the latest survey, from the National Institute for Media Survey (Median), shows a slight tightening from previous polls but Anies-Sandiaga remain in the lead, with 49.8% percent of potential voters saying they would pick the challengers versus 43.5% for the incumbents.
— Coconuts Jakarta

Indonesia and Malaysia look to ‘kill’ Parliament’s palm oil ban
Indonesia and Malaysia said today (11 April) that they would send a joint mission to the EU aiming to prevent the implementation of a European Parliament call to phase out the use of biofuels based on vegetable oils by 2020.
— EurActiv

Illegal Gold Mining Sees Steady Rise In Indonesia
Indonesia is a natural resource powerhouse that attracts local and foreign investors alike. Despite a slump in commodity prices, exports of minerals and energy remain the country’s most valuable.
— Indonesia Expat

Why Indonesia Needs to Include Pakistan as Its Coal Export Destination
The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Karachi has managed to realize coal trade agreement on 50 thousand tons, worth US$5 million, between the Indonesian company PT Wira Yudha and Pakistan company Techno World Instrument Service.
— Netralnews

Tax authority eligible for semi-autonomous status: Observers
After the “success” of the tax amnesty, the Directorate General of Taxation should be eligible for a golden ticket to become a semi-autonomous body, despite worries with regard to its track record on integrity and transparency.
— The Jakarta Post

Airport Expansions Needed to Cater to More Tourists
Significant airport expansions are needed to cater to the 15 million foreign tourists expected to visit the country this year, a state minister said recently.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia, Angola Sign Three Agreements to Accelerate Cooperation
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Angolan counterpart, Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, signed agreements on visa-free access for diplomats, political consultation and cooperation on economic, scientific, technical and cultural affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/04).
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia’s First International Modern Art Museum to Open in November
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara, or Macan, in West Jakarta, the first museum in Indonesia dedicated to international modern and contemporary art, will finally open to the public in November.
— Jakarta Globe

 

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Lao PDR morning newsLao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

Troubled road project along Lao-Cambodian border rolls on
Work by military engineers on a contentious road skirting Cambodia’s border with Laos – which has prompted a military stand-off in the area – has quietly resumed, local officials say, even as run-ins between Cambodian and Lao military patrols in the disputed area have further heightened tensions.
The Phnom Penh Post

Pi Mai Lao Summer Storm Forecast
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology forecast on April 10 that a new summer storm is expected to enter the country from April 12 to 16.
Lao News Agency

Vientiane Discusses Mobilising Community Participation in Dengue Prevention
The Vientiane Capital Health Department (VHD) last Thursday held a discussion on mobilising community participation in dengue fever prevention and control in Vientiane Capital.
Lao News Agency

Laos-China Railway Tunnel Boring Kicks Off
An opening ceremony for tunnel boring for the Laos-China railway project was held as construction began last week in Xay district, Oudomxay province.
Lao News Agency

Vientiane Launches Road Safety Campaign
The Vientiane Police Traffic Department, in collaboration with Honda New Chip Xeng Co., Ltd, launched a road safety campaign on April 11 to prevent road accidents during Pi Mai Lao – often a deadly time of year.
Lao News Agency

How the Hmong-CIA alliance shaped government policies today
The war in Laos (1961-1975) brought the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Hmong together as allies when the agency engaged the Hmong to fight the North Vietnamese and the Communist Pathet Lao.
Madison.com

 

Malaysia morning news

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

Huge potential in southern Thailand-Malaysia cross-border trade
The cross-border trade between southern Thailand and Malaysia has the potential to grow about 400,000 20-ft equivalent unit (TEUs) of cargo per annum.
The Star Online

Cashless society can help combat corruption
Permodalan Nasional Bhd group chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said Monday that immobilizing large currency notes could help move Malaysia towards a crimeless and corruption-less society, according to New Straits Times Online report on Monday.
– Thai PBS

Relocation of eight air bases to cost RM2.7bil
TRX City Sdn Bhd, which is the developer of the Kuala Lumpur Air Base (PUKL) relocation project, including eight other locations, costing RM2.7bil, is confident the project will be ready by year-end.
The Star Online

Indonesia, Malaysia to fight discriminatory EU palm oil resolution
Malaysia and Indonesia, in the interest of pursuing mutual respect and equal opportunity for palm oil trade, will press on for the European Union (EU) to reject the discriminatory terms passed in a recent European Parliament on a new oil palm resolution that will hurt tens of millions of tropical farmers’ livelihoods.
New Straits Times

FT minister: More affordable housing units to be made available to public
More Federal Territory Affordable Housing (Rumawip) units will be offered to the people this year and beyond.
Malay Mail Online

Malaysia to become marketing hub for electric vehicles, minister says
Malaysia is moving towards becoming a marketing hub for electric vehicles and is targeting 100,000 electric cars, 100 electric motorcycles, 2,000 electric buses and 125,000 charger stations to be in the country by 2030.
Malay Mail Online

Foreign selldown of M’sian bonds fastest in March
Foreign investors dumped a whopping RM26.2 billion in Malaysian bonds in March 2017 — the biggest monthly sell-off since the data was collated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in 2011.
— The Edge Markets

Malaysia’s CIMB sets up fintech unit
Malaysia’s CIMB Group Holdings has created a standalone unit to develop innovative banking solutions using financial technology.
Nikkei Asian Review

EC clarifies solar project awards
The Energy Commission (EC), which has come under unwarranted attention for awarding large-scale solar power plant projects to lesser known companies with little expertise in the field, said a bidder prepared to supply electricity at the least cost was the primary criteria.
The Star Online

CIMB Research retains Hold on WCT, ups target price
CIMB Equities Research remains upbeat on WCT Holdings Bhd’s infra outlook but this is offset by property sales risks.
The Star Online

ECER creates 140,000 job opportunities, pulls in RM101bil investments
The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) has created more than 140,000 job opportunities and 24,000 entrepreneurs through its ECER-SIRIM programme.
New Straits Times

Rehda urges Malacca to lift blanket restriction on residential property prices
The state’s Real Estate and Housing Developer’s Association (Rehda) wants the state government to lift its blanket restriction on residential property prices other than affordable homes.
New Straits Times

Malaysia, Singapore police team up to battle new trend in drug smuggling
Police in Malaysia and Singapore have detected new tactics used by cross-border drug traffickers in the region which is to smuggle and distribute drugs through the Internet.
Malay Mail Online

MACC ready to probe improper issuance of E-cards to immigrants
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is prepared to investigate the issuance of the enforcement card (E-card) to illegal immigrants, allegedly not according to the established procedures.
Malay Mail Online

MY: Eco World buys 80% in Salcom to develop project in Melbourne
Malaysia’s Eco World International Bhd (EWI), that recently listed on Bursa Malaysia, on Monday announced that it will acquire 80 per cent stake in Australia’s Salcom Development for AUD 120,000 ($90,010) mainly to take part in a mixed development project in Melbourne, Australia.
— Deal Street Asia

Malaysian minister urges probe of fund transfers to North Korea
Malaysia should investigate the possible transfer of funds to North Korea’s leadership, the deputy home minister said on Tuesday, after Reuters reported that the head of a Malaysian conglomerate had for years funneled cash to
Pyongyang.
Reuters

Malaysia lawyers express concern over ‘unprecedented’ spate of disappearances
The Malaysian Bar issued a statement on Tuesday (Apr 11) to express its concern over the “unprecedented mysterious disappearances” of Malaysians reported in the media, which have taken place in separate incidents since November 2016.
Channel NewsAsia

Ringgit opens slightly higher
The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar on mild buying support, a dealer said.
New Straits Times

 

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Myanmar morning newsMyanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

K500,000 fine for using water pumps without permit
Those who use water pumps without permission this Thingyan will be slapped with a K500,000 fine, the Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) said.
— Myanmar Times

Notorious telecoms law “under discussion”, says communications chief
Talks are being held over people who have been targeted by the notorious telecoms law 66(d), according to Soe Thein, director-general of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
— Eleven

China, Myanmar ink oil pipeline deal
China and Myanmar agreed to a deal on a crude oil pipeline between the countries as part of a raft of agreements signed when their leaders met Monday in Beijing.
— Frontier Myanmar

Yangon region hit by temporary blackout
Yangon region was hit by a partial blackout on Tuesday while maintenance work was carried out, according to announcement from Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC).
— Eleven

Displaced Rohingyas Denied Right to Fully Reclaim their Lands
The Myanmar government has denied the displaced Rohingya people in Maungdaw Township the right to fully reclaim their lands after they were internally displaced from their homes last year, according to the reliable sources.
— Rohingya Vision

5,000 tonnes of grapes to be purchased for new winery
Five thousand tonnes of grapes will be bought at the end of April for a wine factory which will be opened in Nay Pyi Taw, said Ko Hlaing Hlaing Tun, the vineyard owner from Yamethin Township, Mandalay Region.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

First phase of new Danyinkone wholesale market to open in May
The first phase of the new Danyinkone wholesale market will be opened in the second week of May, Thaung Tin, deputy head of the markets department under Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC), said on Monday.
— Eleven

Rakhine State Chief Minister meets Maungtaw residents, inspects land reclamation tasks
A meeting between the Rakhine State government and local people took place at Thiri Mingalar Hall in Maungtaw Township, Rakhine State yesterday morning.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

MIC publishes list of restricted investment businesses
The Myanmar Investment Commission published the new list of restricted investment businesses on Monday, in line with sections 42 and 100 of the Law of Myanmar Investment Commission.
— Eleven

Myanmar begins shuttering three Rakhine camps
Myanmar has started shutting down three displacement camps in strife-torn Rakhine state, a senior official said Tuesday, although it was not immediately clear where the inhabitants would go.
— Coconuts Yangon

North Korea agents linked to 1985 death of Myanmar national
North Korean agents may have been responsible for the death of a Myanmar national after the 1983 Rangoon bombing and assassination attempt against South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan.
— UPI.com

 

Philippines morning newsPhilippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

World Bank keeps PH growth forecast at 6.9%
The World Bank said the Philippine economy will remain a top performer in the East Asia and Pacific region and will likely expand by close to 7 percent in the next two to three years, with infrastructure investment expected to sustain the country’s growth momentum.
— The Manila Times

Philippines, Saudi Arabia sign agreement on labor, foreign relations
President Rodrigo Duterte met with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at Rawdhat Khuraim. The president was also received by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region.
— ABS-CBN

PAL Holdings profit drops 39% in 2016
Net earnings of the parent firm of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) declined 39 percent in 2016 from a year ago amid higher expenses.
— Phil Star

Philippines Air Force Receives 2 South Korean Jets, More to Come
A delivery of two additional FA-50PH advanced light attack and jet trainer aircraft by Korea Aerospace Industries arrived at Clark Base near Manila in late March, according to a statement released by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
— Sputnik International

China to copy office of PH Ombudsman
China’s top graftbuster personally invited Office of the Ombudsman chief Conchita Carpio-Morales to Beijing to learn how her office works in their bid to craft a law that will establish an all-encompassing anti-graft body.
— The Manila Times

Death row OFWs may not fly home with Rody
Malacañang clarified yesterday that Filipino death row inmates might not be released and come home together with President Duterte after his trip to the Middle East.
— Phil Star

Rice prices to rise if imports stopped: ex-economic managers
Rice prices could go up if government bans imports of the staple grain, a trade advocacy group composed of former economic managers said.
— ABS-CBN

EU denies it has frozen Philippines trade talks over human rights
The European Commission said on Tuesday the Philippines’ human rights record could influence future trade ties, but denied reports that it had suspended free trade negotiations with Manila.
— ABS-CBN

Philippines Needs A Leader Dressed In White
To fight corruption, Philippines need a leader dressed in white, someone who is free of corruption — like Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew.
— Forbes

Philippines envoy hits back at UK for dismay over Duterte’s ‘brutal regime’
Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Antonio Lagdameo stressed that the country is committed to human rights in response to an article published in a British newspaper which appears to be critical of the Duterte administration.
— Phil Star

SC orders Marcos to pay P66M
THE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has ordered former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to pay P63 million for the recount of votes in his poll protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.
— The Manila Times

Philippine TNE: 10 universities to forge UK ties
Ten universities in the Philippines have been selected to take part in transnational education partnerships with UK counterparts through the Commission on Higher Education Development (CHED) in an initiative to boost internationalisation in the country.
— The PIE News

IN NUMBERS: Road crashes in the Philippines
Government data show that the number of deaths due to road crashes has been increasing since 2006. Hundreds of the fatalities each year are children.
— Rappler

Duterte rehires recently retired BIR exec Valeroso
President Duterte has rehired recently-retired Deputy Commissioner for Operations Nestor S. Valeroso of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to avail of the latter’s expertise and boost the chances of the agency of meeting its P1.8 trillion goal for the year.
— Manila Bulletin

NEA offers P1.7-B loan window for distressed power cooperatives
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has set aside P1.7 billion as a loan window for cooperatives, especially the 11 that are considered to be experiencing financial difficulty.
— BusinessWorld Online

QC hospital execs axed over contract splitting
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal of three officials of government-run East Avenue Medical Center over the anomalous purchase of P10.35 million worth of medical supplies and equipment in 2006.
— Inquirer.net

50 cases of political killings brought to UN rights body
A rights advocacy group has brought to a UN office nearly 50 documented cases of political killings under the Duterte administration that took place despite the government’s peace negotiations with communist rebels.
— Inquirer.net

Tropical cyclone to enter this week
A tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippines tomorrow and it is likely to bring rains in some parts of the country this Holy Week, the state weather bureau said.
— Phil Star

Task force to assist earthquake victims
Government disaster response agencies have formed a task force that will provide immediate assistance to quake-hit areas in Batangas and nearby provinces.
— Phil Star

 

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Singapore morning newsSingapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat    @leakhenakhat

 

Brexit Britain’s Singapore obsession
A pro-Brexit argument that always makes me giggle a little is that leaving the European Union will allow the UK to become the new Singapore. That’s right – the land of hope and glory, home to the world’s fifth-largest economy, wants to emulate its steamy little former colony, population 5.4 million.
— Financial Times

Banks in Singapore still flexing muscle in recruitment, employment
IT may come as a surprise to some that there are banks here that continue to hire and expand their headcount despite the rise in digitalisation and consolidation in the sector.
— The Business Times

Singapore’s GIC led first quarter sovereign investor deals
Singapore’s $344 billion GIC led the sovereign investor pack in the first three months of 2017, sealing two of the biggest investments of the quarter.
Deal Street Asia

Manulife Real Estate buys Singapore property
Manulife Real Estate, the global real estate arm of Manulife Financial Corp, said on Tuesday it acquired 8 Cross Street, a 28-storey office tower in Singapore, for US$526 million.
— The Business Times

Singapore, Germany Conclude Live-Firing Military Exercise
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) concluded a bilateral live-firing exercise with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) last week as part of an annual bilateral military exercise and a demonstration of the growing defense ties between the two countries.
— The Diplomat 

Bosses in Singapore are paid more than their US counterparts
A new survey by benefits consultants Willis Towers Watson showed that for every US$100 that top management in the US earned in base salary in 2016, their counterparts in Singapore made US$132. Meanwhile the change in Singapore’s pay gap was minimal, rising from 6.3 in 2015 to 6.5 times last year.
— Singapore Business Review 

Crowe Horwath Singapore acquires Partners Capital
Crowe Horwath Singapore has acquired Partners Capital (Singapore) Pte. Ltd, a boutique corporate finance firm with a CMS license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) since 2008.
— Deal Street Asia 

Singapore data startup Percipient closes $712k seed round
Singapore data technology startup, Percipient, has closed its seed funding round of S$1 million ($712,555), with participation from an influential group of individual investors. Among them are three US-based IT leaders, with long careers in Fortune100 financial services companies, the company said.
Deal Street Asia 

Banks move to replace physical dongles with digital tokens
More than a decade after banks in Singapore issued hardware tokens, two of the Big Three lenders are ditching the physical dongle, which customers have to carry around for on-the-go banking transactions.
Today Online 

Singapore consumers feel valued by local brands such as Robinsons and Cold Storage
Singaporean consumers feel that local brands value them more (26%) as opposed to international brands (19%) according to a study by ICLP.
— The Drum 

DBS to roll out digital tokens by next year
Singapore’s largest bank, DBS, is rolling out “soft” tokens for its 2.6 million online and mobile banking customers to replace hardware tokens.
The New Paper 

Decision final on not relocating Sungei Road flea market
The authorities reiterated yesterday that the Sungei Road flea market will not be relocated, even as a new group is petitioning to get the issue heard again in Parliament.
— The Straits Times 

Singapore to tackle urban issues with nationwide sensor network
Singapore is building a nationwide sensor network to analyze and share public data collected from public facilities and streets in a bid to strengthen facilitate date sharing among different public services, a key step required to transform the city state into the so-called Smart Nation and digital government amid growing urban life challenges.
— Pulse News 

Singapore provides unlikely UK model
In per-capita income, Singapore passed the UK in 2006, and the income gap has since grown by almost US$3,000 each year since then. Consumer-spending power is generally higher in Singapore, assuming residents do not try to buy a heavily taxed car.
— EurasiaTimes 

Fortune, Mapletree and Frasers are among best-value Singapore REITs
Fortune REIT, Mapletree Commercial Trust and Frasers Commercial Trust are among the best-value real estate investment trusts in Singapore, according to UOB Kay Hian Pvt.
— The Star Online 

Singapore scientists ‘turn’ water into lemonade using the power of the internet
Nothing beats an ice-cool refreshing lemonade on a hot day. But what if the only beverage you have is cold water?
— e27 

2 new Zika cases confirmed at Poh Huat Terrace, Terrasse Lane
Two cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection have been confirmed at the Poh Huat Terrace and Terrasse Lane area near Hougang, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Tuesday (Apr 11).
— Channel NewsAsia

 

Thailand morning newsThailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre    @photo_journ

 

New media bill threatens “unlicensed” journalists with imprisonment
On 10 April 2017 Maj Gen Pisit Pao-In, chairman of the media subcommittee of the junta’s National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), announced that under the new Media Bill media workers who do not possess official licenses to work could face two years imprisonment, or a fine of 60,000 baht, or both.
– Prachatai English

Cabinet announces two additional public holidays
The cabinet on Tuesday declared July 28 which marks the birthday of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and October 13 which marks the passing of HM King Bhumibol as two additional public holidays.
– Thai PBS

PM asks why some politicians are so afraid of Section 44
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha questioned why some politicians are so afraid of Section 44 of the interim constitution while the general public are not affected by the special powers vested by the special law.
– Thai PBS

VICTIMS OF APRIL 10 REMEMBERED ONLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Seven years later no solemn commemoration, no marker, and, in the present political climate, no formal ceremony was staged to remember 25 lives lost near the Democracy Monument in deadly clashes between security forces, armed militants and protesters.
– Khaosod English

Ms Yingluck to appeal for a stay of execution of her assets seizure order
Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to appeal against the Central Administrative Court’s ruling rejecting her request for a stay of execution of Finance Ministry’s order to seize her assets estimated at 35 billion baht to compensate for the huge loss from the rice pledging scheme.
– Thai PBS

Thailand’s Digital Ventures invests in geolocation data firm Pulse iD
Digital Ventures, a fintech-focussed venture capital subsidiary of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), has invested in Hong Kong-based geolocation data startup Pulse iD, the bank said on Tuesday.
– Deal Street Asia

Section 44 to lever international schools in EEC
The government agreed Tuesday to invoke the powerful Section 44 of the interim charter to speed up the development of the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
– Bangkok Post

Will new Constitution bring back political stability to Thailand?
Thailand has taken the first step back towards a democratically elected government with the enactment of a new Constitution – the 20th since 1932 – but the jury is still out on whether political stability will return to the kingdom.
– The Straits Times

TERM LIMITS AMONG BIG CHANGES PROPOSED FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Term limits would be imposed on the thousands of subdistrict headmen nationwide if a Monday proposal by the junta-appointed reform assembly becomes law.
– Khaosod English

More than 36,000 vehicles ordered at Bangkok Motor Show
A total of 36,093 orders were placed for new vehicles at the 38th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) that ended on Sunday, according to a revised tally by show organisers.
– The Nation

Students to man vehicle checkpoints
About 20,000 vocational students and teachers are being stationed at 251 vehicle checkpoints nationwide over Songkran this week in a bid to curb traffic accidents, which spike dramatically over the festive…
– Bangkok Post

Thailand warned of changes in Japan’s agricultural policies
A senior official in Thailand’s embassy in Tokyo has warned the Kingdom to prepare for the impacts of Japan’s plan to cut around 400 Thai agricultural products from the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) two years from now.
– The Nation

Clarity sought on EEC administration
THE CABINET yesterday approved in principle the State Council’s draft bill for the Eastern Economic Corridor development project but could not agree on the structure of the EEC’s administration, said Kobsak Pootrakool, vice minister for the PM’s Office Minister.
– The Nation

DSI hunts 2,400 members of ‘Helmet Gang’
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will seek court warrants for the arrest of some 2,400 people suspected of being involved in the country’s biggest loan-shark network, deputy permanent secretary for justice Dusadee Arayawuthi said Tuesday.
– Bangkok Post

Commerce Ministry to hold “Back to School” campaign
The Ministry of Commerce, together with various manufacturers, retailers, and department stores, will hold a back-to-school campaign from April 27th – May 14th, offering 20 – 80% discounts on uniforms, stationary and other school supplies.
– Pattaya Mail

287 sex offenders nabbed
Almost 300 suspects on sex-related offences have been arrested nationwide with more than 15,000 still on the run, according to the Command and Control Operation Centre.
– Bangkok Post

Govt rejects BRN talks demands
THE BARISAN Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) separatist group is not involved in the ongoing process to establish “safety zones” in the deep South as the group had not participated in the peace talks, Thailand’s negotiating chief Aksara Kerdphol said yesterday.
– The Nation

Travel agent strands hundreds at Suvarnabhumi
Police are gathering evidence before taking action against a travel agent that spoiled a trip to Japan by about 1,000 tourists left at Suvarnabhumi airport with no planes to go.
– Bangkok Post

From love to fear: The rise of King Vajiralongkorn
On April 6, King Vajiralongkorn signed Thailand’s 20th constitution. Charters have come and gone in the country since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, often without much woe or jubilation. While the new constitution was met with similar general apathy, the unprecedented journey it went through offers a rare insight into the secretive new reign of King Vajiralongkorn and his developing leadership style.
– Al Jazeera

Legalization of marijuana in Thailand: possibility or just wishful thinking
In 2003, Thailand declared a War on Drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The war resulted in the deaths of 2,873 people in one year. Prisoners related to drugs cases soared to more than 100,000 a year. Unfortunately, those people were only drug retailers, children transporting drugs or workers using drugs to help them work.
– Prachatai English

 

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Vietnam morning newsVietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat    @leakhenakhat

 

Trump Shows Signs He Will Rekindle US-Vietnam Relations
Vietnam is eyeing a chance to restart prized trade and security ties with the United States, while checking the persuasive influence of old rival China following a new overture from the Trump administration.
— VOA News 

Vietnam looks abroad for infrastructure investors
Facing fiscal constraints, Vietnam is turning to foreign enterprises for funding and expertise as it anticipates the need for $400 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade.
— Nikkei Asian Review 

CISCO helps Vietnamese firms in digital transformation
Digital transformation is making waves worldwide. Taking advantage of the digital age to grow, to be able to protect companies and gain an edge over competitors is what businesses strive for. However, not all businesses choose the right solution.
— Viet Nam News 

ADB: Vietnam growth to continue acceleration through 2018
A report released Monday by the Asian Development Bank forecasts Vietnam’s GDP growth to continue its ascent on improvements in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade and tourism sectors, reports Saigon Giai Phong Daily.
— Asia Times 

Vietnam auto industry faces nearing tax abolishment challenge
Vietnam’s auto industry, which has ploddingly developed for the last many years, will face tariff abolishment on products imported from ASEAN nations from January 1 next year.
— Saigon

Company agrees to pay foreigner tripping over Saigon ‘sidewalk trap’ $1,000 in damages
A company that failed to clear iron hooks buried in sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City following a street decoration project, which led to an incident involving a foreign visitor last week, has agreed to apologize to and compensate the victim.
Vietnam Breaking News 

Vietnam, Cambodia strive for 5 billion USD in trade turnover
Vietnam and Cambodia have recorded encouraging outcomes in bilateral trade since diplomatic ties were set up five decades ago, and they are on the way to turnover of five billion USD in the near future.
Vietnam Plus 

Frequent inspections tire Vietnamese business owners
Despite a government order dictating that authorities only inspect businesses once a year, enterprises in Vietnam are facing repeated inspections that do more harm than good to their business.
Tuoi Tre News 

In Vietnam, tax, red tape discourage small businesses from expanding
Tens of thousands of enterprise-sized small businesses in Vietnam remain reluctant to upgrade their business status for fear of being caught up in red tape and subject to unfavorable tax conditions.
Tuoi Tre News 

Vietnam locates in group of low petrol price countries
Vietnam’s retail petrol price is lower than neighboring countries and many ASEAN nations, said head of Tax Policy Department Pham Dinh Thi yesterday afternoon referring to a proposal to increase environmental protection tax rate.
— Saigon 

A Look At The Vietnam ECommerce Divide
Vietnam is proving to represent a strange dichotomy for mobile payments watchers. While ecommerce sales in general are on the rise, and digital retail set to make up a big part of the Vietnamese economy, the same can’t be said for digital payments. In fact, digital payments aren’t gaining at anywhere near the rate ecommerce is, and that’s making for a strange—but somewhat familiar—picture.
— Paymentweek

Life Insurance Market in Vietnam to 2020 – Key Market Trends, Survey, Growth, Opportunities and Forecast
ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled ” Life Insurance Market in Vietnam to 2020: Worldwide Market Size, Shares, Trends, Growth, Survey and Forecast report ” to it’s Large Report database.
Digital Journal 

EU investors pump more than $21.56 billion in Vietnam
As of March, investors from the European Union had injected more than US$21.56 billion into 1,959 projects in Viet Nam, accounting for 7.2 per cent of total foreign direct investment and 8.5 per cent of projects registered in the country.
— VietNamNet Bridge 

VIETNAM | EXPORTS THREATENED BY TRUMP TRADE TALK
From a possible border tax to higher tariffs, America’s push to reset trade relations is putting Vietnam’s small economy at risk.
— MacauDailyTimes

United Airlines: Chinese and Vietnamese anger at passenger removal
Outrage has erupted on Chinese and Vietnamese social media over the removal of a passenger from an overbooked United Airlines flight.
— BBC News 

Australia partners with World Bank for VN’s development
Australia will provide AU$25 million (US$18.7 million) to the World Bank over the next four years as part of a joint effort to help Việt Nam realise its economic development plan.
 — 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.

 

 

 

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