Asean Morning News For April 3

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

ASEAN PMI rises to 50.9 in March
The Nikkei ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, rose to 50.9 in March from 50.3 in February. All ASEAN economies except Malaysia recorded growth across their manufacturing sectors.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Asean delegates to tour Museo Sugbo
Around 120 delegates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit meetings set to be held this week in Cebu, will be treated to a tour of Museo Sugbo, located four blocks away from the iconic Plaza Independencia along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City.
— Inquirer.Net

Asean to recognize biodiversity heroes
What is biodiversity? Ask people what they think it means, and chances are only a few can accurately define it. Fewer still can explain its significance to human survival.
— Business Mirror

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Soft tax approach sends mixed signals
The Tax Department has announced a one-month extension to its traditional March 31 deadline for companies to submit their annual corporate tax filings – an unprecedented last-minute move that some legal experts argue could be sending the wrong message to taxpayers.
— The Phnom Penh Post

NEC warns groups on releasing polling data
National Election Committee spokesman Hang Puthea on Friday asked third-party institutions to refrain from releasing opinion polls and voter surveys within seven days of the commune elections, while also informally requesting pollsters avoid releasing results during the official two-week campaign before the election.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Tourism as usual at Angkor Wat despite steeper fees
The steep increase in Angkor Wat ticket prices on February 1 did not discourage tourists from visiting the country’s chief tourist draw, as some feared, but it also did not reap any significant material gains for the
government coffers, new data shows.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Singaporean Officials Rebuff CNRP Questions Over Sand Exports
Singaporean officials last week declined a request by CNRP parliamentarians to release documents related to the city-state’s controversial import of Cambodian sand, opposition lawmaker Son Chhay said on Sunday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Kith Meng Firm’s Wood Seized Near Border
Authorities in Tbong Khmum province seized two trucks that were about to break the government’s ban on timber exports to Vietnam by carting wood across the border for a company owned by business mogul Kith Meng.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Communes ‘Need Extra Funds’ to Develop: Analyst
The government should increase the annual budget of communes by $100,000 to increase the quality of life for ordinary Cambodians, an analyst has told VOA Khmer.
— VOA

Cambodia Appeals to Trump to Forgive War-Era Debt
During the Vietnam War, the United States lent hundreds of millions of dollars to Cambodia’s flailing government to feed and clothe refugees — even as American B-52s drove many of those same people from their villages by carpet-bombing the countryside.
— The New York Times

Cambodia’s famed Angkor earns nearly 31 mln USD from ticket sales in Q1
Revenue from ticket sales to foreigners visiting Cambodia’s famed Angkor archeological park reached 30.8 million U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2017, up 51.6 percent over the same period last year, according to an official report on Saturday.
— Xinhua

Cambodia’s Defense Policy: Challenges and the Way Ahead
According to the Australian Defense Force’s Defense Economic Trends 2016 report as seen in Figure 1, the country’s military expenditure increased yearly from just USD 100 million in 2008 to about USD 400 million in 2015.
— IPP Review

Incentives for a digital economy
Digital payments have made slow headway in Cambodia, where much of the
population remains unbanked and e-commerce sites rely almost solely on cash-
on-delivery payments.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Green Light For Surrogate Babies to Exit Cambodia
Nearly six months after the Health Ministry banned surrogate pregnancies, Prime Minister Hun Sen has approved an exit strategy allowing babies born to Cambodian surrogates to leave the country.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Opinion Polls to Be Banned Ahead of Election
Cambodia’s top election body will take legal action against groups that conduct or publish opinion polls in the two weeks leading up to June 4 commune elections, its spokesman said on Sunday, warning that the surveys could lead to “social instability.”
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Trump puts Indonesia on trade hit list
A week after seeing a petition against Indonesia’s biodiesel, the country has seen another blow in its trade with the United States after President Donald Trump called for an investigation into the “trade imbalance” between the US and 16 countries, including Indonesia.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia Manufacturing Sector Turns To Expansion In March – Nikkei
The manufacturing sector in Indonesia swung to expansion in March, the latest survey from Nikkei showed on Monday with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.5.
— RTT News

INDONESIA | 81 FOREIGN SHIPS DESTROYED FOR ILLEGAL FISHING
Indonesian authorities destroyed 81 foreign ships over the weekend after seizing the vessels for fishing illegally in the country’s waters.
— Macau Daily Times

Banking loans grow 8.4 percent in February 2017: BI
The amount of banking loans grew 8.4 percent to Rp4,333 trillion year on year (yoy) in February from 8.2 percent yoy a month earlier, Bank Indonesia (BI) said.
— Antara News

Soekarno Hatta Airport to have zone of bonded logistic center
State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II through its subsidiary PT Angkasa Pura Kargo is preparing the opening a zone of bonded logistic center (PLB) in the Soekarno Hatta International Airport.
— Antara News

Dozens missing after landslide in Indonesia
Heavy rains have halted the search for at least two dozen people missing after a landslide swept into a village on Indonesia’s main island of Java.
— Newshub

Representing Asian Muslims, Indonesians Cast A Wary Eye on Trump’s Travel Ban
When Annisa Rochadiat made a recent trip to Japan, she was worried about whether she would be able to re-enter the U.S.
— Netral News

Philippine Navy ship deal: Indonesians arrested
Ranking officials of an Indonesian state shipbuilder were reportedly apprehended before the weekend by anti-corruption authorities over a bribery case involving the sale of two warships to the Philippine Navy worth at least P4 billion.
— Phil Star

MedArbId to host 3rd Annual Symposium for Mediators and Arbitrators in Jakarta
Hundreds of domestic and foreign legal officials, practitioners, corporate counsels, corporations, arbitrators and mediators are expected to join vigorous discussions for the enhancement of arbitration and mediation practices in the whole Asia-Pacific region.
— The Jakarta Post

Minister provides Rp1.34 billion to help landslide victims in Ponorogo
Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has provided aid worth Rp1.34 billion to help victims of a landslide that hit Ponorogo District, East Java Province, on Saturday morning.
— Antara News

Melinda Gates: Foreign aid cuts to contraceptives in Trump’s budget hurt millions of women
Contraceptives are one of the greatest antipoverty innovations the world has ever seen, and we can give women access to them.
— USA Today

Singapore Protests Accusations by Indonesian Police Officials on Extradition
The Singaporean government has described accusations by Indonesian police officials that it refuses to honor an extradition treaty between the two countries as “factually incorrect and mischievous.”
— Jakarta Globe

Cooperation Not an Option, but Necessity for Indonesia’s Tourism Industry: Minister
Tourism Ministry officials and local government representatives held a two-day national coordination meeting at the Borobudur Hotel in South Jakarta last week to discuss ways to make Indonesia’s tourism sector more competitive.
— Jakarta Globe

Singapore refutes claims by Indonesian police
Singapore has refuted accusations by two Indonesian police officials that it refused to cooperate with regard to extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests.
— The Straits Times

Pelindo asked to speed up completion of Gilimas port project
Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has asked state-owned port operation PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) III to speed up completion of the Gilimas port project in the regency of West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
— Antara News

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Water management cooperation to flow from Laos, China joint efforts
Laos and China have agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of water resources through a new Data and Information Centre in conjunction with river basin management plans.
— Vientiane Times

Beware of illegal business ventures, central bank warns
The Bank of the Lao PDR has warned the public to be on the alert for individuals or companies that illegally convince people to deposit their money or buy shares in business schemes, lured by the promise of high returns or interest rates.
— Vientiane Times

Nam Mo 2 Hydropower Plant to Be Built Soon
A US$217-million Nam Mo 2 Hydropower Plant Project will start construction in Mok District, Xieng Khouang Province soon, with the investors having signed a contract with the government on March 30.
— Lao News Agency

Gov’t Pins Medals on Public and Private Sectors
A handover ceremony of medals and certificates of appreciation was held at the Ministry of National Defence on March 31 to applaud 32 departments and private sectors and 80 civil servants who had contributed to organizing the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Lao Government.
— Lao News Agency

Lao Police Report Arrest of Wanted Drug Kingpin Sisouk Daoheuang
Lao police have arrested fugitive drug kingpin Sisouk Dauheuang, an associate of Xaysana “Mr. X “ Keophimpha who had been on the run since Xaysana’s capture in January, security sources told RFA’s Lao Service on Sunday.
— Radio Free Asia

Improved VAT Procedures Expected to Make Paying Taxes Easier
The Ministry of Finance launched today the new Implementing Instructions for the revised value-added tax (VAT) Law, which were approved in January 2017. The revised instructions will make the tax collection procedures more transparent. This is expected to make paying taxes easier for local businesses, and contribute to improving Lao PDR’s business climate.
— Satpr News

Prime Minister Urges End of Tedious Policies to Improve Business Climate in Laos
Prime Minister Thongloun has advised line ministries to eliminate futile procedures in an effort to improve the business environment in Laos.
— The Laotian Times

Double Tree by Hilton Makes Investment in Laos
The award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton will soon be among the many new hotels to open in the heart of Vientiane. Earlier in the week, DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane signed a management agreement with TPD Company Limited, a branch of TK Group, to manage the 160-room luxury hotel.
— The Laotian Times

Laos extends support for MIA activities
Lao-American cooperation in locating the remains of American service personnel missing in Laos during the Indochina War has been underway in Khammuan province, with valuable contributions by all parties involved.
— Vientiane Times

Full steam ahead for start of Laos-China railway
Hundreds of trucks carrying machinery and equipment for construction of the Laos-China railway have entered Laos after being delayed at the border, a senior government official has said.
— Vientiane Times

Lao-Asean Hospital Prepares to Register on Lao Securities Exchange
Lao-Asean Hospital, a private hospital in Laos, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lanexang Securities Public Company to secure its registration at the Lao Securities Exchange (LSX).
— Lao News Agency

Two Foreign Firms Invest in Agarwood Development in Laos
Two foreign companies have reached an agreement to develop agarwood products to international standards for export markets.
— Lao News Agency

More Than 36 Trillion Kip Invested in Vientiane Capital Last Year
The last year’s investment in Vientiane Capital fetched over 36.9 trillion kip (USD 4.48 billion) mostly in commercial production and systematic food security projects.
— Lao News Agency

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Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Tier-one US aerospace firm to invest in Malaysia
A tier-one aerospace manufacturer is coming to invest in Malaysia, making it the first tier-one aerospace manufacturer to come to the country after a hiatus of 10 years.
— The Star Online

Construction jobs tendered out not hitting targeted RM200bil
The value of construction jobs tendered out in the country for 2016 failed to reach the targeted RM200bil, hitting only RM124.9bil compared to RM139.7bil in 2015.
— The Star Online

CIMB eyes bigger market share in consumer banking, eyes,digital methods
Amid stiff competition in the banking space, CIMB Bank Bhd is aiming for a stronger market share in consumer banking which is a significant contributor to the group’s earnings.
— The Star Online

Sarawak’s first int’l digital economy conference raring to go
It’s all system go for this year’s International ICT, Infrastructure and Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS 2017), a first of such international event to be held in the state.
— New Straits Times

Ranhill appoints Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman as new CEO
Ranhill Sdn Bhd (SAJ) today announced the appointment of Datuk Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.
— New Straits Times

Minister says people failing to report child sexual crimes must also be punished
People who fail to report child sexual crimes must also be taken to court for abetting, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
— Malay Mail Online

Second finance minister suggests ‘problem solved’ if Dr M-Nazri debate in hotel
A hotel venue may be the answer to the police permit issue for the twice cancelled debate between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his critic Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani suggested today.
— Malay Mail Online

Fundraising to get tougher this year as investors get high on caliber: Catcha’s Patrick Grove
Companies in Southeast Asia have to reach out to investors outside the region and educate them on their business if they are looking for big ticket fundings which are hard to come by within Southeast Asia, Patrick Grove, founder and CEO of Malaysian digital firm Catcha Group which has recently closed a $90 million round from global investors for its video streaming service iflix, said in an interaction.
— Deal Street Asia

Malaysia: Actis acquires major stake in GHL Systems with $65.5m deal
Growth markets investor Actis had made a significant investment in GHL Systems, a Southeast Asian payments company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and listed on Bursa Malaysia, following an RM290.24 million ($65.5 million) investment.
— Deal Street Asia

Six dead after skidding trailer smashes into car on Malaysia’s North-South highway
Six people in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) were killed after a trailer that skidded smashed into the car on the North South Expressed way near the Tanjung Malim exit on Sunday (April 2).
— The Straits Times

Malaysia’s medical tourism set to soar, hits RM1bil mark last year
IN January, International Living (IL), an authority on global retirement and relocation opportunities, had put Malaysia in sixth place for its “10 Best Places to Retire” list.
— New Straits Times Online

Law Firms in Singapore and Malaysia Launch FinTech Practice
Two law firms in Singapore and Malaysia have launched fintech practices as the growth of the financial technology sector continues to gain pace in both countries.
— Cryptocoins news

New range of Benelli motorcycles to arrive from next month
The new Benelli motorcycles, the moped RFS 150i, the touring bike TRK 502 and sport bike 302R, will be available in the market from next month.
— The Star Online

CJ WOW SHOP beats target, aims for RM120m in sales this year
WITHIN one year of operation, the home shopping network, CJ WOW SHOP, has recorded sales exceeding RM90 million.
— New Straits Times

WI makes solid debut on stock exchange
The highly anticipated listing of Eco World International Bhd on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market saw the counter open at an 11 sen premium, at RM1.31 apiece, above the retail offer price of RM1.20
— New Straits Times

Malaysians unapologetic about joining Asia’s Next Top Model
Fans of Asia’s Next Top Model will not have one but two local beauties to root for in this year’s competition.
— Malay Mail Online

Johari says govt to amend Customs Act 1967 against sale of illicit cigarette
The government will amend the Customs Act 1967 to take action against individuals or those selling illicit cigarettes.
— Malay Mail Online

Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Suu Kyi’s party wins string of seats, rejected by Myanmar’s minorities
Aung San Suu Kyi’s one-year-old government won a string of seats in Myanmar by-elections Sunday (Apr 2) but was bruised by losses in ethnic minority areas.
— Channel NewsAsia

Myanmar PMI hits record high of 53.1 in March
Myanmar’s manufacturing sector improved again at the end of the first quarter. The Nikkei Myanmar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, rose to 53.1 in March from 51.9 in February, hitting the highest reading since the survey began in December 2015.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Myanmar: Myanmar: National CCCM Cluster Factsheet, April 2017
Breakdown of a ceasefire agreement in KACHIN State in 2011 caused waves of displacement with over 90,000 IDPs dispersed across 150+ camps or camp-like settings, including areas of Northern Shan State (Shan). An additional 7,000 IDPs are staying with host families. About 50% of camps are located in non-government controlled areas (NGCA) with very limited access.
— ReliefWeb

Education Services sector in Myanmar now open to foreign investment
In the list of Promoted Sector that Myanmar’s Department of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) announced on 1st April 2017 under MIC Notification No 13/2017 there is a category for Education Services, which list the following business activities:
— Consult-Myanmar

$1.3bn from bean exports
Myanmar has earned more than US$1.3 billion from exporting beans and peas until the second week of March this fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
— Eleven

Temporary suspension of Yangon Saturday-Sunday Book Street
A ceremony to temporarily suspend the Yangon Saturday-Sunday Book Street organised by the Ministry of Information was held this afternoon at Yangon Saturday-Sunday Book Street in Theinbyu Street, Yangon.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Results of 2017 by-elections
The National League for Democracy won almost half of the seats that were contested in by-elections on Sunday, the first vote since it dominated elections a year ago and an early indication of continued support for State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her administration.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

New container terminal being built in Thilawa SEZ
WITH the loans provided by Japanese government, a new container terminal has been developed by the Myanmar Port Authorities in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone to handle more large ships and meet growing demand.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

SNLD wins landslide in Shan State
The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) had a disappointing run in the Shan State by-election on April 1, when Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) won with a landslide victory.
— Myanmar Times

Mining FDI applications dry up
Until the first week of March during this fiscal year, a privately owned company invested more than Ks4.6 billion in the mining sector, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
— Eleven

Early new year joy for Myanmar, Sri Lankan maids
Singapore’s only clubhouse for maids was awash with colour yesterday as the domestic helpers celebrated the Myanmar and Sri Lankan new years.
— The Straits Times

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Philippines’ San Miguel plans $34b investments, eyes Saigon Beer stake
San Miguel Corp. plans to invest $34 billion in an oil refinery, an integrated steel complex and an ocean-tide power plant as the Philippines’ largest company by sales expands amid forecasts for robust economic growth in the country, according to its president.
— Deal Street Asia

Philippines manufacturing PMI up to 53.8 in March
The Nikkei Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, rose marginally to 53.8 in March from 53.6 in February.
— Nikkei Asian Review

March inflation paces up to 3.1%-3.6%
A weakening peso likely pushed oil and food prices higher in March, likewise creating upward pressure on headline inflation that month, but analysts are split in their outlook for a rate hike by the central bank this year.
— The Manila Times

Manila City Council approves smoking ban in all local government facilities
An ordinance that bans smoking at all public buildings, facilities, and establishments “owned, used, or controlled or administered by the city government of Manila” was approved unanimously by the city council.
— Manila Bulletin

BOC: SMC’s appeal on seized fuel under review; CTA case premature
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) disputed yesterday San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) move to question the bureau’s seizure of alleged smuggled fuel in Limay, Bataan, saying “the filing of review with the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) is premature.”
— Manila Bulletin

After Navy, Coast Guard patrols Benham Rise
For the first time yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrolled Benham Rise, following the reported presence of Chinese vessels in the area declared by the United Nations as part of the extended continental shelf of the Philippines.
— Phil Star

China willing to engage in marine cooperation with PH
The Chinese government expressed its willingness to engage in marine cooperation, including joint scientific research, with the Philippines, as long as these undertakings bring benefit to both countries.
— Manila Bulletin

Stop debate on death toll, solve drug kills, says bishop
It doesn’t matter whether the number of victims is 4,000 or 7,000, or whether the victims were killed by police or by vigilantes, what is important is that extrajudicial killings in President Duterte’s war on drugs must stop, a Catholic bishop said on Sunday.
— Inquirer.Net

DND seeks to boost external defense
WITH the deliveries of the South Korean-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jet fighters nearing completion and other new equipment expected, the government is looking for more platforms to boost external defense, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
— The Manila Times

Philippines ceasefire talks with rebels delayed
The start of Dutch-hosted ceasefire talks to end a four-decade insurgency waged by communist rebels in the Philippines has been delayed to Monday, mediators said.
— Yahoo7 News

US Fed, not Brexit, driving volatility — BSP governor
FORMAL TALKS for Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) have shown minimal impact as far as Philippine markets are concerned, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) chief said, noting that concern over the direction of US interest rates — and not Brexit — that continues to drive market uncertainty.
— Business World Online

Philippine REIT market unlikely to take off till tax reform package gets nod
THE REVIVAL of talks to kickstart the real estate investment trust (REIT) market may take a back seat for now as the Finance department’s tax reform program faces rough sailing in Congress.
— Business World Online

Palace dismisses EU threat
THE Duterte administration on Sunday dismissed the warning of the envoy of the European Union that EU countries could block the entry of Philippine exports if drug-related killings continue.
— The Manila Times

PCC to look into DTI’s proposal on retail prices
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will look into the proposal of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to give companies the freedom to decide on the pricing and necessary cost adjustments of basic necessities and prime commodities.
— Phil Star

Minimum pay to go up for Pinoy maids in Singapore
According to the Singapore-based The Straits Times, the minimum salary for Filipino domestic helpers will be increased to S$570 starting May 1 to keep pace with exchange rate fluctuations.
— ABS-CBN

Gov’t-NDF peace talks resume
Over a month after talks were scrapped, formal peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels resumed yesterday in Oslo, Norway, but without any ceasefire and with both parties warning of continuing violence.
— Phil Star

Philippines seeks to rename marine zone
The Philippines said it is planning to change the name of a stretch of water east of the country in a bid to highlight its sovereignty over the area, which was surveyed recently by a Chinese vessel.
— The Star Online

Mormons rejoice at announcement of new temples in Utah, Idaho, Kenya, Philippines, Brazil
News of an LDS temple coming to Saratoga Springs turned the Griffiths home upside down Sunday morning.
— Deseret News

Government set to talk with MNLF in May
Talks with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari may start next month, President Duterte said, as he urged rebels to control their forces while the negotiations are ongoing.
— Phil Star

Lacson urges protection for Aquino, others on NDF ‘arrest list’
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday called on the law enforcement and the people to protect former President Benigno Aquino III and other personalities reportedly ordered arrested by the communist group, saying the order was illegal.
— Inquirer.Net

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Singapore Property Developers Have a New Headache
Singapore’s recent unwinding of some property curbs, which initially appeared to boost prospects for developers, may instead be creating new problems.
— Bloomberg

People in Singapore spend over 12 hours on gadgets daily: Survey
Singapore consumers polled spend most of their waking hours using gadgets, with positive and negative effects
— The Straits Times

WEX Expands Asian Virtual Payments Solution to Singapore
(BUSINESS WIRE)–WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX), a leading provider of corporate payment solutions, today announced that it will begin issuing virtual credit cards in Singapore, expanding its program in the Asian region that currently includes Hong Kong and Thailand.
— Business Wire

More properties put up for auction in Q1
The total number of properties put up for auction increased in the first quarter of the year, up 25% to 177 properties.
— Singapore Business Review

Singapore blocks visas for Indian IT professionals
While the focus has been on the US, visas for IT professionals to work in Singapore have dropped “to a trickle”, prompting the government to put on hold the review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) citing violation of the trade pact.
— The Times of India

Singapore refutes reports of non-cooperation with Indonesia’s extradition requests
Singapore has refuted reports citing Indonesian police officials which said that Singapore did not want to engage in cooperation on Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance requests.
— Channel NewsAsia

Singapore eDevelopment’s auditor draws attention to group’s ability to continue as a going concern
The independent auditor drew attention to Note 2.1 in the financial statements which stated certain conditions which indicate a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
— The Business Times

Singaporean Officials Rebuff CNRP Questions Over Sand Exports
Singaporean officials last week declined a request by CNRP parliamentarians to release documents related to the city-state’s controversial import of Cambodian sand, opposition lawmaker Son Chhay said on Sunday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Singapore is not Immune from Potential Unemployment Hardships
Technological advancements has created new jobs. However, there is a job mismatch. Fresh graduates are likely to hold out against taking on initial offers from prospective employers due to a variety of reasons. For instance, job seekers may not be fully trained for that particular role and apprehension sets in. Coupled with low starting salaries due to foreign competition, job seekers would then likely adopt a wait and see attitude. Hence, the conundrum.
— The Independent

Minimum pay to go up for Pinoy maids in Singapore
According to the Singapore-based The Straits Times, the minimum salary for Filipino domestic helpers will be increased to S$570 starting May 1 to keep pace with exchange rate fluctuations.
— ABS CBN News

Singapore Market May See Renewed Selling Pressure
The Singapore stock market bounced higher again on Friday, one session after it had ended the two-day winning streak in which it had advanced almost 60 points or 1.9 percent. The Straits Times Index now rests just above the 3,175-point plateau, although the market may head south again on Monday.
— RTT News

Singapore’s Brave to Battle Chinese Bosses
After seeing investors in Singapore duped for years by misbehaving bosses, the city’s stock exchange is taking its fight for justice to mainland China, an exemplar of egregious corporate behavior in the post-Enron world.
— Bloomberg

Singapore shipping industry boosts efforts to meet emissions goals
Singapore’s maritime industry is stepping up efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and related activities, ahead of the 2020 target that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set for a 0.5 per cent global cap on sulphur emissions from marine fuels, from the current 3.5 per cent limit.
— Hellenic Shipping News

Law Firms in Singapore and Malaysia Launch FinTech Practice
Two law firms in Singapore and Malaysia have launched fintech practices as the growth of the financial technology sector continues to gain pace in both countries.
— Crytocoins News

Singapore Protests Accusations by Indonesian Police Officials on Extradition
The Singaporean government has described accusations by Indonesian police officials that it refuses to honor an extradition treaty between the two countries as “factually incorrect and mischievous.”
— Jakarta Globe

M1 to roll out Singapore’s first cloud-based virtual core network
The first cloud-based virtual Enhanced Packet Core (vEPC) network solution will soon be launched in Singapore by the joint initiative of telco M1 and IT solutions provider Huawei.
— Singapore Business Review

MAS to stick with current policy stance despite recent stronger data: economists
Economists’ hesitation in calling for a tightening this year despite recent stronger growth numbers underscores a lack of confidence in Singapore’s future growth prospects.
— The Business Times

Singapore gets tough to meet environment goals
SINGAPORE is set to introduce a series of new regulations in a bid to speed up progress towards the city-state’s environment commitments.
— Carbon News

Man arrested over Hougang station security scare
For the first time since the launch of the SGSecure movement to prepare Singaporeans for any terror attack, an unattended suitcase caused a security scare, leading to the closure of Hougang MRT Station for more than an hour yesterday.
— Today Online

Private home prices decline for 14th straight quarter
Private home prices in Singapore continued their decline in the first quarter of this year – the 14th straight month of contraction, according to flash estimates released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Monday (Apr 3).
— Channel NewsAsia

Job security becoming less important for Singaporean millennials
Although salary has been consistently ranked as the most important factor especially for millennials in Singapore, a Randstad study revealed that the importance of job security and financial health of the organisation has fallen more and more compared to five years ago.
— Singapore Business Review

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Thailand’s PMI down to 50.2 in March
The Nikkei Thailand Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, dropped to 50.2 in March from 50.6 in February.
– About Nikkei Asian Review

Tax evaders may face asset seizures
Evading taxes worth 10 million baht or more, or fraudulently filing for tax refunds of 2 million baht or more through collusion, shall be considered a money-laundering offence, according to a new law taking effect on Sunday.
–Bangkok Post

Nine policemen injured by gunmen in Thailand
Nine policemen were injured by gunmen at a road checkpoint in southern Thailand on Monday, police said.
Indo Asian News Service

Condo glut weighs on project launches
A surfeit of unsold condominium units in the resort towns of Cha-am and Hua Hin will continue to slow the launch of new projects this year, says property consultant Knight Frank Thailand.
– Bangkok Post

Major loan-shark network busted
POLICE CRACKED down on loan-shark networks with working funds of more than Bt100 million in Phetchaburi province yesterday.
– The Nation

Freight operators asked to halt operations during Songkran festival
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has called on freight carriers to avoid transporting cargoes during the Songkran festival to help reduce traffic problems and minimize road accidents.
– NNT

Army opens probe into soldier’s death
The army has ordered a probe into the death of a 22-year-old private in the southern province of Surat Thani as his family suspects he was brutally beaten in a local army prison.
– Bangkok Post

15 million expected to register as low-income earners for benefits
WHILE the government has predicted bright economic prospects this year, as many as 15 million people are expected to register as low-income earners to obtain assistance in the second round of registration that opens today – almost double the number of people enrolled late last year.
– The Nation

Govt targets small-time fishermen
The Department of Fisheries will begin targeting small-scale fishing as part of its plan to bring its marine sector in line with international standards and comply with European Union rules.
– Bangkok Post

Tax records of 38 ex Thai ministers under scrutiny
Thirty-eight former Cabinet members from the previous governments of Abhisit Vejjajiva and Yingluck Shinawatra have come under the microscope over their tax records, a media inquiry has found.
— Eleven

Govt: All citizens entitled to free emergency services in first 72 hrs
The government has confirmed that all citizens are entitled to free emergency medical treatment at all hospitals in the first 72 hours following injury.
– NNT

5G licence auction faces delay due to technicalities
The planned fifth generation (5G) licence auction on the 2600-megahertz spectrum is likely to be put off to 2018 due to a lack of well-designed frequency valuation principles and the transition to a new…
– Bangkok Post

Burgeoning F&B markets in the region draw top international exhibitors to THAIFEX-world of food asia
Following the rapid population growth and mass urbanisation in Asia in the last decade, the traditional demand for food in the region has changed drastically. Not only does the Asia-Pacific region have some of the fastest growing F&B industries in the world, with projected year-on-year growth rates averaging 11 percent, there has also been increased attention to healthier living and demand for better labelling and packaging.
– Asia Food Journal

The New BOI Act promotes technology and offers additional incentives
Investment in Asia, especially in Thailand, is growing significantly. Therefore, the Thai government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, has encouraged related government agencies to take measures to boost investment in the country, improve the investment environment to be ready for “Thailand 4.0” and to become the world’s investment destination.
– Bangkok Post (advertorial)

Separatist plan gets govt rebuke
Authorities have dismissed as nonsense a fresh move by some members of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist movement seeking to “declare independence” from Thailand in 15 years.
– Bangkok Post

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Vietnam manufacturing PMI hits 22-month high in March
Vietnamese manufacturing sector ended the first quarter of the year on a positive note. The Nikkei Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, or PMI, rose to a 22-month high of 54.6 in March from 54.2 in February.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Vietnam records a strong export growth in first quarter
With total export value estimated at 43.73 billion USD, Vietnam’s exports in the first three months of this year went beyond expectations, up12.8 percent from the same time in 2016, according to the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
— Hanoi Times

Taiwan Vietnam’s fourth largest foreign investor
According to the latest statistics published by Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, Taiwan’s investors stand as the fourth largest source of foreign capital in Vietnam, trailing only behind South Korea, Singapore, and China.
— Taiwan News

New draft law sets minimum air ticket price
A Ministry of Transport (MoT) draft law, which is currently collecting idea contributions, would enforce a minimum price for domestic air tickets, a move opposed by fast-growing low-cost carrier Vietjet Air.
— Viet Nam News

AIRASIA PLANS VIETNAM VENTURE ON SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL BOOM
AirAsia Bhd., the low-cost carrier headed by Malaysian tycoon Tony Fernandes, plans to start a Vietnamese carrier in a local partnership, as cheap fares and rising incomes fuel a travel surge in the Southeast Asian nation.
— MacauDaily Times

Vietnamese farmers rush into raising catfish over Chinese demand
A surge in demand for catfish from the Chinese market has led farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to grow a large volume of the type of fish, despite many warnings from experts.
— Tuoi Tre News

Stock volatility expected this week
Shares are expected to decline further this week as investors seek profits from a 10-year high, but the decline will not be heavy as foreign investments and first-quarter performances will boost investor confidence in listed companies.
— Viet Nam News

KKR to Take $250 Million Stake in Vietnam’s Masan and Meat Unit
KKR & Co. is investing $250 million in Vietnam’s Masan Group Corp. and its unit to help boost their competitiveness in the country’s $18 billion meat industry.
— Bloomberg

Feature: Vietnam steps up efforts to curb “ugly” tourism, protect Chinese visitors’ interests
In a queue that stretched about a kilometer Chinese tourists were waiting patiently to complete border procedures to enter Vietnam unaware of the fact that some of them had fallen foul of dishonest travel agencies.
— Xin Hua Net

Local beer firm eyes Vietnamese brewery
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will join the Vietnamese government’s public bidding for the sale of its stake in state-owned brewery, Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp. (Sabeco).
— Malaya Business Insight

Hanoi to enhance service quality and develop public transport bus system
Hanoi People’s Committee has recently issued Announcement 207/TB-UBND, stating conclusion of the People’s Committee leaders at the meeting on project “Improve service quality and develop public transport system by bus in Hanoi in the 2016-2020 period and orientation to 2025”.
— Hanoi Times

Unsafe produce hurting exports
Nowadays, a number of countries apply standards by associations or sectors instead of national standards. For instance, retailers in UK, North America and Europe only consider signing contracts with suppliers which have British Retail Consortium (BRC) certification.
— Saigon

Massive imports overpower domestically made products
Vietnam spends big money every year to buy foreign goods and services, including those which could be made or offered domestically.
— VietNamNet Bridge

T&T group suggests to invest over 1,300 billion VND in high-tech agriculture
According to T&T Group, the investment project covers the area of planning rice cultivation, growing crops and water surface area in communes and wards in Son Tay town focused on 5 regions.
— Hanoi Times

Việt Nam’s Mother Goddesses receive UNESCO’s recognition certificate
A ceremony marking an official UNESCO certificate of recognition for “Practices Related to the Việt Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses in Three Realms” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was held last night at the Phủ Giầy worshipping complex in the northern province of Nam Định.
— 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.