Asean Morning News For April 6

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

UK official warns Malaysia against an Asean union
Malaysia can learn a thing or two from Brexit, the most important of which is to avoid getting into a union like the European Union (EU) with other Asean countries.
— Free Malaysia Today

India to host anti-terror conference with Asean
India plans to host a conference on counter-radicalisation with participation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) nations, the government told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
— Economic Times

ASEAN Market Watch: Indonesia Automotive Market, Malaysia-India Trade, and ASEAN Manufacturing Sector
In 2016, 3.16 million cars were sold in the ASEAN region, according to the latest data from ASEAN Automotive Federation. Around 1.06 million cars, 33 percent of the total car sales, were sold in Indonesia. Thailand follows at second place with 768,788 cars. However, Thailand leads in terms of car production among the ASEAN countries. The country produced 1.94 million vehicles, accounting for almost 50 percent of total ASEAN manufacturing. Indonesia produced 1.17 million cars in 2016.
— ASEAN Briefing

Defence relations in a globalized world
Philippines’ developing defence links with New Zealand augur well for regional security in an uncertain era.
— Phil Star

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Startups turn heads in Silicon Valley
Cambodia’s startups have clamoured to attract foreign venture capital, and now
even Silicon Valley is paying attention. Last month, local media and entertainment site Khmerload – described by some as Cambodia’s version of Buzzfeed – secured $200,000 in investment from the regional arm of California-based venture capital seed fund 500 Startups, marking the first- ever Silicon Valley investment into a Cambodian startup.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Water utility widens revenue stream
The capital’s listed water utility inaugurated a new treatment facility yesterday that will increase its production capacity of clean water by 30 percent, and add to its revenue stream – a move likely to impress its shareholders.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Electricity Access Is Growing, But Divide Persists
Cambodia has been quickly turning on the lights for more households, but access to electricity remains significantly lower in rural areas than in cities, according to a new report from the World Bank.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Officials Set Ambitious Clean Water Targets
Phnom Penh will gain four new water treatment plants and 9 out of 10 Cambodians will have access to state-supplied clean water by 2025 under a proposal put forward by officials on Wednesday at the inauguration of a new facility in Phnom Penh.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Meters might save the tuk-tuk in Cambodia
Three-wheel tuk-tuks are a popular means of transportation in Southeast Asia, but negotiating fares with drivers is a headache for locals and foreign tourists alike.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Cambodia recognizes Kem Sokha as new opposition leader
The Cambodia’s Interior Ministry on Wednesday formally recognized Kem Sokha as the new leader of the country’s main opposition party, according to a letter signed by Interior Minister Sar Kheng.
— Xinhuanet

BBQ chain to fire up in Kingdom
Express Food Group (EFG), a subsidiary of Bangkok-based RMA Group, will offer franchising opportunities for the Thai-based Bar B Q Plaza restaurant brand in Cambodia, according to a Thai media report yesterday.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Acknowledging U.S. Role in Bombing, Ambassador Prioritizes Demining Efforts
William A. Heidt, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, says he is “very aware” of the historical role the United States played in the conflict in Cambodia, which is why he is seeking to prioritize the clearance of unexploded ordinance left behind by years of bombing.
— VOA

Cambodia Post hopes to deliver for e-giants
State-owned Cambodia Post plans to launch a new e-commerce company in a move to latch onto the growth of online transactions in the Kingdom and diversify its revenue streams, a company executive said yesterday.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Study Shines Light on Growing Cambodian Consumer Class
As a senior communications manager at an advertising company, Rom Molyka enjoys spending her disposable income on shopping, eating out and traveling.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Trump faces first international backlash in Cambodia
After facing defeat on a number of issues in the US, President Donald Trump’s resolve to ‘make America first’ and ‘make America great again’ went down the drain in Cambodia.
— The Independent

Cambodia gets EU free trade deal despite abuse claims – while UK is ordered to PAY
THE European Union has come under fire for a free trade arrangement with Cambodia despite calls for a human rights abuse probe on the Southeast Asian nation.
— Express

Cambodia scraps US military aid deal in latest snub to Washington
Cambodia has scrapped a long-running US military aid programme in the latest sign of a Southeast Asian nation tilting away from Washington and towards Beijing.
— Financial Times

Opposition Agrees to Withdraw Election Slogan After Government Complaints
The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has scrapped its election slogan following pressure from the government.
— VOA

Jailed Political Analyst Denied Chance to Meet PM in Court
The Court of Appeals last week denied a request by jailed political analyst Kim Sok to meet his accuser, Prime Minister Hun Sen, in court during his trial for defamation and incitement.
— VOA

Seventeen Cambodians Repatriated From Malaysia
Thirteen Cambodians trafficked to Malaysia in 2015 and last year were to be repatriated on Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced, and another four were returned on Monday after working in Malaysia as maids—a violation of a government ban on sending domestic workers to the country.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodian PM inaugurates 61-mln-dollar water treatment plant in capital
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Wednesday inaugurated a new water treatment plant in southeastern part of capital Phnom Penh, saying that the plant would help meet a growing demand for clean water in Phnom Penh and nearby Kandal province.
— Xinhua

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Taxation Authority in Indonesia Selects SuperPad 3.3 to Collect Data
With the assistance of Supergeo’s partner in Indonesia, DataScrip, the regional offices of Indonesian taxation authority recently selected SuperPad 3.3 as the mobile GIS software for spatial data collection.
— Directions Magazine

Indonesia’s tax amnesty program comes up short
JAKARTA Indonesia’s tax amnesty program, which came to an end on March 31, has exposed the massive scale of uncollected taxes in the country.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Indonesia to initiate global halal tourism consortium
Indonesia has planned to initiate a forum to facilitate the growing halal tourism by establishing Global Halal Travel Consortium (GHTC), an official said here Wednesday.
— Xinhua

Indonesians take ‘concrete stand’ against cement plant
Farmers in Indonesia are resorting to extreme measures of protest to show the government how the construction of a cement factory will paralyse their lives.
— Aljazeera

Labuhanbatu withdraws thousand of Islamic text book
The District Education Office of Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra, said it has withdrawn thousands of packages of Islamic text books for school students of the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) Islamic school as the books are potential to confuse Islamic community.
— Antara News

Dilemma of energy used for cooking in Indonesia
Indonesia still relies on imports to cope with a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is expected to worsen in the coming years because of surging demand.
— The Jakarta Post

Minister Luhut: Fish Gut Contains Plastic Waste
Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that fishes in Indonesia have been exposed to plastic pollutants.
— Tempo

US views Indonesia as potential export market for agricultural products
The US views Indonesia as a potential market to export its agricultural products, taking into account that the current trade value of food products between both nations reaches about US$8 billion.
— Antara News

Bali to get new underpass before IMF meeting
The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry is set to build an underpass at the intersection of the Ngurah Rai Monument in Badung regency to ease traffic on roads connecting Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nusa Dua and Denpasar.
— The Jakarta Post

Freeport smelter to be built on 100 hectares of land in Gresik
While copper and gold mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia and the government are conducting negotiations over the conversion of the company’s contract, Freeport has earmarked 100 hectares of land on which to construct a smelter in Gresik, East Java.
— The Jakarta Post

UN urges Indonesia to make quality healthcare accessible to all
Indonesia has the capacity provide sustainable and equitable healthcare to its citizens, but access and quality of services stand on the way, the United Nations has said. “Despite commendable efforts, availability, access to and quality of health services remains a challenge in a country where population is spread throughout thousands of islands and remote areas,” the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Puras, said on April 4.
— Vatican Radio

Russia, Indonesia to fight global terrorism
Following an international outpouring of grief and solidarity for Russia over Monday’s terror attack in St. Petersburg, a top Russian diplomat has said that the Kremlin hoped to deepen its bilateral relations with Indonesia on joint counterterror activities.
— The Jakarta Post

Karnataka mulls river sand import from Indonesia and Philippines
Hit by acute shortage of sand and its skyrocketing price, the Karnataka government may allow import of sand from Indonesia and the Philippines.
— Times of India

Russia, Indonesia to cooperate on nuclear regulation
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the nuclear regulatory authorities of Russia and Indonesia to cooperate in a range of issues related to the regulation of nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security.
— World Nuclear News

Indonesian Prisoners Display Handicrafts In Bid For Rehabilitation
An exposition of handicrafts made by prison inmates in Jakarta this week may be a welcome break from the country’s moral panic and tougher sentences for drug and other sensational offences.
— Indonesia Expat (blog)

Indonesian rail project kicks off
China’s first high-speed railway project in Indonesia will push Southeast Asian countries to adopt Chinese standards in building the best quality rail networks, according to Zhou Zhiliang, chairman of China Railway Signal and Communication Co, on Wednesday.
— China Daily

Government sets target to build gas networks in 17 cities/districts
The Indonesian government has set the target of building gas networks in 17 cities/districts in the country next year.
— Antara News

Ahok’s Campaign Team Demands Crackdown on Campaigning in Houses of Worship
Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s campaign team has urged the Jakarta Election Commission to crack down on campaigning in houses of worship which often manipulates religion as a “political tool,” the team’s spokesman said on Wednesday (05/04).
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia, EU agree to intensify cooperation on eradicating human trafficking
The Indonesian government and the European Union (EU) have agreed to increase cooperation as part of the efforts to combat crimes related to human trafficking, noted a Foreign Affairs Ministrys press release received here, Wednesday.
— Antara News

Teenagers Hack Into Tiket.com, Steal Over $300,000 Worth of AirlineTickets
A group of teenagers and one 27-year-old hacked into Tiket.com — one of the largest online travel agents in Indonesia — and siphoned Rp 4.1 billion ($308,000) worth of airline tickets from the website, the National Police said in Jakarta on Tuesday (04/04).
— Jakarta Globe

US to blame for its trade deficit
The US Meat Export Federation has gone the extra mile to fly in a “butcher shop” packed with fresh cuts of prime beef and pork.
— The Jakarta Post

Stock Market Update: Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Hits New Record
Indonesian stocks continue to expand into record high territory. On Wednesday (05/04) Indonesia’s benchmark Jakarta Composite Index gained 0.45 percent to close at 5,676.98 points, a fresh new record high position. Indonesia’s main stock index is currently “hot” due to several internal and external factors. However, a new report released by Morgan Stanley may make investors a bit cautious as valuations for Indonesian stocks have been rising sharply recently.
— Indonesia Investments

Mah: EU palm oil resolution unfair
Malaysia and Indonesia will team up to convince European Parliament lawmakers that the two countries are already taking proactive steps to ensure their oil palm production activities do not harm the environment.
— The Star Online

Indonesia’s March refined tin exports up 126 pct y/y-trade ministry
Exports of Indonesia’s refined tin in March jumped 126 percent on year to 6,142.55 tonnes, trade ministry data showed on Wednesday. On a monthly basis, exports rose 25 percent from February.
— Times of India

Djarot Says KJP Must Benefit Children of All Poor Families
Incumbent Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the Jakarta Smart Card, or KJP, should be available to the children of all families in the capital that live in poverty, without exception.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia’s Contribution to Scholarships for Afghan Students
Indonesia has provided scholarship for 100 Afghan students to study in various universities in the country. “The Indonesian government would provide scholarship for 100 Afghan students,” Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said here on Wednesday.
— Netral News

Indonesian Female Smokers Increase in Number by 400 Percent
Coordinator of Smoke Free Bandung Santi Indra Astuti said the number of female habitual smokers in Indonesia has increased 400 percent in the past five years.
— Tempo

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

PM pushes for further success on back of Asean Summits
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has called on the government and businesses to convert the success of the Asean Summits hosted by Laos last year into productive outcomes, to maximise the benefits brought to the nation.
— Vientiane Times

Laos placed among the lowest contraception usage in Asia
Laos, Nepal and Myanmar are the countries which have the lowest number of contraceptive users in Asia, according to the latest United Nations’ figures.
— Vientiane Times

6th Job-Education Fair to Be Held Next Month
Fresh graduates, students and job seekers who wish to continue their studies or get new jobs must not miss the coming 6th Job and Education Fair at the Faculty of Engineering (Sokpaluang), Vientiane Capital on May 19.
— Lao News Agency

Furniture Makers’ Need Better Craftsmanship to Make It Overseas
Lao furniture makers’ craftsmanship and skills need to be improved in order for them to meet the competition in the international market.
— Lao News Agency

Pi Mai Lao Anticipated to Draw Another Big Crowd This Year
With officials announcing Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) extended to five days this year, people nationwide are eagerly anticipating the festival to begin next week.
— The Laotian Times

More Buses for Pi Mai, Fixed Prices
The Northern Bus Station is ready and equipped to provide service to passengers and commuters who plan to return to their hometowns or visit other people’s hometowns, during the Lao Lunar New Year on April 14-16.
— The Laotian Times

Cambodia, Laos draw back troops in bid to avoid escalation at border
After a two-hour meeting, Cambodian and Lao provincial military and border officials yesterday reached an agreement to draw back forces from two undemarcated zones where the building of outposts had recently sparked military stand-offs, according to a general in the area.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Savannakhet bridge immigration fee ruling not yet enforced
Immigration staff at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which links Savannakhet province to Mukdahan province in Thailand, are still waiting for instructions from the provincial office about ending the collection of immigration and service fees.
— Vientiane Times

Investigation underway over Asianface scandal
Police are investigating Asianface Company Ltd to locate where millions of US dollars have been channelled and what the money was used for after it was unlawfully mobilised from investors.
— Vientiane Times

Luang Prabang Makes Preparations for Nang Sangkhan Parade
Preparations for Nang Sangkhan or Miss Pi Mai Lao 2560 parade in Luang Prabang Province, on April 14 is nearly complete as planned.
— Lao News Agency

More Vans, No Fare Change During Pi Mai Lao
The Northern Bus Station is ready to provide its best service to passengers and commuters who plan to return to their hometowns during the Lao Lunar New Year on April 14-16.
— Lao News Agency

Massive land area awaiting UXO clearance
Representatives from the government and development partners spoke about this persistent scourge at an event held in Vientiane yesterday to mark this year’s International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
— Eleven Myanmar

Military Tension on Laos Border De-Escalated for Khmer New Year
A recent escalation in military tension between Cambodia and Laos over the construction of a border-crossing post cooled on Wednesday, with the two sides agreeing to a plan that includes the retreat of soldiers until after the Khmer New Year, officials said.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Competition to solicit ideas on Lantsang-Mekong regional development
The third Youth Innovation Competition on Lantsang-Mekong Region’s Governance and Development will be held in late January next year in Vientiane, capital of Laos, organizers announced today.
— Shanghai Daily

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Swiss making progress in 1MDB case despite Malaysia’s silence: top prosecutor
Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber said on Wednesday that his money laundering investigation into Malaysian fund 1MDB was making progress despite Malaysian authorities’ refusal to cooperate.
— Reuters

Hadi’s Shariah Bill likely to be debated today
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s proposed amendment to increase Shariah Court punishments is likely to be debated in Parliament today.
— Malay Mail Online

MITI: Halal industry players need to embrace e-commerce
The halal industry players must embrace the e-commerce push as the traditional brick and mortars mode of doing business is on its way out, said the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
— New Straits Times

Bursa Malaysia ends mixed, CI down 2.52 points
Bursa Malaysia ended mixed on Wednesday with the composite index closing in the negative territory, weighed down by selling in selected heavyweights led by Hong Leong Bank and Genting.
— New Straits Times

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group ups CIMB stake
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MUFG) has emerged as a substantial shareholder in CIMB Group Holdings Bhd with a 5.11% indirect stake.
— The Star Online

Malaysia arrests 28 Vietnamese for illegal fishing, one dies in detention
Malaysian maritime authorities have arrested 28 Vietnamese for illegal fishing off the northeastern city of Miri, and one fisherman died while in detention, Malaysia’s media reports said.
– VBN

WCT secures RM189mil LRT3 depot contract
WCT Holdings Bhd has clinched a RM185.9mil contract from Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to build the Johan Setia depot and undertake associated works under the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3) project.
— The Star Online

Najib: India visit paradigm shift needed by two countries to realise each other’s potential
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak described his recent working visit to India as a paradigm shift needed by the two countries in realising each other’s potential.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia worried EU resolution could dent palm oil exports
Malaysia voiced concern on Wednesday that a call by European Union lawmakers for curbs on imports of palm oil could deal a blow to one of the Asian country’s biggest exports.
— Reuters

EPF, OSK partner to develop Melbourne project with GDV of RM9.4bil
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is set to expand its property investment portfolio in Australia by entering into an agreement to subscribe to a 49% interest in Yarra Park City Pty Ltd (YPC) for A$154mil (RM516.8mil).
— The Star Online

Newly-listed Serba Dinamik clinches contracts worth RM469mil
Engineering services provider Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd announced on Wednesday its first batch of new contracts since its listing in February, comprising five contracts with a combined value of RM469.2mil.
— The Star Online

Dutch PIB Palmeres Consortium signs MoU with AIM to collaborate in biomass sector
Eight Dutch companies under PIB Palmeres Consortium from the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) to collaborate in the biomass sector.
— New Straits Times

Unique partnership: Promoting M’sian palm oil through Mumbai’s dabbawalas
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certified foods and beverages will soon be promoted in India via a unique partnership with Mumbai’s dabbawalas.
— New Straits Times

Survey: Safety beats price as house buyers’ top concern, but location still king
Malaysians who want to buy houses now consider safety and property size above price, although location remains the most important criterion, a survey has shown.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia passes child sex crimes law, does not ban child marriage
A Malaysian MP said girls as young as nine were “physically and spiritually” ready for marriage, as the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian country passed a law on sexual offences against children without criminalizing child marriage.
— Reuters

Women Techmakers celebrate Malaysian women in technology
THE Kuala Lumpur chapter of Google’s Women Techmakers programme recently celebrated Malaysian women in technology with a special event in conjunction with International Women’s Day held at the Google Malaysia office.
— Digital New Asia

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Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Suu Kyi denies ethnic cleansing of Myanmar minority
Aung San Suu Kyi has denied the ethnic cleansing of Myanmar’s Muslim minority, speaking to the BBC after the UN rights council agreed to investigate allegations against the army.
— Channel NewsAsia

Myanmar spends over $600 Million in overseas medical expenses
Every year, Myanmar spends over US$600 million on medical expenses overseas, according to Yangon region chief minister Phyo Min Thein on March 2.
— Eleven

Ballot paper for the blind
Myanmar may be struggling to organize systematic elections but the country has certainly done well when it comes to providing a method for the blind to vote.
— Myanmar Times

K722 million to fund two state-owned electric power firms
ccording to the 2017 Union Budget Law, K722 million has been allocated for Yangon and Mandalay electricity corporations – K529 million will go to the Yangon Electricity Supply Corporation (YESC) and Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation (MESC) will receive the rest, K243 million. Both are state-owned organisations under the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.
— Myanmar Times

Vietnamese joint venture to offer microfinancing in Myanmar
Vietnam’s Dragon Capital Group and Myanmar’s Ruby Hill Financial on Wednesday signed a deal to set up a joint venture that will provide loan products and services to the burgeoning workforce driving Myanmar’s rapid economic development.
— Nikkei Asian Review

CBM issues loan information dept rules
The Central Bank of Myanmar has released the rules for loan reporting which will enable domestic industries and small- and medium-sized enterprises to get bank loans.
— Eleven

AYA Bank Offers 15-Year Mortgages for High-End Condo Projects
Property developer Shwe Taung Real Estate has signed an agreement with AYA Bank to provide mortgages for two high-end condo projects in Yangon.
— Consult-Myanmar

Myanmar business sector disappointed with pace of reform
When the National League for Democracy took power in Myanmar last year it inherited one of the world’s fastest growing economies, but one still tangled in an arcane web of rules and regulations and in desperate need of modernization.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Yangon Government to Privatise Running of Golf Driving Ranges, Toll Booths
Yangon’s municipal authorities are planning to invite bids from companies to run 43 state-owned enterprises in the hope of making them more efficient, government media has reported.
— Consult-Myanmar

Dai-ichi Life Insurance opens Myanmar office
Dai-ichi Life Insurance has opened a representative office in Myanmar, as it looks to increase its foothold in the rapidly developing Southeast Asian insurance market.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Myanmar Military Razes Ancient Mosque in Buthidaung
A 200-year old historical mosque in Buthidaung Township was bulldozed by the Myanmar military on April 3, 2017.
— Rohingya Vision

We want youths to have a good time in simplest way during Myanmar traditional Thingyan Festival
Myanmar traditional Thingyan festival, one of the Myanmar 12-season festivals is coming soon, so Myanmar Police Force is performing tasks of reducing crimes, anti-drug suppression for the people to merrily participate during the festival and arrangements for people to safely travel in Thingyan period.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Wind power plants proposed
The Ministry of Electricity and Energy says it has proposed wind power plant projects in Chin, Rakhine and Ayeyawady.
— Eleven

Rakhine committee discusses recommendations
A committee chaired by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday discussed plans recommended by the commission headed by former UN head Dr. Kofi Annan.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Dried fish business could be suspended
Although dried fish sell well starting in April, dried fish businessmen are faced with the problem of scarcity of dried fish supply, thereby having a need to suspend their business, according to sellers.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Govt increasing research to help children with autism
The minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement says his ministry is carrying out research to help children with autism.
— Eleven

Installation of new lamp posts aim to reduce crime in Mandalay City
SINCE early April, a project to install new lamp posts around the famous Mandalay moat has been implemented by Mandalay City Development Committee, one of its members said.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

On Mine Awareness Day, Myanmar govt allocates $6m for landmine clearance
The Myanmar government announced yesterday that it will spend US$6 million on the eradication of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Shan State, Kachin State, Kayin State, and Taninthayi Region.
— Coconuts Yangon

A group of divers is saving Myanmar’s marine wildlife from deadly ghost nets
On April 10, 2016, diving enthusiast Thanda Ko Gyi set off for her third visit to The Nursery – a dive site off the coast of Kawthaung, near an obscure islet called Sloop Rock in the Myeik Archipelago. She was excited.
— Coconuts Yangon

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

PEZA takes in over $4.5-billion US, Mideast investment pledges
THE AGENCY in charge of economic zones bagged more than $4 billion investment pledges from the US and Middle East, following its “aggressive” investor roadshows conducted during the first quarter.
— BusinessWorld Online

Philippines secures $500-million investment commitments from Middle East
The Philippines has secured $500 million worth of investment pledges from Middle East countries ahead of President Duterte’s visit there next week.
— Phil Star

World Street Food Congress back in ‘undiscovered’ Philippines
Get ready to toss your diet out the window as the World Street Food Congress (WSFC) is coming back to Manila.
— CNN Philippines

Truce deal signed
The Philippine Government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) signed on Wednesday an Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire (AIJC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands that will move peace negotiations significantly closer to resolving 48 years of armed conflict in the Philippines.
— Manila Bulletin

Duterte’s Philippine Tax Plan May Reverse Foreign Fund Exodus
Philippine equities can lose their tag as the only emerging Asia market to suffer foreign fund outflows this year — with a helping hand from President Rodrigo Duterte.
— Bloomberg

India may dilute China-led Asia trade pact
India’s foot dragging on a China-championed Asia trade pact has increased the risk the deal gets diluted or delayed.
— BusinessWorld Online

Immigration chief cancels all approved leaves of employees
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente on Wednesday threatened to declare absent without official leave (Awol) Bureau of Immigration employees who would not report back to work after he ordered the cancellation of all approved leaves for this month.
— Inquirer.Net

Defence relations in a globalized world
Philippines’ developing defence links with New Zealand augur well for regional security in an uncertain era.
— Phil Star

Duterte’s ratings take a hit
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte continued to enjoy majority approval and trust ratings but the figures have started to decline, the latest survey by Pulse Asia showed.
— The Manila Times

Duterte fires Undersecretary over rice importation ‘irregularities’
President Rodrigo Duterte has fired another official on Wednesday for purportedly defying the National Food Authority’s (NFA) decision to put rice importation activities on hold, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.
— ABS-CBN

Kadamay won’t stop takeovers, wants end to housing monthly dues
Urban poor group Kadamay on Thursday said it cannot promise to stop occupying idle government housing projects even after President Rodrigo Duterte allowed their members to remain in the housing units they laid claim to in Bulacan.
— ABS-CBN

BSP sees rates steady for now
THE CENTRAL BANK still has enough room to keep interest rates steady despite faster inflation in March, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) chief said yesterday, noting that the general price uptick was still within expectations.
— BusinessWorld Online

Bank of China: Alibaba, Tencent headed to Philippines on investment mission
The Bank of China announced on Tuesday that representatives from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent are heading to the Philippines to discuss investments in the country.
— Asia Times

Term deposits undersubscribed as investors shift to retail bonds
DEMAND for the central bank’s auction of term deposits remained tepid yesterday, failing to fill up the P180-billion offering for the third straight week, as some market players shifted their placements on retail Treasury bonds (RTBs) just before the sale period lapses, with yields sought by firms also rising.
— BusinessWorld Online

After standoff, SBMA threatens to shut down marine theme park in Subic
Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have threatened to close down Ocean Adventure here following the latest standoff in the marine theme park resulting from a management rift.
— Inquirer.Net

BI appeals for transition period for employees
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reiterated its appeal to President Duterte to give employees of the agency a transition period during which they can continue receiving their overtime pay until Congress passes a new immigration law.
— Manila Bulletin

Maynilad, Manila Water to hike rates
Water rates will go up this summer as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) approved its concessionaires’ implementation of an increase in their foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA) to recover foreign exchange losses incurred in the previous months.
— Phil Star

Pinoy executives in France to inspect boats for PCG
Filipino officials inspected four brand new 24-meter fast patrol boats in France purchased by the Philippine government to modernize its Coast Guard fleet.
— Phil Star

ASEAN bats for globalization amid protectionist threats
The Philippines led nine other Southeast Asian nations on Thursday in vowing support to economic openness, particularly among themselves, at a time populist governments in the US and Europe embrace protectionism.
— Phil Star

ADB: Asian growth seen steady, US policy uncertainty a risk
The Asian Development Bank says Asia’s developing economies will see steady growth this year and the next, though the evolving policies of President Donald Trump’s administration are a major uncertainty.
— Phil Star

Group targets 4,000 more gov’t houses for takeover
Leaders of the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) on Wednesday asked President Duterte if they could take over other housing projects meant for soldiers, policemen and firemen in Bulacan province.
— Inquirer.Net

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Google invests in new subsea cable that connects Singapore to Australia
Google today announced that it will invest in a new subsea cable that will connect Singapore to Perth and Sydney in Australia (with a branch to Jakarta, Indonesia). The so-called Indigo cable will be almost 5,600 miles long and will be built by a consortium that also includes AARNet, Indosat Ooredoo, Singtel, SubPartners and Telsta.
— Tech Crunch

S$1.7m overpaid in Medisave grants for newborns
About S$1.7m has been wrongly paid out in Medisave grants for newborns due to a processing error.
— Channel NewsAsia

NTU ranked No 3 among world’s top young universities
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was ranked third among the world’s elite young universities for 2017, dropping one position from last year, said the London-based data provider Times Higher Education on Wednesday (April 5).
— Today Online

SIA Engineering to explore 3D printing tech in aircraft parts production
As part of efforts to accelerate adoption of 3D-printed production parts for commercial aviation, SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) tied up with 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company Stratasys.
— Singapore Business Review

Review of Singapore trade pact unaffected by foreign manpower concerns: India
Singapore’s foreign employment policies are a concern to India because they contravene a bilateral free trade agreement, the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Wednesday (April 5), but a review of the pact is unaffected and is going ahead.
— Today Online

TPG Nails Singapore Spectrum
Australian ISP and telco TPG Telecom has purchased more spectrum in Singapore where it is moving to take on current mobile network operators SingTel, M1 and StarHub.
— Channel News

Oil prices fall on record U.S. crude stocks, rising production
Oil prices fell on Thursday as record U.S. crude inventories underscored that markets remain bloated by high production and brimming storage despite efforts led by OPEC to cut output and prop up prices.
— Reuters

Why the US Approach to Singapore’s Amos Yee Matters
The inherent problem of defending free speech is that one cannot pick and choose whose speech to defend. It would be so much simpler if every free speech agitator was intelligible and coherent and dignified. But this is seldom the case. And, to be sure, Amos Yee doesn’t fit that description.
— The Diplomat

PTC begins review of bus and train fare formula
The Public Transport Council (PTC) has begun a review of the formula it uses to adjust bus and train fares.
— The New Paper

Google-Backed Undersea Cable to Link Singapore, Australia
A planned undersea cable nearly 6,000 miles long will carry Google data between Australia and Singapore, with enough capacity to allow for as many as eight million simultaneous HD Google Hangout video calls.
— PCMag

More financial firms expected to increase hiring activity in Q2
The job market in Singapore is poised to pick up this quarter with the more optimistic economic outlook. This could not have come at a better time, given the annual candidate migration that follows the bonus season cited by Hays.
— Singapore Business Review

Singapore shipping firm sues customs
Owners of the chartered vessel of trading firm Glencore Singapore Pte Ltd. has sought relief from a local court citing inaction by the Bureau of Customs over its urgent appeal to be released from what it described as “unwarranted seizure and detention.”
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Multinationals in Asia: Dyson’s whirlwind of ambition centers on Asia
SINGAPORE Dyson, known for its bagless vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans, wants to develop, make and sell a lot more products in Asia.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Zuellig Pharma investing S$50m in first innovation centre in Singapore
Healthcare services provider Zuellig Pharma on Wednesday (Apr 5) launched its first innovation centre, Zuellig Health Solutions (ZHS), in Singapore and plans to invest over S$50 million over the next five years.
— Channel NewsAsia

Why is Singapore not the happiest country in the world?
I am surprised that Singapore is not the happiest country in the world (Singapore falls 4 spots in World Happiness Report to No 26; March 21, online).
— Today Online

Public transport fare adjustment now on review
The Public Transport Council has commenced the review of the public transport fare adjustment formula and mechanism.
— Singapore Business Review

New push to help SMEs in digitalisation
THE one dozen centres that provide advice and assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will launch fresh efforts to promote digitalisation among such smaller businesses this year, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Sim Ann said on Wednesday.
— The Business Times

Singapore Army concludes bilateral live-firing exercise with German Armed Forces
The Singapore Army concluded a bilateral live-firing exercise with the German Armed Forces or Bundeswehr on Wednesday evening (April 5).
— The Straits Times

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

China, Thailand agree to nuclear energy cooperation
China and Thailand have a signed an agreement to cooperate in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement was signed in Beijing on 29 March by Nur Bekri, director of China’s National Energy Administration (NEA), and Thai energy minister Anantaporn Kanchanarat.
— World Nuclear News

Emerging Market Bid Is So Hot Thailand Faces U.S. Watchlist Risk
Thailand is no stranger when it comes to hot money. This time around, officials have a new dynamic to worry about when it comes to cooling inflows from abroad: Donald Trump.
— Bloomberg

Thai sues Jack Ma, Alibaba unit for alleged IP breaches
ELIDE FIRE Ball Pro Company, manufacturer of a fire-extinguishing ball patented by a Thai inventor, is suing Hangzhou Alibaba Advertising Co and Jack Ma, the man behind online shopping websites Alibaba and AliExpress, for allegedly promoting the sale of counterfeit goods.
— The Nation

Prayut reassures investors on EEC
PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday assured investors that his government was firmly committed to developing the Eastern Economic Corridor on a long-term and sustainable basis and would warmly welcome participation by the private sector.
— The Nation

Thailand to buy more VT-4 MBTs from NORINCO
The Thai government has approved the Royal Thai Army’s (RTA’s) procurement of an additional 10 VT-4 main battle tanks (MBTs) from China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), it was announced on 4 April.
— IHS

Carimin, Thailand’s Emas Energy team up
Carimin Petroleum Bhd has inked a collaboration agreement with Emas Energy Services (Thailand) Ltd to pursue tender bids involving decommissioning, well plug and abandonment services in Malaysia and other countries.
— The Sun Daily

Thailand buys more Chinese tanks
Thailand has stepped up its growing arms trade with China by ordering more Chinese-made Main Battle Tank 3000s (VT-4).
— Asia Times

Thailand to get submarines within six years, if Cabinet gives nod
Thailand is poised to get its first submarines in six years after a wait of more than seven decades, to guard its vulnerable security and economic interests, the Navy said on Wednesday.
— The Nation

Over 35 million Thais to make travel trips during Songkran
The Ministry of Transport estimates that more than 35.6 million Thai people will be making more than 521,996 travel trips nationwide during the upcoming Songkran festival.
— Thai PBS

Drug reform group to launch report in Bangkok
The Global Commission on Drug Policy has chosen Thailand as the venue to unveil its annual report on drugs thanks to the late King’s commitment to solving narcotics problems and the current government’s shift in drug policy.
— Bangkok Post

Q1 earnings of SET firms expected to be near last year’s
THE BANKING and energy sectors are expected to boost total listed companies’ earnings for the first quarter of this year to be close to what they were a year earlier, according to a brokerage house.
— The Nation

Major Airport Expect 5.36M Arrivals for Songkran Festival
More than 5 million passengers are expected to arrive at Thailand’s six main airports during the Songkran festival this year. Airports of Thailand president Nitina Sirisamatthakarn said AOT expected more than 5.36 million arrivals during the water-splash festival, Thai National News Bureau reported on Tuesday.
— The Nation

Indian tourist visa fees increase sharply
Indian tourist visa fees have risen for applicants who apply via the normal process, while the fees remain unchanged for e-visa applications, the Indian embassy says.
— Bangkok Post

Industry throws support behind family-friendly Pattaya
With the Thai government intent on highlighting Pattaya as a family-friendly destination, more in the private sector are aligning their efforts and availing products suited to the preferences of tourists young and old.
— TTG

Singapore-registered cargo ship crashes into riverside houses in Thailand, no casualty reported
A Singapore-registered cargo ship lost control and crashed into four riverside houses in Samut Prakan on Wednesday (April 5), police said.
— The Straits Times

Weather warning issued for Phuket, other Southern provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has today (Apr 5) issued a weather warning forecasting ‘heavy to very heavy’ rain in Phuket and the rest of the South of Thailand from today through to Friday (Apr 7).
— The Phuket News

Thai-owned mine in Myanmar investigated for human rights violations
The residents of Myaung Pyo village has been adversely affected by operations of the Heinda tin mine in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi region.
— Channel NewsAsia

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Vietnam, Asia’s Economic Icon, Is Suddenly Facing Slower Growth In 2017
Vietnam’s famously robust, export-led economy grew just 5.1% in the first three months of the year, a letdown unforeseen by both the government and economists. Drought last year hit agriculture into the first quarter of 2017. Mining slipped on a decline in resources such as coal and gas.
— Forbes

World Vision International pledges aid for Yen Bai
The World Vision International (WVI) will provide an additional 2.26 million USD for existing programmes and projects in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai in 2017.
— Vietnam Plus

Jetstar Australia returns to Vietnam
Two direct Jetstar Australia routes from Melbourne and Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City will start in May 2017, connecting key commercial centers in Vietnam and Australia.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Manufacturing doing the heavy lifting for Vietnam in Q1
The latest PMI data coming out of Vietnam bodes well for the country’s outlook for the next couple of months, according to IHS Markit.
— Asia Times

The hurdles to loaning $.4.4 billion
Vietnamese farmers have pinned high hopes on the Government’s VND100,000 billion ($4.4 billion) low-interest credit package for the development of high-tech agriculture production. What’s your view of this?
— VietNamNet Bridge

Việt Nam’s animal feed imports up sharply
Việt Nam’s import value of animal feed and material for production of animal feed witnessed a year-on-year increase of 41.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year.
— Viet Nam News

HIV/AIDS infected people to have health insurance:Health Dept
Vietnam strives to have more HIV/AIDS infected people with health insurance in a bid to eliminate HIV/AIDS epidemic.
— Saigon

Vietnam, Mozambique intensify cooperation in crime fight
A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security visited Mozambique from April 2-5 with a view to strengthening their public security forces’ cooperation in crime fight, training, and logistics.
— Vietnam Plus

Low FDI in Mekong Delta attributed to poor infrastructure
An official has attributed low foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Mekong Delta over the past years to poor infrastructure.
— Vietnam Plus

Foreign investment key to Vietnamese growth: experts
Vietnam should have savvy foreign direct investment (FDI) policies that direct capital to modern and environmentally friendly technologies and promote technology transfer to make local firms more competitive, experts say.
— Vietnam Plus

PM asks Thailand’s SCG group to expand investment in Vietnam
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked Thailand’s Siam Cement Group (SCG) to expand investment to more fields in Vietnam while receiving SCG President and CEO Roongrote Rangsiyopash in Hanoi on April 5.
— Vietnam Plus

Malaysia arrests 28 Vietnamese for illegal fishing, one dies in detention
The fisherman was said to have fallen seriously ill when his boat was detained Monday.
— Vietnam Breaking News

Vietnam HRC import prices down to four-month low
Import prices for re-rolling-grade hot rolled coil in Vietnam have dropped for the fourth straight week, as buyers refrained from booking amid expectations of further drops in China.
— MetalBulletin

Vietnam’s GDP forecast to expand 5.6% in Q2
Vietnam’s GDP in the second quarter of this year is forecast to expand some 5.6 per cent, higher than the 5.1 per cent rate in Q1.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Vietnamese joint venture to offer microfinancing in Myanmar
Vietnam’s Dragon Capital Group and Myanmar’s Ruby Hill Financial on Wednesday signed a deal to set up a joint venture that will provide loan products and services to the burgeoning workforce driving Myanmar’s rapid economic development.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Hanoi to increase administrative discipline
The Hanoi Party Committee has recently issued Announcement 593-TB/TU on conclusion of the first quarter conference between the Standing Municipal Party Committee, People’s Council and People’s Committee with leaders of the city`s districts, suburban districts and town.
— Hanoi Times

Is Vietnam spending too much on infrastructure?
Statistics show that Vietnam is among Asia’s biggest spenders on infrastructure.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Formosa Plastics clears Vietnam inspection
Several protests were held after April 2016 both in Vietnam and Taiwan over Formosa Plastics’ polluting of local water sources in central Vietnam.
— Eleven Myanmar

Vietnamese Environmental Group Seeks to Monitor Formosa Payout Process
An independent environmental group called on the Vietnamese government on Wednesday to allow it to participate in monitoring the payment of compensation to those affected by the Formosa environmental disaster.
— Radio Free Asia

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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.