Asean Morning News For March 22

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.

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

Fintech push gives Asia chance to shine
THE EMERGENCE of financial technology (fintech) is driven by the use of internet-based and mobile technologies to offer breakthrough financial service products.
– The Nation

After Brexit, an ASEAN-EU trade agreement?
After the wave of globalization following the end of World War II, a series of recent events suggest that the tide may well be turning. International trade as a proportion of global gross domestic product (GDP) has stopped growing in the last decade.
— The Jakarta Post

PM Praises Trump’s TPP Withdrawal, Slams Protectionism
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but said the president’s protectionist policies were doomed to fail.
— The Cambodia Daily

How far can the RCEP ship sail?
gainst the backdrop of the platinum-standard, 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, the 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has appeared, at least for those commentators outside the inner circle of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and their 6 dialogue partners, to be more market-access oriented, less World Trade Organisation (WTO)-plus inclined and covertly China-driven.
— Myanmar Times

Rody rallies for support in sea code
In a bid to avoid tension in disputed areas in the South China Sea, President Duterte called for support for the approval of a Code of Conduct (COC) among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
— Phil Star

ASEAN urged to deepen trade integration
Amid concerns on rising protectionism, it’s imperative for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to focus on “building bridges” and deepening trade integration in order to boost the resilience of this 10-member economic powerhouse Maybank Kim Eng Group said.
— Inquirer.Net

Maybank Kim Eng positive on Malaysian equity market
Maybank Kim Eng Group, the investment banking arm of Maybank, is positive over the Malaysian equity market, with an expectation of the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) hitting the 1,800-level this year.
— The Star Online

Malaysia ranks second in Asean for IP protection
Malaysia ranks second in Asean and 19th in the world in terms of intellectual property (IP) protection for countries assessed in the latest US Chamber International IP Index.
— The Star Online

Asean Report Slams CPP Over Attacks on CNRP
An increase in attacks on the opposition party by the ruling CPP has widened the culture of fear and self-censorship, and threatens to disable the country’s entire political system, according to a new report by the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
— Cambodia Daily

EU trade chief blasts Trump “walls”, cites Canada as partner on openness
The European Union’s trade chief says Canada is a key partner against the job-killing, anti-trade sentiment coming from Donald Trump’s administration.
— Times Colonist

Don’t believe Robredo, Pagcor chief tells ASEAN gaming summit
The chief of the country’s gaming regulator asked potential foreign and local investors to ignore the “political noise” surrounding the government’s war on drugs, offering a more optimistic lens for the Philippine business environment.
— Rappler

13 red-shirt leaders get four years for 2009 Asean disruption
Thirteen red-shirt leaders were each sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on Tuesday for their involvement in disrupting the Asean Summit in April 2009.
— The Nation

Thai-Cambodian Products Piloted As GIs In ASEAN
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the European Union (EU), and Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) have registered Lamphun’s silk from Thailand and Cambodian pepper and loaf sugar as part of a piloted project of GI products in ASEAN, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
— Malaysian Digest

M’sia Wants To Collaborate With Other Asean Members In Defence Industry: Zahid
Malaysia wants to collaborate with other Asean member countries to reap the opportunities from the growth in the defence industry in the region which is projected to generate about US$100 billion (RM442 billion) by 2030.
— Malaysian Digest

PH banks have more room to grow compared to peers in the region
On account of a growing economy, Philippine banks have more leeway to “move up” among other banking sectors in the region because of stability and strong fundamentals, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said.
— Manila Bulletin

Open economies, open minds
I AM DELIGHTED to have been appointed as our Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Philippines not long before the Philippines takes up ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship in the year of its 50th anniversary. This is a time of greater political interaction and strong economic development in Southeast Asia.
— Business World

Live together for peace, trade for prosperity
Highs, lows, bumps and bruises, I have experienced a lot in my four years as the Indonesian ambassador to Australia. I have heard statements from many people that Indonesia is important to Australia and that Australia is vital to Indonesia.
— Pakistan Observer

Davao City sets eyes on improved wharf, expressway project with China
The city government will begin improvement works on the decades-old Sta. Ana wharf to boost the city’s bid as a premier tourism destination in Mindanao.
— Minda News

Polish FM in US lobbies for UN Security Council seat
Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski is on a three-day trip to the US to seek support for a non-permanent seat for Poland on the UN Security Council.
— Radio Poland

Bangkok Bank partners Nest to launch InnoHub FinTech Accelerator
Thailand’s largest commercial bank Bangkok Bank has launched its international FinTech accelerator programme, ‘InnoHub‘, in partnership with Hong Kong-based venture capital and accelerator Nest.
— Deal Street Asia

DTI Slingshot, QBO PHL celebrate National Women’s Month with seminar
THE Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Slingshot, in collaboration with QBO Philippines, organized the Slingshot Women Seminar on March 15 at the DTI International Building on Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
— Business Mirror

DIARY-Emerging Markets Economic Events to April 28
Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley will attend an event “Banking Culture; An International Challenge – and an Opportunity” organized by the Banking Standards Board and the Lord Mayor of London – 0820 GMT.
— Reuters

VN pursues dream of auto industry
The ministry has set the target to increase the local content of cars to 80 percent and turn car production into an important industry in 2025-2035.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Public-private collaboration to sustain PHL-US economic relations
IN Washington, D.C., Undersecretary Nora Terrado met with officials from the Departments of Commerce and State, the United States Trade Representative and the Millennium Challenge Corp. to discuss joint efforts to further enhance our bilateral economic relations with the US.
— Business Mirror

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Air cargo volume soars again
For the second straight year Cambodia has proven to be one of the world’s most dynamic markets for air freight shipments, with growth in cargo volume exceeding both global and regional averages.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Alternative to TPP shows no sign of activity: analysts
While Prime Minister Hun Sen has publicly expressed his distaste for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was dealt a critical blow by US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the agreement, economists say there has been little visible progress in cementing a rival multilateral free trade agreement that puts China and ASEAN in leading roles.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia’s Largest MFIs Eye Future as Commercial Banks
Cambodia’s largest microfinance institution, Prasac, underwent a shuffle in shareholders this week as part of a multimillion dollar deal with one goal in mind: to transform into a licensed commercial bank.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Dropout rates dropped in ’16, Education Ministry says
Significantly fewer upper secondary students dropped out of school in 2016 compared to the previous year, but Cambodian education authorities say they still want to halve the rate to improve graduation rates and students’ chances of success in life.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Chevron Granted More Time to Appeal Court Order to Release Kem Ley Murder Footage
A U.S. court has extended the deadline for oil giant Chevron to appeal a court decision ordering it to release security camera footage from the gas station in Phnom Penh where Cambodian political analyst Kem Ley was killed last year.
— VOA

Civil Society Groups Express Concerns Over Restrictive Laws
Civil society groups in Cambodia have expressed concerns over increasing restrictions placed on them since the passage of laws governing NGOs and unions.
— VOA

Cambodia rejects paying ‘dirty debt’ to the US
The United States has renewed its demand for Cambodia to repay a war debt of $500m amid President Donald Trump’s push to improve the state budget. Such a demand has met with an outcry from Cambodian political leaders and their people, who have consistently called the debt “dirty” and “blood-stained”.
— Al Jazeera

Cambodia Court Grills Jailed Political Analyst on Radio Interview
Jailed Cambodian political and social commentator Kim Sok was summoned to court Tuesday for questioning in connection with charges of inciting social chaos and defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen during a radio interview with RFA’s Khmer Service last month.
— Radio Free Asia

Cambodia stops export of breast milk to US
On Monday, Cambodia’s government temporarily banned exports of breast milk to the US by Ambrosia Labs, the only company currently shipping Cambodian breast milk to the US.
— Southeast Asia Globe

North Korea-Cambodia Relations: The Sound of Silence
Cambodia and North Korea had enjoyed a special relationship for decades. Their close ties date back to the height of the Cold War, when this country’s longtime and often troubled monarch and political leader, Norodom Sihanouk, sought Chinese patronage and refuge in Pyongyang.
— The Diplomat

Breast milk mothers mourn trade
Pha Rem has a lightly freckled face and a bicycle laden with vegetables – lotus root still wet from the river. Peddling the greens to market is a meagre source of income – bringing in around $5 a day – but after the government temporarily halted exports of human breast milk to the United States on Monday, it’s all she has.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodian LGBT Comes Out of the Shadows
Cambodia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is coming out with an assertion of unprecedented pride, in stark contrast to just five years ago when discrimination and bullying were usually endured in private.
— VOA

Court Presses Ahead With Defamation Case Against Former Opposition Leader
A lawyer for Cambodia’s former opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, has labeled a court’s decision to decline a request for a delay in proceedings a violation of Rainsy’s human rights.
— VOA

Slow Start for Observer Sign-Ups Ahead of Commune Polls
About 500 Cambodians have registered as observers for the June commune elections, falling well short of the more than 20,000 that civil society groups are hoping for, while not a single foreigner has signed up yet, the National Election Committee (NEC) said on Tuesday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Minister: School Quality Improving, Dropout Rate Still High
While acknowledging low enrollment, especially in higher grade levels, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron on Tuesday said the government is making efforts to improve schools throughout Cambodia.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Indonesia sells 7.87 trln rupiah of Islamic bonds, above target
Indonesia’s finance ministry sold 7.87 trillion rupiah ($590.9 million) of Islamic bonds at an auction, above the indicative target of 6 trillion rupiah, its financing and risk management office said on Tuesday.
— Times of India

Indonesia Tax Amnesty Nets $330b, Now for Reform
Southeast Asia’s biggest economy this month is winding up one of world’s most successful tax amnesties, with at least 745,000 taxpayers declaring more than $330 billion of assets so far.
— Jakarta Post

Indonesia Needs USD 70 billion for Infrastructure Projects
Wismana Adi Suryabrata, deputy for the infrastructure of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Indonesia requires USD 70 billion (IDR932 trillion) annually to support infrastructure development. Wismana explained that the government has to fill USD 50 billion infrastructure budget gap.
— Tempo.co

U.S. Businesses See Signs of Protectionist Shift in Indonesia
U.S. businesses are sensing a shift toward more protectionist policies in Indonesia in recent months even as President Joko Widodo is seeking to lure foreign investment into Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.
— Bloomberg

Indonesia in focus for Aussie fresh produce exports
The Australian Horticulture Exporters’ Association (AHEA) has ensured that Australian horticultural industries were well represented in Jakarta during the recent Australia-Indonesia Business Week.
— Fresh Fruit Portal

Indonesia palm export growth ‘to stay weak’, despite output jump
US officials flagged stagnation in Indonesia’s palm oil exports, with importers seeing better value in rival vegetable oils, even as production looks on track for strong growth, as a hangover from El Nino wears off.
— Agrimoney.com

METALS-Copper hits one-week low as Chile and Indonesia supply woes fade
Copper hit a one-week low on Tuesday as talks to resolve a strike at the world’s biggest copper mine in Chile were set to resume and production at another huge mine in Indonesia restarted.
— Reuters

Russia, Indonesia Launch Draft Contract Talks on Delivery of Su-35 Fighters
Russia and Indonesia launched negotiations over a draft contract on the delivery of Russian Su-35 Flanker multirole fighters to Jakarta, the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told Sputnik.
— Sputnik International

Indonesia stocks higher at close of trade; IDX Composite Index up 0.16%
Indonesia stocks were higher after the close on Tuesday, as gains in the Mining, Agriculture and Financials sectors led shares higher.
— Investing.com

Indonesia police say Interpol issues red notices for three Sinopec executives
Indonesian police said on Tuesday Interpol has issued red notices, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for three Chinese executives suspected of fraud linked to a more than $800 million Sinopec oil terminal development in Indonesia.
— Reuters

Freeport Indonesia resumes copper concentrate production
Freeport McMoRan’s Indonesian unit has resumed production of copper concentrate at its giant Grasberg mine, a spokesman told Reuters on Tuesday, ending a more than one-month stoppage.
— CNBC

Ministry declares 18,882 meter square of Raja Ampat coral reef damaged
A total of 18,882 meter square of coral reef in the Raja Ampat sub-district, West Papua, had been declared damaged by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs.
— Antara News

Indonesia has 10th highest number of female coders in world
While it is commonly known that women are highly underrepresented in the fields of science, engineering, technology and mathematics, website HackerRank wanted to see exactly how many women around the world were taking their coding tests and where they came from.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia to fuel coal demand: New Hope boss
New Hope Group managing director Shane Stephan says the outlook for thermal coal used in power stations should be bolstered in coming years as Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter, considers domestic coal reservation.
— The Australian

Barry Callebaut Expands Cocoa Nurseries Program in Indonesia
One of Barry Callebaut’s primary goals in Forever Chocolate is to lift more than 500,000 farmers out of poverty. To get there, we can improve farm productivity and increase the yield of high-quality cocoa. Doing this will enable farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices and gain access to a better quality of life.
— Food Ingredients First

Twitter Indonesia Country Head Roy Simangunsong shifts roles, to be replaced by new Industry Head Novita Jong
Twitter Indonesia Country Head Roy Simangunsong announced on a series of tweets on Friday that he is resigning from the position.
— Yahoo News

Indonesia, US Launch $20 Million Research Program
Indonesia and the United States on Tuesday launched a US$20 million research program called USAIDs Sustainable Higher Education Research Alliances Program (USAID SHERA) for five Indonesian institutes of higher learning.
— Netral News

Police urged to reveal faces of suspected pedophiles to public
The Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) has demanded that the National Police reveal to the public the faces of suspected pedophiles involved in the now-closed Facebook group containing child pornography.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia gives tobacco bill a shot
The tobacco bill is not dead yet, despite the government’s earlier claim that it would kill the bill.
— The Jakarta Post

Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc. Announces Performance Data And Portfolio Composition
Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) (NYSE MKT: IF), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of February 28, 2017.
— Yahoo Finance

Ministry to provide insurance to all Indonesian fishermen
Kolaka, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) – The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry will provide insurance to all Indonesian fishermen as mandated in the Indonesian Constitution.
— Antara News

Pressure on Jokowi as Indonesian tribe leaders slam progress of rights pledges
LEADERS of Indonesia’s indigenous communities aired their disappointment with the government during their fifth national congress near Medan in North Sumatra, accusing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo of failing to deliver on promises that helped him win the last presidential contest.
— Asian Correspondent

SMF plans to increase issuance of asset-backed securities
State-owned secondary mortgage financing firm PT Sarana Multigriya Financial (SMF) plans to increase the issuance of asset-backed securities in the form of participation certificates (EBA-SP) to Rp 2 trillion (US$150.28 million) this year, up from Rp 1.5 trillion last year.
— The Jakarta Post

High-speed railway financier wants clarity on spatial plan
State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Rini Soemarno denied on Tuesday that the China Development Bank (CDB) is withholding the disbursement of agreed-upon loans for the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway until the project’s land acquisition process is fully completed.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesian authorities encourage citizens to control improper contents on Facebook
Indonesian authorities have encouraged citizens to pay more attention to their children following the recent dismantling by police of a closed Facebook page called the Official Candy’s Group, which had 7,000 members and allegedly contained hundreds of videos and photographs considered to be child pornography.
— The Jakarta Post

Police warn citizens not to participate in “Al-Maidah Tour”
The Jakarta Police have warned people not to take part in the so-called Al-Maidah Tour, which is being facilitated through an Android application that encourages Indonesians to come to Jakarta to guard polling stations during the April 19 Jakarta gubernatorial election runoff.
— The Jakarta Post

Depok rejects 45 passport applicants
The Depok Immigration Office in West Java rejected on Monday the applications of 45 people to get passports, claiming that the applicants had failed to submit proper data.
— The Jakarta Post

Ahok to Tap Jakarta Regional Budget to Assist the Elderly Poor
Incumbent Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said due to the increasing number of the elderly poor in the capital, his administration will no longer be able assist them from operational funds alone and that it would have to tap the regional budget to issue them with Jakarta Elderly Cards, or KJL.
— Jakarta Post

Government to issue new policy package on logistics
The government will soon issue a new economic policy package on logistics mainly to speed up loading and unloading at ports to reduce dwelling time of ships.
— Antara News

Indonesia, Namibia reaffirm relations on 25th anniversary
Friendly toast: Namibian ambassador to Indonesia Anne Namakau Mutelo (right) and Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto make a toast during the 27th anniversary of the Namibian National Day in Kuningan, Jakarta on Tuesday.
— The Jakarta Post

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Boring for Laos-China rail tunnels weeks away
THE BORING of tunnels for the Laos-China railway is expected to begin in the next few weeksfollowing a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the project in December last year.
— The Nation

B.Grimm Power allots B1.8bn for Laos
Champasak, Laos: B.Grimm Power Co, a unit of B.Grimm Group, plans to invest 17 billion baht in 2017-18, including for the development of hydropower in neighbouring Laos.
— Bangkok Post

A Whopping 9000 Newly Registered Vehicles in Only Two Months
Thanks to the stimulated economy and continuing socio-economic development in Laos, reports show that in the first two months of 2017, approximately 9000 vehicles have been newly registered.
— The Laotian Times

Rice exports to China still facing challenges, official says
The trade in rice products between Laos and China still faces challenges due to the demand for high quality by Chinese buyers, according to a senior trade promotion official.
— Vientiane Times

Govt seeks to regulate enterprises unlawfully raising capital
Proper investigation has been ordered into enterprises whose operations violate regulations and laws, notably those raising funds illegally from individuals for business operations, the government spokesman has said.
— Vientiane Times

Over1,000 Tonnes of Coffee Exported by Bolaven Coffee Producers Cooperative Last Year
The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative (CPC) exported over 1,000 tonnes of coffee last year, yet it predicts that its coffee export will fall this year.
— Lao News Agency

Laos-Malaysia Bilateral Trade Increases by 75 %
Laos and Malaysia recorded a significant growth in bilateral trade last year as it jumped by 75% to USD 30.9 million from 2015 figures.
— Lao News Agency

Laos Sees 10 Percent Drop in Foreign Tourist Numbers
While Lao Nationals hit an all time high for travelling abroad in 2016, as previously reported by The Laotian Times, the number of foreign visitors entering Laos has dwindled after several consecutive years of visitor growth.
— The Laotian Times

Vientiane Airport Expansion Falls Behind Schedule
The project for expansion of the Vientiane International Airport terminal is now falling behind schedule. Construction began in December 2015 and is expected to be complete by 2018.
— The Laotian Times

Lao, Viet police extend partnership in prevention of cross-border crime
Laos’ Ministry of Public Security and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security will continue to support each other in protecting national security and preventing cross-border crimes.
— Vientiane Times

Phongsaly’s charms attracting more visitors
The number of visitors to Phongsaly province is rising steadily, with a significant jump from the more than 82,000 people recorded in 2015 to 103,583 visitors in 2016.
— Vientiane Times

Lao Economic Daily Newspaper to be Distributed for Free
The Lao Economic Daily Newspaper has announced that it will print 7,000 copies daily to give readers free-of-charge issues, aiming to promote.
— Lao News Agency

TSR Water Purifiers Penetrate Lao Market
The TSR of Thailand, water purifier distributer has expanded its market in Laos by opening a new office in Vientiane Capital on March 21.
— Lao News Agency

Laos Aims to Raise Healthcare Standards, Hones in on Hospital Management
In an effort to improve the country’s healthcare services and human resources development, management administrators from five major hospitals recently met in Vientiane to review effective management methods.
— The Laotian Times

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

RUU 355: Politics, Not Religion Fuelling Increasing Malaysia Islamisation
The February 18, 2017 rallies for and against the bill to amend the 1965 Criminal Jurisdiction Act, known as RUU 355, have opened yet another political and social schism in Malaysian society.
– AEC News Today

Lazada M’sia is Asean’s fastest-growing e-commerce platform
Lazada Malaysia has overtaken Lazada Singapore to become the fastest-growing e-commerce platform for the past nine months in Southeast Asia.
— New Straits Times

Malaysia ranked second in Asean for intellectual property protection
Malaysia ranks second in Asean and 19th in the world in terms of intellectual property (IP) protection for countries assessed in the latest US Chamber International IP Index.
— Malay Mail Online

TNB soars in Brand Finance’s Global Top 50 utility brands
Tenaga Nasional Bhd has risen 15 spots to be ranked at 24th among Brand Finance’s Global Top 50 utility brands (Utilities 50) this year.
— New Straits Times

Public Bank launches credit cards to cater to younger generation
Public Bank Bhd has launched PB Quantum Visa and PB Quantum MasterCard Credit Cards as part of its initiative to offer cards that cater to the lifestyle of younger generation.
— The Star Online

Malaysia’s aerospace industry set to soar with 7% growth
The aerospace industry in the country is expected to grow by 7% this year with the aerospace manufacturing sector contributing 55% to industry revenue, according to International Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
— The Star Online

US authorities preparing to charge financier Jho Low in Malaysian 1MDB scandal — WSJ
US authorities intend to file criminal charges against flamboyant financier Jho Low, according to people familiar with the investigation, but haven’t disclosed the potential timing, The Wall Street Journal reported.
— The Edge Markets

The U.S. Is Preparing to Charge Financier Jho Low in Malaysian 1MDB Scandal
U.S. authorities intend to file criminal charges against a financier in connection with an international scandal rooted in Malaysia that they believe could be one of the largest financial frauds ever, according to people familiar with the matter.
— The Wall Street Journal

‘Gay moment’ stays put as Malaysia to release ‘Beauty and the Beast’ without cuts
Walt Disney blockbuster “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in Malaysia this month without any cuts, the company said on Tuesday, after censors had earlier asked for the removal of a “gay moment” in the movie.
— Reuters

Power Rangers next to be banned in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz on Tuesday (Mar 21) slammed the local censorship board after rumours swirled that the Power Rangers movie would be the latest reboot to face the chopping board.
— Channel NewsAsia

Malaysia cannot arrest spies unless they break the law: Minister
Malaysia cannot take action or arrest foreign spies unless they have broken the law, said Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed on Monday (Mar 20).
— Channel NewsAsia

‘Beauty and the Beast’ to be shown in Malaysia without cuts
The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday its movie “Beauty and the Beast” will open in Malaysia on March 30 without the cutting of a gay scene as had been ordered by film censors.
— ABC News

Merger talks between Malaysia lenders AMMB and RHB resurface: Report
The talks of a possible merger between Malaysian lenders AMMB Holdings and RHB Bank have resurfaced, according to a report in The Edge.
— Deal Street Asia

Malaysia to trump other countries
MOODY’S Investors Service expects Malaysia to grow faster than all other “A-rated” countries through 2020.
— New Straits Times

Ringgit continues uptrend against US dollar
The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar again this morning, as the greenback remained under pressure after a hawkish stance by the Federal Reserve on interest rate increases.
— New Straits Times

Malaysian palm oil price rebounds on stronger soyoil, weaker output forecasts
Malaysian palm oil futures rebounded on Tuesday from a three-day low to chart their strongest daily gain in a week, tracking stronger soyoil prices and supported by forecasts of weaker output.
— The Star Online

Malindo Air to get new Boeing planes
Lion Group is spending US$23bil to buy new Boeing 737 Max and Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft for Malindo Air.
— The Star Online

Minister: Upgrade of 424 telecommunication towers in Sarawak by year-end
Upgrading works on 424 existing telecommunication towers in Sarawak to provide better 3G or LTE coverage are expected to be fully completed by year-end.
— Malay Mail Online

PM to unveil Digital Free-Trade policy tomorrow, minister says
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to unveil the Digital Free-Trade Policy when he launches the first Digital Free-Trade Zone tomorrow, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
— Malay Mail Online

LIMA 2017: Ukraine looks to boost presence in Thailand and Malaysian
Ukraine’s state-owned defence holding company Ukroboronprom is looking to boost its presence in the Malaysian and Thai defence markets through government-level commitments to support the growth of the two Southeast Asian country’s respective defence industries.
— IHS Jane’s 360

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Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

FibreLink Myanmar in talks to raise $25m equity for mega telecom infra project
FibreLink Myanmar – which has received the approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission to set up telecom infrastructure in the country – is in talks to raise $25 million equity as part of its $860-million investment plan.
— Deal Street Asia

April 1 deadline set to register SIM cards
SIM cards which aren’t registered by April 1 will be temporarily cut off, but three more months will be allowed for registration. However, if the subscriber fails to register during the extended period, the number will be cut permanently, according to the Department of Telecommunication.
— Eleven

Russian-made Yak-130 trainer/strike aircraftRussia Supplies to Myanmar First Three Yak-130 Combat Trainers
Russia has completed the delivery of the first batch of Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft to Myanmar, the contract will be fully executed in 2017, Mikhail Petukhov, deputy director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), told Sputnik.
— Sputnik International

Myanmar confident in hitting USD 6 billion in FDI for FY2016-2017
Government financial chiefs, including the director general of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) and secretary of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA) Aung Naing Oo, have told foreign businesses that now is the time to invest in the country.
— Consult-Myanmar

U.S. Navy makes first port of call to Myanmar since World War II
A U.S. Navy vessel has made the first official port of call to Myanmar, formerly Burma, in seven decades, U.S. officials said Tuesday.
— Washington Times

Commerce Ministry to organize Thailand-Myanmar Trade Expo 2017
The Ministry of Commerce along with foreign border trade and investment agencies will be organizing the Thailand-Myanmar Trade Expo 2017 during 23-29 March. The expo will be held in Mae Sot district, Tak province, and aims to promote trade and investment between Thailand and Myanmar.
— NNT

Taxi-hailing app Grab reveals Myanmar expansion plans. Uber set to follow
Singapore based ride-hailing platform Grab has launched a beta trial of GrabTaxi service in Yangon beginning March 21, the company announced, marking its first expansion to a new market in nearly three years. Grab also appears to have got a head-start over its rival Uber in entering one of the few remaining untapped markets in this region
— Deal Street Asia

Myanmar Now chief editor faces court complaint for insulting religion
A man has lodged a complaint to Kyauktada Township court in Yangon to sue Swe Win, chief editor of Myanmar Now news agency, for insulting religion.
— Eleven

Safe employment project for women launched
A project focusing on creating safe working environment and job opportunities for female migrant workers, as well as protecting women workers, has been launched in Yangon.
— Myanmar Times

IRD imposes commercial tax for gold
The Internal Revenue Department (IRD) will impose a commercial tax rate of 1 percent and 5pc respectively for gold jewellery and refined gold, it was announced at a meeting with gold entrepreneurs in Nay Pyi Taw on March 15.
— Myanmar Times

Rice export behind target, to focus on quality
The rise of the US dollar value in currency exchange markets is leading to an increase in rice export volumes when compared to the previous financial year, said U Ye Min Aung, managing director of Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO) and the general secretary of the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF).
— Myanmar Times

German bank to loan 23 million euro to power hundreds of villages in Shan State
Germany is giving Myanmar a Euro 23 million loan to supply electricity to 416 villages in southern Shan State, a Electricity and Energy Ministry official said.
— Myanmar Times

Restoration of U Bein Bridge underway
The 170-year-old U Bein Bridge in Mandalay’s Amarapura township is being reinforced and restored at a cost of K4 million in time for the annual Thingyan (Water Festival) next month when thousands of visitors are expected to converge at the site to join the festivities, said U Soe Win, secretary of the bridge preservation committee.
— Myanmar Times

Government Subsidy of Electricity Bill Hindrance to Development of Sector
Ministers and industry experts say the government’s approach of paying the electricity bill using the union budget is a hindrance to the development of the sector.
— Consult-Myanmar

Posco Daewoo assigned for deep sea gas exploration in Bay of Bengal
State-owned Petrobangla on Tuesday entered into the final deal with Posco Daewoo International Corporation to award it the deep sea (DS) gas block -12 in the Bay of Bengal for hydrocarbon exploration.
— Consult-Myanmar

Public Transport Card Payment System to Begin Next Month
A universal card payment system covering fare payments on Yangon’s public transport system will be rolled out from April, the Yangon Region Chief Minister told a briefing of journalists late last month.
— Consult-Myanmar

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing receives Chinese ambassador to Myanmar
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, received Mr Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, at Zeyar Thiri Beikman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Illegally cut lumber, vehicles seized in Mabein Township
While launching aarea-clearance operation, government troops seized 944.8 tonnes of illegally cut timber, 13 different kinds of vehicles used in the lumber and forestry industry and other related equipment near the village of Tonekwa in Mabein township, in Northern Shan State, it is learnt.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Landslide in Chin State causes temporary suspension of border trade
Trading at Tiddim in Chin State, on the India- Myanmar trade route, has been temporarily suspended due to a landslide in Kennedy mountain.
— Eleven

FDA penalizes 75 pharmacies over illegal medicine
A total of 75 pharmaceutical businesses have been penalized for selling unlicensed and expired medicines this year, according to the Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
— Eleven

Affordable electricity benefits industrialists while rural dwellers pay high prices: Deputy minister
Business owners have enjoyed profits from affordable electricity while rural residents have to rely on expensive private power supplies, said Dr Htun Naing, deputy minister for electricity and energy, who has called for funding for another generator.
— Eleven

Myanmar-China oil pipeline nears start-up
Nearly a decade in the making, a project to pump oil 770km across Myanmar to South-West China is set for imminent start-up, with a supertanker nearing the port of Kyauk Phyu, marking the opening of a new oil trading route.
— The Star Online

Woman sues son in Myanmar over Facebook comment
A woman in Myanmar is suing her own son for calling her a “prostitute” on Facebook, the latest case under a controversial law that critics say is increasingly stifling free speech.
— RTE.ie

Myanmar to work more with Israel on agri development
In striving to develop the agricultural sector, Myanmar is looking to adopt Israel’s advanced farming technology and has started discussions on cooperation between the two countries as well as on setting up agricultural research and model fields in Myanmar.
— Myanmar Times

Plastic masks banned this Thingyan: Mandalay officials
Contributing to the latest round of weird news out of Myanmar, Mandalay officials have announced that masks will be banned during the upcoming Thingyan holiday.
— Coconuts Yangon

China-backed Dam Project May Threaten Myanmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Environmental activists say plans for a large dam threaten wildlife sanctuaries in Myanmar’s northern Karen state.
— Voice of America

Exclusive: China’s AgBank Suspends Account Being Used to Crowdfund Myanmar Rebels
One of China’s biggest state-owned lenders has suspended an account used to fund ethnic rebels fighting government troops in Myanmar, halting an arrangement that could have stoked diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Myanmar.
— U.S. News & World Report

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Smart’s 2016 revenue grows 26% on mobile data growth
The Philippines’ Smart Communications has reported a 26% increase in revenues for 2016 to 25.5 billion pesos ($509 million), in a result attributed to sustained growth in the company’s mobile data business.
— Telecomasia.net

Philippines can overtake Singapore, but with higher risk
The case of the Philippines vs. Singapore is more than just a question of who will overtake whom. The two countries have very different regimes and economic policies, so timeframes must be kept in mind here. From an outsider perspective who hasn’t been to either country, it looks as if the Philippines can overtake Singapore in the short to medium term, but that Singapore is more stable in the long run.
— CalvinAyre

What PH telecom consumers actually get
Last week, the Philippines had its first Telecommunications Summit organized by the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology.
— Telecomasia

Philippines starts opening bank sector to Asean peers
The Philippines is set to sign agreements with two more countries as early as next month to open up the banking industry aimed at greater financial integration and economic development among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
— Phil Star

Will Duterte be impeached?
While Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has countered and deflected criticism of his heavy-handed and often controversial rule, a new impeachment motion filed by the political opposition threatens to overthrow through legal means his popularly elected administration.
— Asia Times

Planning to start an outsourcing business in the Philippines? Consider these tips
The Philippines clearly is an optimal place to start up your BPO, but there may be complications you need to keep in mind.
— e27

Malaysia offers to help develop Clark Green City
BESIDES the Chinese, Japanese and South Koreans, Malaysian investors are also bullish about prospects in the Philippines, offering to help develop the sprawling Clark Green City, the country’s chief economist said on Monday.
— The Nation

Beijing, Manila facing new maritime dispute
The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea could flare up again after Chinese ships were found surveying a resource-rich area located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Philippines Approves $500m Mega-Casino Project, First Outside the Capital
The Philippine gaming regulator has approved a $500-million project for an integrated casino resort in the central island of Cebu, the first mega-casino outside the capital of Manila, the gaming chief said on Tuesday (21/03).
— Jakarata Globe

‘Come, take a look at Singapore
Singapore’s Ambassador to Manila Kok Li Peng urged businessmen from the Philippines to consider investing in Singapore companies and to build more partnerships with entrepreneurs from the island state.
— The Manila Times

Why The Philippines Can’t Crush Its Deadly Communist Movement–Even 50 Years
The Philippines is a democracy always being tested by violent anti-government rebel groups. You hear a lot about the well-armed Muslim fronts that want more autonomy in the majority Catholic country and don’t mind battling troops from Manila or slaying foreign tourists. But one of the most nagging rebel groups isn’t Muslim, it’s communist. It has 120 bases nationwide, per one estimate. It never quits fighting despite peace talks over the years following a decrease in ranks.
— Forbes

Philippines to China: Stop Scarborough Shoal plan
Diplomatic protest planned against Beijing as President Duterte calls for regional guidelines to resolve sea disputes.
— Aljazeera

PHL to restore MOU with Myanmar on media and information
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar met with his counterpart Dr. Pe Myint, Union Minister, Ministry of Information on Monday, March 20 to express the Philippines’ intention to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Ministry of Information of Myanmar in the field of news exchange, radio and television broadcasting, public relations, printing and publishing.
— Nourth Bound Asia

Solar Philippines eyeing overseas investments
Relatively pioneering player Solar Philippines opts to test its business case overseas with planned offshore solar farm developments starting this 2017.
— Manila Bulletin

EXCLUSIVE – Pioneering ICT-based healthcare solutions at the National Telehealth Center, Philippines
OpenGov had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Portia Grace Fernandez-Marcelo, Director of the UP (University of Philippines) Manila-National Telehealth Center (NTHC) about using ICT to provide equitable access to quality healthcare for all, specially in isolated and disadvantaged communities.
— Open Gov Asia

PH, Thailand boost economic, agri, tourism ties
President Rodrigo Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha emphasized on Tuesday the importance of sustaining the growth and development of the economic, agricultural, and tourism sectors between Philippines and Thailand.
CNN Philippines

Philippines freezes gaming license issuances in Manila
The Philippines will not issue any more casino licenses in the capital for five years after the industry regulator heeded oversupply concerns among existing investors.
— Nikkei Asian Review

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Singapore industrial output seen rising in February: poll
Singapore’s industrial production is expected to have returned to growth in February after contracting more than expected the previous month, a Reuters poll showed.
— The Business Times

Singapore and Hong Kong Top World’s Most Expensive Cities
Tokyo returned to the ranks of the world’s 10 costliest cities in 2017 as Asia’s representation expanded, reflecting the region’s rising clout in the global economy.
— Bloomberg

Singapore pilots account-based ticketing for public transport
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Mastercard have together launched a pilot of a new Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) System for public transport in the city.
— Telecom Asia

Singapore’s war on diabetes: Industry, academics and government ‘need to line up like hunters’
With a staggering one million Singaporeans forecasts to have type 2 diabetes by 2050-that’ll be one-sixth of the population-this month’s Nutrition Asia video assesses what is arguably South East Asia’s biggest health crisis.
— FoodNavigator-Asia

Fuel treatment firm Aderco opens Singapore office
UK-based fuel treatment manufacturer Aderco has opened an operational base in Singapore to drive the company’s growth in the key Asian region.
— Seatrade Maritime News

Digital Government Group office to be formed under PMO
With effect from 1 May 2017, the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) will be formed under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The team will comprise staff from the digital government directorate of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the government technology policy department in the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), and the Smart Nation Programme Office (SNPO).
— Marketing-Interactive

Nearly half of Singapore employers to give salary increases of 3% to 6%: Hays
About 46 per cent of Singaporean employers expect to give salary increases of between three and six per cent to their workers, according to a survey by recruiting company Hays, down from 52 per cent during the last salary review period.
— Channel NewsAsia

How much did Singapore employees receive for their year-end bonus?
Nearly a third (30%) of Singapore employees said they did not receive their annual wage supplement (AWS) in 2016, according to a survey by JobStreet.com. The average guaranteed bonus last year stood at 1.45 months, the poll found.
— HRD Magazine

‘Come, take a look at Singapore companies’
Singapore’s Ambassador to Manila Kok Li Peng urged businessmen from the Philippines to consider investing in Singapore companies and to build more partnerships with entrepreneurs from the island state.
— The Manila Times

Singapore develops quick diagnostic tools to deal with chemical attacks
Singapore is stepping up its capabilities to handle chemical attacks as such threats become more pervasive. Defence research organisation DSO National Laboratories has developed a tool that uses weather data to inform authorities’ decisions to move the public away from toxic plumes, and a rapid diagnostic kit that can ease the load on hospitals in the event of an attack.
— Channel NewsAsia

Singapore property prices could still drop 5% over next 2 years
Despite small amendments to property measures, rating agency Fitch still forecasts that values will drop amid rising interest rates and oversupply.
— Select Property

SPH Radio fined $7,000 over insensitive comments
Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Radio has been fined $7,000 for breaching the free-to-air radio programme code.
— The Straits Times

Why Hong Kong and Singapore must help their airlines soar
When unbearable abdominal pain attacks you while you are flying 37,000 feet above the Pacific, hours away from your destination, you literally are at the mercy of the cabin crew. How they react depends on the culture of the airline, the crew’s practical training, and, finally, on a visceral capacity for human responsiveness.
— South China Morning Post

Important to have innovation in social work: Minister
Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin was a “social worker” to hundreds of social workers at a dialogue yesterday.
— The Straits Times

Mobike enters Singapore’s bike-sharing market
Chinese company Mobike announced the official launch of its bike-share service in Singapore on Tuesday (March 21), joining the two other bike-share providers currently operating here – China-based ofo and local venture oBike.
— The Straits Times

Foreign buying propels Malaysian shares to new 22-month highs, Singapore slips
Malaysian shares advanced for a fourth session Tuesday, as foreign investors continued to pump in funds amid growing confidence the Federal Reserve will only raise interest rates gradually.
— Nikkei Asian Review

PM Lee hails Singapore’s strong business ties with Ho Chi Minh City
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Mar 21) hailed Singapore’s strong business ties with Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as he arrived in Vietnam’s commercial hub to kick off a four-day visit.
— Channel NewsAsia

Philippines can overtake Singapore, but with higher risk
The case of the Philippines vs. Singapore is more than just a question of who will overtake whom. The two countries have very different regimes and economic policies, so timeframes must be kept in mind here. From an outsider perspective who hasn’t been to either country, it looks as if the Philippines can overtake Singapore in the short to medium term, but that Singapore is more stable in the long run.
— CalvinAyre

Singapore ranked most expensive city for expats for fourth year running
For the fourth year running, the Republic has been ranked the most expensive city for expatriates and business travellers, ahead of Hong Kong and Zurich, according to a bi-annual survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
— Today Online

AVA: Singapore does not import meat from suspended meat processing establishments in Brazil
The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has announced that Singapore does not import any meat from suspended meat processing establishments in Brazil as none of them is approved to export to Singapore.
— The Online Citizen

Singapore shares open 1% down on Wednesday after US fall
SINGAPORE stocks opened one per cent lower on Wednesday, with the Straits Times Index dropping 30.31 points to 3,128.26 as at 9am.
— The Business Times

Singapore Announces New Patent Rules and Fees to Promote Innovation
Singapore has recently announced a range of major changes to its patent system that will affect those seeking protection in a variety of ways.
— Lexology

Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore top destinations for Indian travellers
Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore are the top foreign destinations for Indian travellers, as per a study conducted by Hotels.com, the world’s biggest hotel booking portals.
— Connected to India

Tea drinking slashes the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease: Singapore population-based analysis
Tea consumption halves the risk of cognitive impairment for people 55 years old and above, and also dramatically reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease among those at greater genetic risk.
— FoodNavigator-Asia

Five taxi firms to roll out dynamic pricing next week
Following approval granted by the authorities last week, five taxi operators — SMRT Taxis, Prime Taxi, Premier Taxis, Trans-Cab and HDT Singapore Taxi — will implement dynamic pricing from next Wednesday for trips booked through the Grab mobile application, under a collaboration between the operators and the ride-hailing company.
— Today Online

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

GM to phase out local sedan production
US carmaker General Motors plans to phase out manufacturing and marketing of its sedan passenger cars in Thailand, leaving only pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for the local market.
– Bangkok Post

PH, Thailand ink 3 agreements
Three agreements were signed here on Tuesday between the Philippines and Thailand in the fields of science and technology, tourism and agriculture.
– Inquirer.net

Investor confidence drops following volatile global financial market
The volatility of the global financial market has decreased investor confidence while capital has flown back to the U.S. due to the predictions that the Fed will increase interest rates three times this year.
– NNT

‘Red Radio’ group behind PM assassination plot
A movement known as “Red Radio” has for several months been planning to assassinate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said.
– Bangkok Post

Foreign media apologize two Hmong girls accused of stealing from a tourist
A British tabloid and an Australian newspaper have offered apologies to two Hmong hilltribe girls for their reports wrongly accusing them of stealing a watch from a British tourist at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai last September.
– Thai PBS

New ToR for double-track rail projects expected in two weeks
NEW TERMS of reference (ToR) for the multibillion-baht double-track railway project will be finished within two weeks, according to Anon Luangboriboon, acting State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor.
– The Nation

LIMA 2017: Ukraine looks to boost presence in Thailand and Malaysian
Ukraine’s state-owned defence holding company Ukroboronprom is looking to boost its presence in the Malaysian and Thai defence markets through government-level commitments to support the growth of the two Southeast Asian country’s respective defence industries.
– Janes

Bangkok Bank partners Nest to launch InnoHub FinTech Accelerator
Thailand’s largest commercial bank Bangkok Bank has launched its international FinTech accelerator programme, ‘InnoHub‘, in partnership with Hong Kong-based venture capital and accelerator Nest.
– Deal Street Asia

New excise tax law sets ceiling tax rates for products and services
A cigarette can be taxed as high as five baht while the excise tax for a litre of diesel can go up to 20 baht under excise tax amendments which were published in the Royal Gazette and will become enforceable in the next 180 days.
– Thai PBS

Amlo profiles nine professions as terrorism risk
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has issued an announcement on nine professions which must be scrutinised as part of efforts to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
– Bangkok Post

Little hope for Thailand’s democracy
A free and frank discussion about the prevailing political situation in Thailand can, under current circumstances, only take place outside the country. Since the 2014 military coup, the freedom of expression and of the press has shrunk drastically in the Southeast Asian nation. Critics are either coerced by the military to acquiesce in government’s actions or, in worst cases, vanished without trace.
– DW

Cabinet makes slew of economic decisions
The government has seen fit to push forward an act on land and building taxation as well as credit loans to SMEs.
– NNT

Land and buildings tax draft gets nod
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft bill for the long-awaited land and buildings tax, intended to narrow economic disparity, after a review by the Council of State.
– Bangkok Post

Cabinet backs credit boost for SMEs in Bt15 bn package
THE CABINET yesterday gave the nod to the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand to extend up to Bt15 billion in loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.
– The Nation

Online traders now must display clear prices of goods, services and details on websites
The law governing online business is now in force after it was published in the Royal Gazette and released publicly yesterday.
– Thai PBS

Court delays case on skytrain lift payouts
The Civil Court has delayed its decision about whether the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) needs to pay compensation for failing to provide necessary facilities for disabled commuters at all skytrain stations.
– Bangkok Post

Industry Ministry increases machinery registration fee by 20%
The Ministry of Industry has raised registration fees for machinery by 20% to reflect the current economic climate.
– NNT

Thailand to adopt English teenage pregnancy prevention strategy
A teenage pregnancy prevention strategy widely credited with halving the rate of conceptions among teenagers in England is to be adopted by authorities in Thailand in the hope of achieving similar success.
– The Guardian

Duterte wraps up southeast Asia tour in Thailand
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met Tuesday with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, completing a series of get-acquainted visits with the members of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which the Philippines is chairing this year.
– AP

Commerce Ministry to organize Thailand-Myanmar Trade Expo 2017
The Ministry of Commerce along with foreign border trade and investment agencies will be organizing the Thailand-Myanmar Trade Expo 2017 during 23-29 March. The expo will be held in Mae Sot district, Tak province, and aims to promote trade and investment between Thailand and Myanmar.
– NNT

Ministry asks Uber to stop services temporarily pending 6-12 months study
The Ministry of Transport has asked Uber Thailand to halt its taxi service temporarily pending a comparative study of the taxi service via mobile applications in other countries.
– Thai PBS

Uber drivers legal action threat while ride-share study undertaken
Authorities have threatened to take legal action against drivers working for ride-sharing service Uber if they continue operating without waiting for the result of a feasibility study on shared uses of automobiles in Thailand.
– The Nation

Thailand’s coin-eating turtle dies of blood poisoning
A 25-year-old sea turtle in Thailand who swallowed nearly a thousand coins tossed by tourists seeking good luck died Tuesday, two weeks after having surgery to remove the coins from its stomach.
– USA Today

Thailand expected to be in top 10 for long-term tourism growth
THAILAND’S travel and tourism sector grew by nearly 11 per cent in 2016 and will be the world’s 10th-fastest-growing over the next decade, with an average growth rate of 6.5 per cent per annum, a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts.
– The Nation

Thai-Cambodian Products Piloted As GIs In ASEAN
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the European Union (EU), and Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) have registered Lamphun’s silk from Thailand and Cambodian pepper and loaf sugar as part of a piloted project of GI products in ASEAN, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.
– Malaysia Digest

Thailand not found among Top 50 ‘healthiest nations
When it comes to living a long life, Italy is the place to be. Thailand, not so much.
– Bangkok Post

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

$45m needed to set up foreign university in Vietnam, says draft decree
A decree has been drafted in Vietnam which will require foreign investors to have a higher amount of capital to set up universities in the country. It will also uncap the proportion of Vietnamese students able to enrol in foreign-invested institutions below higher education level, and raise the degree prerequisites of university lecturers.
— The Pie News

Public debt growth due to missed GDP target: minister
The main reason for the rapid rise of Việt Nam’s public debt is failure to achieve the targeted economic growth rate and the resulting tax collection shortfall, Finance Minister Đinh Tiến Dũng said yesterday.
— Viet Nam News

VN pursues dream of auto industry
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) will continue pursuing the dream of a real auto industry in Vietnam despite the failure of 20 years of efforts towards this goal.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Vietnamese telecoms speed up 4G race
While Vietnam’s three largest mobile carriers prepare to release 4G networks to the public, many mobile users are unsure if it is worth upgrading their data plans from the already expensive 3G.
— Tuoi Tre News

HCMC to invite foreign experts to build underground plan
Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has assigned the Department of Planning and Architecture to build an underground space plan this year, adding that the agency can invite experienced foreign experts to do that.
— Saigon

Vieät Nam, Israel promote economic cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ welcomed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at a joint business forum yesterday to advocate mutual economic, trade and investment relations between the two nations as part of Rivlin’s state visit to Việt Nam.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam, Israel hold defence industry forum in Hanoi
A Vietnam – Israel defence industry forum was held in Hanoi on March 21 by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry’s General Department of Defence Industry and Israel’s International Defence Cooperation Division.
— Vietnam Plus

More support for small and micro businesses
On March 21 afternoon, in Hanoi, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vietnam (VCCI) held a press conference announcing the activities of enterprises in APEC 2017 and results of ABAC 1 (held from February 19 – 23, 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand).
— Hanoi Times

Company fined $1,700 for building 40 villas without permit in Da Nang
A company in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang has been fined VND40 million (US$1,765) for constructing 40 villa-mansions without a building permit.
— Tuoi Tre News

Will the Environment Be the Vietnam Government’s Downfall?
For years, Tran Thi Nga was subjected to harassment and brutalization by the Vietnamese authorities, the details of which emerged in a fresh Human Rights Watch report published earlier this year. She was finally arrested in January for using the using “the Internet to post a number of video clips and articles to propagandize against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,” as the state media reported it.
— The Diplomat

Vietnam – Coffee exports to slow in coming months
Vietnam could fall short of robusta beans in the next two to three months due to rising shipments and dwindling domestic stocks, top exporter Intimex said.
— Agra-net

Operator says Vietnam’s submarine cable to resume speed this weekend
Vietnam’s internet connection is expected to improve this weekend when repair work is completed on a major cable that has suffered from multiple problems since early this year, VietnamPlus reported.
— VnExpress

Vietnam strips transport ministry of executive power over controversial river dredging projects
Vietnam’s prime minister has ordered the transport ministry to pass jurisdiction over all river dredging projects to provincial authorities amid reports some projects are causing serious erosion, a matter that has stirred public outcry.
— VnExpress

City metro to be linked with high-rises
The HCM City’s Urban Railway Management Board has submitted a plan to the municipal People’s Committee to link the urban railway system underground with high-rise buildings, apartments and shopping complexes.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnamese pork regularly contaminated with bacteria, finds study
Pork sold across Vietnam’s wet markets regularly carries food poisoing bacteria, such as Salmonella, according to researchers.
— FoodNavigator-Asia

Vietnam: Singapore’s Keppel Land ups stake in Saigon Centre for $37.1m
Singapore-based developer Keppel Land has increased its ownership in Keppel Land WATCO I to V, by purchasing another 16 per cent equity from the Vietnamese JV partner, Southern Waterborne Transport Corporation.
— Deal Street Asia

ANZ to sell retail unit in Vietnam following regional exit to DBS: Report
ANZ is looking to exit its retail banking operation in Vietnam, and five commercial lenders have submitted bids for the sale, according to local media.
— Deal Street Asia

Lao, Viet police extend partnership in prevention of cross-border crime
Laos’ Ministry of Public Security and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security will continue to support each other in protecting national security and preventing cross-border crimes.
— Vientiane Times

Britain’s ‘blood cannabis’ shame
Authorities struggle to get to grips with crime gangs trafficking young Vietnamese into the UK to work in slave-like conditions on massive indoor marijuana farms
— Asia Times

Vietnam ‘prisoner of war’ lied to get thousands in gifts
A New Jersey man has admitted he lied about being a prisoner of war in Vietnam to get gifts, including a nearly $32,000 deck built on his home.
— New York Post

TeamCast Supports Vietnam Transition to DVB-T2
Television in Vietnam is going digital, with the country currently in a five-year process of switching-off its analog services. Specifically, networks are progressively converting from DVB-T systems and MPEG-2 encoding to DVB-T2 and MPEG-4. To help support this transition, Vietnam Television Corporation (VTC) is working with digital modulation technology provider TeamCast.
— TVTechnology

Government warns British visitors to Vietnam over adventure tourism risks
The British government is warning UK visitors to Vietnam about the risks of adventure tourism when travelling to the south east Asian country.
— Travel Weekly

State Treasury expected to boost bond market on new lending mechanism
Trading liquidity of the Government bond market may increase once the State Treasury of Việt Nam is able to buy and sell bonds, a State Securities Commission (SSC) official said.
— Viet Nam News

Billionaire Developer Rides Vietnam Gambling Trend With Casino
FLC Group Joint-stock Co., co-founded by billionaire Trinh Van Quyet, has joined a growing number of foreign and local investors betting on cashing in on Vietnam’s decision to allow locals to roll the dice in casinos for the first time.
— Bloomberg

Summit mulls financial inclusion for all
More organizations are offering new financial products and services that are changing the form and nature of the market and are shaping the future of financial inclusion.
— Viet Nam News

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Asean Morning News is compiled by the editorial team at AEC News Today and published M-F: Governance, not government; policies not politics.