Asean Morning News For March 28

The most comprehensive #Asean Morning News Roundup published

Asean Morning News For March 28
Advertisement
Online English lessons

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 newsAsean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

 

South-east Asia’s children face ‘double burden’ of obesity and undernutrition – UN report
A joint report released today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has shed new light on the nutrition situation of children across the region.
— UN News Centre

Third Asean Rising Trade Show promoted as sector develops
THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) says it is continuing to move forward in attracting high-quality international exhibitions to Thailand with the third edition of its “Asean Rising Trade Show” programme.
— The Nation

Asia-Pacific cooperative ministers’ conference to run in Hanoi
The VCA said it considers the event an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with regional peers and learn from their experience.
–VietNamNet Bridge

China can now deploy military assets to South China Sea
Beijing can now deploy military assets to the Spratly (Kalayaan) Islands in the South China Sea as wraps up construction of infrastructures on the “Big Three”—Subi (Zamora), Mischief (Panganiban) and Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reefs.
— Phil Star

France calls for Asean-EU political engagement
The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) and the European Union (EU) should look beyond economic and cultural cooperation, and enhance political engagement, said French President Francois Hollande yesterday.
— Today Online

TMB adjusts on meek SMEs
TMB Analytics, TMB Bank’s research house, has trimmed its forecast for the country’s economic growth to 3.3% this year from 3.5% after slashing its private investment growth projection.
— Bangkok Post

EVAP prepares for 1st Asean electric and hybrid vehicles summit
THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is preparing for the first Asean Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit that it organized with the Board of Investments (BoI) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
— The Manila Times

Third Asean Rising Trade Show promoted as sector develops
THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) says it is continuing to move forward in attracting high-quality international exhibitions to Thailand with the third edition of its “Asean Rising Trade Show” programme.
– The Nation

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

Cambodia morning newsCambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

 

Push to reduce chemical dependency
The Ministry of Agriculture is working to develop a procedural framework for the trade and use of biological control agents (BCAs) in agriculture in an effort to improve crop yields, protect consumer health and ensure continued access to key export markets.
— The Phnom Penh Post

New coal-fired plant billed at $600 million
Malaysian-owned energy firm Cambodian Energy II Co Ltd (CEL2) will invest a total of $600 million into building its 150-megawatt coal-fired power plant near Sihanoukville, which is set to become the Kingdom’s third coal-fired power station.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Government Using Interest Rate Cap for Political Gain, Analysts Say
A government-imposed interest rate cap on microfinance loans may lead the sector into crisis, analysts have said.
— VOA

Interest Cap Poses Body Blow for Cambodian Microfinance
Just months ahead of local elections, the Cambodian government has ordered the microfinance industry to cap interest rates on new and refinanced loans at 18 percent a year starting April 1.
— VOA

NEC Says It Will Recognize CNRP Commune Election Candidates
The National Election Committee (NEC) won’t stop CNRP candidates from running in June’s commune elections, even if the Interior Ministry invalidates the party’s recent change in leadership, a spokesman said on Monday amid speculation from analysts that the government was seeking to bar the opposition from the ballot.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

PM Calls for Insult-Free Campaign for Commune Elections
Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has a long track record of hurling insults at his political rivals, on Monday called for a campaign season free from personal attacks in the lead-up to June’s commune elections.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia, Shaanxi agreement
Cambodia and Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in trade and investment.
— Global Times

Cambodia arrests over 6,100 drug suspects in 3 months of anti-drug campaign
Cambodian authorities have arrested 6,132 drug suspects in 2,677 cases in the first three months of a six-month anti-drug campaign that launched on January 1, said the Interior Ministry’s latest report on Monday.
— Global Times

Officials to Grill Opposition Over New Leader Appointment
Officials will meet with opposition leaders in late March to discuss the Cambodia National Rescue Party’s recent selection of Kem Sokha to replace its former leader, Sam Rainsy.
— VOA

Super Duper to branch out
Super Duper, a Western-styled 24-hour supermarket that first launched in early 2015, is planning to open its second branch in June in response to a strong demand for clean wide aisles and a vast array of local and imported grocery products, including hard-to-find items, a company executive said yesterday.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Hun Sen tells parties to refrain from insults, drawing accusations of hypocrisy
In the middle of what observers and experts have described as a sustained legal, political and, at times, physical onslaught against the opposition, Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday called for parties to refrain from attacking or insulting their opponents in the run-up to the June commune elections.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Give Hun Sen a Nobel Peace Prize, Government Human Rights Head Says
Prime Minister Hun Sen deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, not the scorn of neighbors who don’t understand Cambodia’s human rights situation, the head of a government committee on human rights said on Monday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Official Blames Factory Worker for Fatal Generator Explosion
An explosion at a Phnom Penh garment factory that killed one worker and injured seven others last week was caused by an operator who stoked a wood-fired generator because he wanted extra time for lunch, an official said on Monday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodian PM calls for people to vote for ruling party in forthcoming commune election
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Monday called for the country’s eligible voters to cast their ballots for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in the commune election on June 4.
— Global Times

Cambodia Property Awards 2017 Winners Focus on Expertly Planned Developments
Cambodia’s most outstanding real estate developers were honoured at the second annual PropertyGuru Cambodia Property Awards during an evening of celebrations, dining and networking with more than 300 guests at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
PropertyGuru

Thai gov’t won’t rescue agitator for protesting Cambodia casino
Thailand’s deputy prime minister has warned a local agitator that he’s on his own if Cambodian authorities arrest him for protesting a new border casino.
Calvinayre.com

 

Indonesia morning newsIndonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

 

Hollande to Bring $2.6b Investment During First Indonesia Visit
Indonesia and France will sign various agreements to further strengthen strategic partnerships and bilateral relations during French President François Hollande’s first state visit on Wednesday (29/03).
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia lodges complaint with WTO over US biodiesel anti-dumping duties
Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita has said the government has already submitted a complaint to the WTO over a petition issued by the US Department of Commerce and the US International Trade Commission to impose anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia.
— The Jakarta Post

BNI leads Rp4 trillion credit syndicate for PT Palapa
A five bank syndicate led by state lender PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has approved a loan of Rp4 trillion for PT Palapa Timur Telematika to finance development of the project of East Package of Palapa Ring which is part of the strategic Indonesian Broad Band Plan of 2014-2019.
— Antara News

Singapore fintech startup OOjiBO raises US$3.6M to serve the unbanked
Singapore-based fintech startup OOjiBO has raised a S$5 million (US$3.6 million) in a Pre-Series A round led by Centurion Private Equity. Wong Kok Hoe, Director at Centurion, managed the investment and joined OOjiBO’s board of directors.
— e27

President Jokowi approves new recruitment of 1,800 judges
President Joko Widodo has approved recruitment of 18,000 new judges to make up for shortage over the past seven years.
— Antara News

Asia Minute: Rail Trouble in Indonesia
A major rail project has run into financial trouble. There’s a controversy about funding, and actual construction of the route has been delayed. The story may sound familiar to Hawai‘i residents, but this rail line is thousands of miles from Honolulu. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.
— Hawaii Public Radio

Indonesia Has Reached 820 Thousand to One Million Houses A Year
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said that the increased urban population should be balanced by adequate housing supply to support economic growth.
— Netral News

Indonesian Muslims in Netherlands to get Mosque
The Indonesian Muslim community in the European Muslim Youth Union (PPME) of Al-Ikhlas, Amsterdam, has bought a building that will be developed into the Indonesian Cultural Center at Jan van Gentstraat 140, Badhoevedorp, the Netherlands.
— Antara News

South Korean Financial Conglomerate Shinhan Eyes M&A in Indonesia
Shinhan Financial Group’s new chief executive said Monday that South Korea’s most profitable financial company is eyeing opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the Asian market and further afield, as it seeks to exploit fast-growing demand for financial services in the region.
— Netral News

China’s Huawei trains Indonesian ICT talents through SmartGen program
China’s technology firm Huawei launched on Monday its ICT (Information, Telecommunication, Telecommunication) training program for students in 7 of Indonesia’s top notch state campuses, aimed at boosting up competitiveness of Indonesian ICT talents.
— CCTV

South-east Asia’s children face ‘double burden’ of obesity and undernutrition – UN report
A joint report released today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has shed new light on the nutrition situation of children across the region.
— UN News Centre

Government to issue policy of economic equality: Minister
The government of Indonesia will issue a policy of economic equality, one that provides capital to the public, in an attempt to reduce social inequality.
— Antara News

France urged to push Indonesia on LGBT rights
The French President has been urged to push Indonesia on LGBT+ rights, as he is set to arrive there this week.
— Pink News

Papua promised 5 percent of Freeport divestment
Indonesia’s Maritime Coordinating Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, says Papua will get five percent from the divestment by copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia.
— Radio New Zealand

Indonesia: 149 Deported from Turkey for Trying to Join IS in 2017
Turkey has deported 149 Indonesians since the start of the year on suspicion of trying to cross into Syria to join Islamic State, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
— Benar News

We need tax breaks and more tech schools, says Indonesian angel investor Shinta Dhanuwardoyo
In the summer of 2004, venture capitalist Peter Thiel made a $500,000 angel investment in the social network Facebook for 10.2 per cent of the company. In 2011, the winner of that year’s Global Entrepreneurship Program Indonesia, Go-Jek, received an undisclosed amount of funding from American angel investor Arthur Benjamin. Both companies went on to be one of the largest tech startups, in the world and Indonesia, respectively.
— Deal Street Asia

Nigerians not responsible for drug-related problems in Indonesia – Ambassador
The Indonesia Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Harry Purwanto, on Monday dismissed as untrue the impression that Nigerians were responsible for drug-related problems in his country.
— Vanguard

Bali airport shut for 24 hours as locals observe day of silence
Bali, the famed holiday destination in Indonesia, will become silent for 24 hours starting Tuesday morning (Mar 28) as the locals observe Hari Nyepi (Day of Silence), the start of the new year for the Hindus of the island.
— Channel NewsAsia

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

Lao PDR morning newsLao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

 

Land issues, SME promotion dominate Party meeting
The leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party has told the government to continue to prioritise the addressing of land issues along with greater promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost the economy.
Vientiane Times

Nam Ngum I dam expansion to increase capacity by 80MW
The Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Plant in Vientiane province will increase its generation capacity by more than 80MW after the seventh and eighth generators of an expansion project are completed later this year.
Vientiane Times

Cambodia and Laos ink aviation accord
Cambodia and Laos have signed an accord to encourage regional airlines to increase services on routes between the two countries in a move to boost tourism.
TTR Weekly

Japan Funds Community-based Bridge Construction in Savannakhet
The Japanese government provided a grant of US$ 76,894 supporting a community-based bridge construction project through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGPs) programme.
Lao News Agency

Laos, RoK Prepare Documents for Coming Foreign Minister’s Meeting
Laos and the Republic of Korea hosted a Mekong-Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation Senior Officials’ Meeting in Pakse district, Champassak province last Friday.
Lao News Agency

Officials Regulate Expired Foods On Retailers Shelves
Locals have been encouraged by officials to purchase consumer goods marked with price labels and logos in Lao language.
The Laotian Times

Film Review: Beauty & The Beast
To be perfectly honest, I didn’t expect to like Disney’s live action update of their Oscar-nominated animated film Beauty and the Beast.
The Laotian Times

Seli breaks through tunnel at Laos’ 410-MW Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydroelectric plant
Italian firm Seli Overseas has reached a significant milestone at Laos’ 410-MW Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydroelectric plant with the completion of the project’s headrace tunnel.
HydroWorld

REDSHIRT FIREBRAND ‘KO TEE’ SAYS HE’S FLED LAOS
A fugitive Redshirt activist wanted for allegedly insulting the monarchy and accused of plotting the assassination of junta leadership said Sunday that he’s no longer residing in Laos as thought by authorities.
Khaosod English

Hanoi shares administrative reform experience with Vientiane
Vientiane Governor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune said Laos has just begun administrative reforms while Hanoi has obtained initial outcomes in this work.
VietNamNet Bridge

200 million litres of fuel to be used in railway construction
Over 200 million litres of fuel is expected to be consumed in the construction of the historic railway linking Vientiane with the Chinese border over the next five years.
Vientiane Times

Asean delegates prepare for sustainable tourism awards
Delegates from Asean member states are in Vientiane to attend a training session titled Asean Master Assessors on Asean Sustainable Tourism Award, to prepare for awards in January 2018.
Vientiane Times

Australia Supports over 6.4 billion kip for “Standing Up, Speaking Out” Programme
The Australian government has provided over 6.4 billion kip (USD 787,000) for the “Standing Up, Speaking Out” programme through Care International and the Lao Women’s Union.
Lao News Agency

Swensen’s Introduces New Menu with Mango Flavour
The American ice cream franchise in Vientiane, “Swensen’s” which is a unit of the Express Food Group has introduced its new menu with two new flavours to serve customers in the capital.
Lao News Agency

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysia morning news

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

 

Malaysian palm oil price falls to more than 5 months low

Malaysian palm oil futures fell to their lowest in more than five months on Monday in a third consecutive session of losses, weighed down by weaker performing related vegetable oils.
The Star Online

Samsung to sell refurbished Galaxy Note 7s
Tech giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said it plans to sell refurbished versions of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphones that were pulled from markets due to fire-prone batteries.
– The Star Online

Stay open and reap the benefits, World Bank tells Malaysia
MALAYSIA and other Asian countries that remain committed to trade openness in the face of rising protectionism will continue to benefit from global flows of knowledge and opportunity, said the World Bank.
New Straits Times

More restructuring for PNB after value of companies rise by RM20bil
Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) will continue to unlock value in its companies, encouraged by the RM20bil rise in market value of its six main listed entities.
– The Star Online

Maybank Islamic unveils Islamic Private Wealth Solution
Maybank Islamic Bhd has launched a new account for its Islamic private wealth clientele, allowing this high net worth (HNW) segment to maximise their balances in their various Islamic investment portfolios.
New Straits Times

Finance minister II: RM3b request won’t alter Budget 2016 deficit
The government’s Supplementary Supply Bill for RM3.08 billion will not affect the previously projected deficit for Budget 2016, Finance Minister II Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani said today.
Malay Mail Online

HSBC study: Only one-third of millennials can afford houses
Only one-third of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1998) are able to afford to own homes due to escalating house prices and slower salary growth, according to HSBC’s first Beyond the Bricks study.
– The Star Online

ICP expected to create investments of more than US$17.5b by 2020, Johari says
The Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), a government initiative to ensure best value for money on a procurement programme, is expected to create more than US$17.5 billion (RM77.2 billion) in investments by 2020.
Malay Mail Online

SECOS profitable in Malaysia
SECOS Group has achieved consistent profitability at its Malaysian production facility at Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur.
The Australian

Malaysia cooperating with North Korea on Kim Jong Nam’s body
The body of the assassinated Kim Jong Nam has been taken out of a morgue in Malaysia and is to be delivered to Pyongyang.
United Press International

Foreign liquidity on Bursa Malaysia remains elevated for second straight week, says MIDF Research
Foreign investors purchased RM1.08 billion worth of equities on Bursa Malaysia last week, the second week running the amount had exceeded RM1 billion. This excluded off market deals.
The Edge Markets

More restructuring for PNB after value of companies rise by RM20bil
Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) will continue to unlock value in its companies, encouraged by the RM20bil rise in market value of its six main listed entities.
The Star Online

CIMB Research retains Add for Bison Consolidated, target price RM2.07
CIMB Equities Research is retaining its Add recommendation for convenience store player Bison Consolidated with a target price of RM2.07, which is 11.2% above the last traded price of RM1.86.
The Star Online

Ringgit closes higher against US dollar
The ringgit became among the most sought-after currencies by investors today, as they shifted their interest from the greenback, a dealer said.
New Straits Times

Takaful Ikhlas, Agrobank, join forces for range of Takaful plans
Takaful Ikhlas Bhd is targeting RM211 million in total premium contributions, on the back of its five-year exclusive collaboration with agriculture-centric development financial institution (DFI), Agrobank Bhd.
New Straits Times

Minister moots compulsory national insurance for cancer patients
Finance Minister II Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani suggested today a mandatory national insurance scheme as an option to help cancer patients pay for expensive treatments.
Malay Mail Online

Deputy minister: New rail deal won’t cost any KTMB jobs
None of the 4,000 employees of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will lose their jobs with the signing of the Railway Network Access Agreement (RNAA), Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi pledged today.
Malay Mail Online

Frontier Digital Ventures to inject cash in Sri Lanka property portal
Malaysia’s Catcha Group-backed online classified operator Frontier Digital Ventures (FDV) will inject cash into Sri Lankan property portal LankaPropertyWeb in a bid to raise its stake from 37 per cent to 48 per cent.
Deal Street Asia

Singapore and Malaysia’s differing accounts on how Mas Selamat got to Malaysia from Singapore
The Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomb maker Mas Selamat Kestari, who was detained by the Singapore’s Internal Security Act (ISA) but had escaped through a ventilation shaft in a toilet at Singapore Prison in February 2008, has again made news on 25 March.
The Online Citizen

 

Myanmar morning newsMyanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

 

Myanmar chief labels Rohingya Muslim intruders, warns against UN investigation
Myanmar’s military chief has warned against United Nations intervention in his country, declaring more than one million Rohingya Muslims in western Rakhine state as “Bengali” interlopers, despite them having lived there for generations.
— The Sydney Morning Herald

Sino-Myanmar oil pipeline launch a good signal: experts
The launch of the Sino-Myanmar oil pipeline following a two-year delay could be the Myanmar government’s way of sending a positive signal ahead of its president’s visit to China in April, Chinese experts said.
— Global Times

India Bags Myanmar Torpedo Order Worth $38 Million
India has agreed to supply lightweight torpedoes to Myanmar in a US$ 37.9 million-contract which is said to be evidence of a growing arms race between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The torpedoes will be manufactured by government-owned Bharat Dynamics and private company L&T.
— Sputnik International

Mitsubishi Corp. courts Myanmar’s wealthy with new hospitals
Mitsubishi Corp. will team with local companies to establish medical complexes in Myanmar, where a growing health care market is being fueled by the increasing number of middle- and upper-class residents.
— Nikkei Asian Review

ASIA’S FUTURE CITIES: New buds of growth for Yangon’s ‘green movement’
The notion of starting a “green” business in Myanmar is still an unconventional one in 2017.
— Channel NewsAsia

Myanmar Authorities Charge Farmers in Roadblock Protest of Lepadaung Copper Mine
Myanmar authorities have charged 50 farmers with assault, illegal assembly, illegal demonstration, and destruction of state property for blocking the road to the controversial Chinese-run Letpadaung copper mine in the country’s northwestern Sagaing region, a police officer said Monday.
— Radio Free Asia

Sai Harn Yawnghwe: ‘The basic issue is equality’
The recent spike in fighting in the north of the country appears to have dashed hopes that State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s leadership could bring all ethnic armed groups into the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. China has expressed growing concern about the violence near its border and increased its support for Myanmar’s peace process, hosting a number of high-profile meetings.
— Frontier Myanmar

Myanmar defence chief pledges to achieve everlasting peace
The Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services pledged that the Tatmadaw will participate in establishing everlasting peace using the six peace principles laid down by the Tatmadaw under supervision of the government.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

MPs need to be ever vigilant in carrying out the duties of the Hluttaw: Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker
Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Win Myint met with Hluttaw Representatives at the meeting hall in Haka, Chin State to discuss law amendments, regional development, the peace process, and experiences of the Hluttaw.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

 

Philippines morning newsPhilippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

 

 

DIARY-Emerging Markets Economic Events to April 28
Philippine Central Bank Governor Amando Maglalang Tetangco will attend the Management Association of the Philippines economic briefing and membership meeting, at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. WASHINGTON – Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks on “Addressing Workforce Development Challenges in Low-Income Communities” before the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Annual Conference – 1650 GMT.
— Reuters

Hainan-Manila direct flights eyed under Belt & Road Initiative
The tourism sectors of Hainan, China’s famous tropical province, and the Philippines are seen to benefit under economic integration strategy Belt & Road Initiative.
— Manila Bulletin

Central bank expects March inflation sustained above 3%
INFLATION likely stayed above three percent this month as higher power rates and a weaker peso pushed prices of widely used goods and services upward, although lower food and oil costs may have capped the overall increase, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said yesterday.
— Business World Online

Philippines to conduct air patrols in Benham
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will use its newly acquired TC-90 aircraft from Japan to patrol the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise where incidents of China’s incursion were recorded.
— Phil Star

South-east Asia’s children face ‘double burden’ of obesity and undernutrition – UN report
A joint report released today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has shed new light on the nutrition situation of children across the region.
— UN News Centre

EVAP prepares for 1st Asean electric and hybrid vehicles summit
THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is preparing for the first Asean Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit that it organized with the Board of Investments (BoI) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
— The Manila Times

EU summons Filipino envoy to explain Duterte tirade
The European Union on Monday summoned a Philippine envoy to explain an expletive-laden tirade by President Rodrigo Duterte, who threatened to hang EU officials for opposing his efforts to re-impose the death penalty.
— Phil Star

Duterte plays a winning hand with foreign policy, but will his luck run out?
Rodrigo Duterte does not need your money. But he will take it. Since his electoral triumph last summer, the man famous for cursing foreign leaders and calling for mass killing seems to be raking in the cash for Manila. A tidy $24 billion in deals with China. Fresh billions from Japan. Not to mention the tens of millions in military and development aid the United States sends each year — despite his call for a “separation.”
— Washington Post

Philippines, Hungary bring ties to ‘new dimension’ with trade, economic pacts
Representatives of Hungary on Monday met here with their Philippine counterparts and ink several trade and economic agreements, putting the bilateral relationship between the two countries to a “new dimension.”
— Inquirer.Net

Philippines aims to include casinos in dirty money law
The Philippines could tighten its money laundering law this year to cover casinos, its top lawmaker said on Monday, in a move aimed at plugging loopholes that allowed $81 million stolen from Bangladesh to pass through Manila gaming venues.
— ABS-CBN

PH, Asian shares recover as markets try to move past Trump’s policy stumble
Philippine shares pulled ahead with the rest of Asia on Tuesday after Wall Street steadied and the dollar bounced from a four-month-low, as concern over Donald Trump’s setback on his healthcare reform bill gave away to tentative hopes for the US President’s planned stimulus policies.
— ABS-CBN

‘Rody to respect lawmakers’ independence on Leni’
It’s up to Congress to decide on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo despite an earlier appeal by President Duterte to his allies to stop working for her ouster, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said yesterday.
— Phil Star

Employers turn hopeful on contractualization rules
Employers are keeping their fingers crossed that the new labor department order (DO) on contractualization will not worsen the current unemployment situation in the country as they try to live with more restrictive rules.
— Phil Star

Oil firms roll back diesel, kerosene prices today
Oil companies roll back diesel and kerosene prices for the fourth straight week today amid oversupply in the international oil market.
— Phil Star

‘Rody to respect lawmakers’ independence on Leni’
It’s up to Congress to decide on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo despite an earlier appeal by President Duterte to his allies to stop working for her ouster, chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said yesterday.
— Phil Star

Poe urges gov’t to protect every Filipino
Extrajudicial killings (EJKs) or not, the government must protect the lives of every Filipino, especially the poor, Senator Grace Poe said on Tuesday.
— Inquirer.Net

SSS eyes mandatory OFW coverage
The Social Security System is eyeing the mandatory coverage of Filipinos working abroad, which is one of the proposed amendments to its charter now pending in Congress.
— Inquirer.Net

E.U. refutes Duterte on ‘drugs stations’
The European Union on Monday denied President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that the bloc has suggested that the Philippine government build illegal drug stations in the country.
— ABS-CBN

Too early for ‘divisive’ impeachment, says Robredo
Vice President Leni Robredo said Tuesday it was “too early” for the country to go through a “divisive” impeachment process barely a year after a bitterly fought election.
— ABS-CBN

Growth track deemed intact despite politics
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY is expected to see above-six percent expansion in the next two years on the back of increased public spending and an improving investment climate, according to a Moody’s Investors Service report that said political issues pose minimal risk to the country’s growth story.
— Business World Online

2 Philippine Navy MPACs with missile armament provisions to arrive soon
Two of the multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC), with provisions for missile armament, will be delivered by the third quarter of this year.
— Manila Bulletin

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

Singapore morning newsSingapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat    @leakhenakhat

 

 

France, Singapore sign slew of deals to spearhead innovation
Singapore and France on Monday (March 27) agreed to strengthen cooperation in innovation through greater collaboration in areas such as space technology, smart cities planning, biomedical sciences and financial technology.
Today Online 

Singapore Efficiency Even Extends to Its Bankruptcy Laws
When it comes to matters legal or bureaucratic, Singapore is swift to act. Bankruptcy, sometimes, can be even faster.
GCaptain 

Help for law firms to become tech-ready
Law firms will not only have access to funds to adopt technology, but also get to carry a logo on their websites and marketing materials to show they are technology-ready.
The Straits Times 

Only 7% of Singapore workers turn to formal courses to upgrade skills
Most Singapore candidates are driving their own professional development agenda rather than looking to their employer to provide training, according to recruiting firm Hays.
Singapore Business Review 

DHL eCommerce Enables Singapore e-Commerce Retailers to Reach Out to the U.S. Market
DHL eCommerce, a division of the world’s leading logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group, has launched a new commercial international shipping product facilitating Singapore-based e-tailers, online merchants, manufacturers, and traditional ‘brick and mortar’ retailers to ship their products to consumers in the U.S. using the reliable DHL network in a simple and cost-effective manner.
Yahoo Finance 

Singapore signs fintech cooperation agreement with France
SINGAPORE and France on Monday signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in the fintech sector.
The Business Times 

New signalling system to be tested on NSL trains on Tuesday
On Tuesday night (March 28), the North-South Line (NSL) will switch over temporarily to a new signalling system as part of continuing trials, with all trains on the 26-station line halting for around 10 minutes during the final hour of service from about 11pm.
Today Online 

Keeping Singapore’s coastline secure amid changing threats
Ninety-four people were arrested for trying to breach Singapore’s coastline in 2015 – a five-year high, and an average of one person every four days.
Channel NewsAsia 

Singapore set to get box traffic boost from CMA CGM
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest box carrier, has doubled its operating capacity in Singapore to four million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) with the launch of phase two of CMA CGM PSA Lion Terminal (CPLT) on Monday.
The Business Times 

Fortis Healthcare said to consider buyout of Singapore trust
Fortis Healthcare Ltd, India’s second-largest private hospital chain by market value, is weighing a buyout of the Singapore-listed business trust that owns some of its clinics, people with knowledge of the matter said.
Live Mint 

Singapore’s big plans for nationwide bike-sharing are no more
Before it’s even begun, Singapore has scrapped its ambitious nationwide bike-sharing plan.
Mashable 

Singapore’s 2G network to cease completely on April 18
All three mobile operators (MNOs) – M1, Singtel and StarHub – will be shutting down their 2G network services in stages, starting from April 1 and completing it by April 18.
Today Online 

Singapore ranked as most expensive city
Singapore is the world’s most expensive city for the fourth year running according to The Economist Intelligence Unit‘s Worldwide Cost of Living 2017.
CitiesToday 

Surge in foreign buying in Singapore assets: JLL
FOREIGN investments in Singapore property assets surged 441 per cent year on year in 2016 to US$4.1 billion on the back of mega deals such as Qatar Investment Authority’s purchase of Asia Square Tower 1 for US$2.45 billion.
The Business Times 

Singapore’s big ambitions for new fund structure
The city’s newly proposed investment vehicle aims to go beyond what many had expected, says a senior lawyer, and the industry is cautiously optimistic.
AsianInvestor 

Singapore Airlines moves new Airbus A380 suites to upper deck
As previously tipped by Australian Business Traveller, Singapore Airlines is relocating its new Airbus A380 first class suites to the superjumbo’s upper deck.
Australian Business Traveller 

Employees in Singapore are one of the least engaged in APAC
The latest 2017 Trends in Global Employee Engagement report by Aon Hewitt has revealed that global employee engagement has retracted in the last year.
Human Resources Online 

Singapore fintech startup OOjiBO raises US$3.6M to serve the unbanked
Singapore-based fintech startup OOjiBO has raised a S$5 million (US$3.6 million) in a Pre-Series A round led by Centurion Private Equity. Wong Kok Hoe, Director at Centurion, managed the investment and joined OOjiBO’s board of directors.
Yahoo Finance 

Fire breaks out at AMK Hub basement in early hours of Tuesday morning
A fire broke out at the Samsung Experience Store in AMK Hub shopping mall at 1.32am on Tuesday (March 28), affecting other stores’ customers who visited the mall later in the morning.
Today Online

 

Thailand morning newsThailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre    @photo_journ

 

 

NACC to complete Rolls-Royce graft probe before end of year
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is planning to conclude the investigation into the Rolls-Royce corruption case before the end of this year.
– NNT

Red Bull heir enjoys jet-set life 4 years after hit-and-run
The Ferrari driver who allegedly slammed into a motorcycle cop, dragged him along the road and then sped away from the mangled body took just hours to find, as investigators followed a drip, drip, drip trail of brake fluid up a street, down an alley, and into the gated estate of one of Thailand’s richest families.
– CNBC

Examine fundamentals, PwC tells companies
COMPANIES seeking growth opportunities in emerging markets should look more deeply into the real fundamentals that drive growth and capitalise on key industries that can weather volatility and weak economic-growth forecasts, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
– The Nation

Luxury condos lure Asia’s super-wealthy to Bangkok
Top-end Thai property developers are locked in an intensifying race to lure wealthy buyers into purchasing multimillion dollar luxury apartments in Thailand’s capital.
– Nikkei Asian Review

Thailand 4.0: Powered by Renewable Energy?
Under Thailand 4.0, renewable energy is a key priority for innovation. Cognizant that dependence on imported fossil fuels is not only economically and ecologically unsustainable, but also exposes the country to the unpredictability of global commodity markets, the Thai government embarked on a power development plan in May 2015 (PDP 2015).
– Lexology

Why Thailand’s 20-year plan is a national disaster
The proposed 20-year national plan put forth by the Thai ruling elite reflects how the old guard does not understand the exponentially increasing aspect of information and associated technology.
– The Nation

Thai Bourse May Remain Stuck In Neutral

The Thai stock market on Monday snapped the two-day winning streak in which it had gained almost 7 points or 0.4 percent.
– RTT News

Firms must distinguish between ‘trick’ and ‘treat’ with tax
THAILAND HAS not yet issued “general anti-avoidance rules”, but this does not mean that the Revenue Department does not look at transactions with GAAR-coloured spectacles
– The Nation

Confronting digital drag in Thailand’s airline sector
Airlines are generally less digitally savvy than some other sectors when it comes to exploiting the likes of big data analytics and the Internet of Things.
– South China Morning Post

Lifestyle market forecast to grow 5%
Thailand’s lifestyle products market is expected to grow by 5% this year, driven by the recovering economies of key trading partners.
– Bangkok Post

BOT clamps down on banks over non-banking services
The Bank of Thailand will issue a new directive to prohibit commercial banks from forcing customers to buy non-banking services, such as life insurance, BOT assistant Governor Ronnadol Numnonda said.
– The Nation

TV news channel suspended in Thailand
Thai media regulators should immediately reverse their suspension of the operating license of Voice TV and should allow the media to broadcast and publish freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Media regulators today suspended the channel’s operating license for seven days.
– CPJ

Migrants expected to meet demand for unskilled labour in Chon Buri
THE NUMBER of unskilled migrant workers in Chon Buri province is expected to increase significantly, by about 30,000 annually over the next three years, driven by the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development project.
– The Nation

Investors pledge B8.5bn for border SEZ projects
Investment continues to flow into special economic zones (SEZs), with 40 projects worth 8.54 billion baht applying for promotional privileges from the Board of Investment (BoI) as of Feb 28.
– Bangkok Post

Sorry, taxis: Uber will not suspend services in Thailand
Uber has refused to comply with the government’s request to temporarily stop their popular services while the Ministry of Transport is conducting a study about ride-sharing apps.
– Coconuts

Revenue Department calls Thaksin to acknowledge and pay 17 billion baht in tax and fine assessment today
The Revenue Department has now assessed the capital gain tax and fines that the former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has to pay for the sale of Shin Corporation shares, now renamed Intouch Holdings Plc, in 2006 at 17 billion baht.
– Thai PBS

Thailand hosts seminar to promote food innovation
Foreign media outlets have been invited to attend a seminar on Thailand’s push to become a regional leader in food innovation.
– NNT

Encroached resorts in Ubonrat dam dismantled
The ongoing effort by the military installed government to reclaim properties encroaching on national park and forest reserve lands is progressing ahead steadily with latest raid in Ubonrat dam in Khon Kaen province to demolish two resorts built illegally for almost a decade.
– Thai PBS

NRSA deliberates strategy on sustainable tourism
The National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) has deliberated the proposed strategy on sustainable tourism, which aims to streamline the management of the tourism sector and encourage participation from local communities.
–NNT

Thailand Approves Tax Incentives For EV Manufacturing And Supply
Thailand is ready to offer a series of incentives including tax exemptions up to 8 years to companies ready to setup electric vehicle production in the country, according to the Bangkok Post.
– Carlist.my

DPM Prawit: Government’s reconciliation efforts will be honest and neutral
Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon has assured the public that the government’s reconciliation promotion will be implemented with honesty and neutrality.
– NNT

Andaman Sea to be closed off in April
The Andaman Sea will be temporarily closed to all fishing activities during the spawning season, from April to June.
– NNT

Thai court acquits pair accused of trafficking
Human rights observers criticised on Friday last week’s decision by a Thai provincial court to acquit two defendants in a human trafficking case involving 11 Cambodians rescued from a fishing boat early last year.
– The Phnom Penh Post

Hajj pilgrims given free check-ups and vaccines
The Ministry of Public Health is providing health check-ups and vaccines for Thai Hajj pilgrims who are going to Saudi Arabia.
– NNT

A woman suspected of involvement in rhino horns smuggling surrenders
One of the two women who were suspected of attempting to smuggle 21 African rhino horns worth about 170 million baht into the country on March 10 has turned herself in to the police on Monday.
– Thai PBS

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

Vietnam morning newsVietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat    @leakhenakhat

 

Việt Nam rice exports drop in Q1
Việt Nam exported an estimated 1.28 million tonnes of rice in the first three months of the year, earning US$570 million. But the exports were 18 per cent lower in volume and 17.3 per cent lower in value compared to the same period last year. This was reported last week by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Viet Nam News 

World Bank releases report on food safety in Vietnam
Food safety is becoming a great concern for the public, according to a report released by the World Bank in Vietnam during a seminar in Hanoi on March 27.
Vietnam Plus 

CapitaLand to expand in Vietnam
Real estate giant CapitaLand plans to ramp up its presence in Vietnam, including an investment in a possible Raffles City.
The Straits Times

Vietnam ranks second best place in the world to teach English
English teachers can earn up to $2,200 a month – equivalent to Vietnam’s average annual income, according to a new report.
VnExpress 

Vietnam province taps Korean government for assistance on 500 MW solar project
South Korean government assistance has been requested for a proposed 500 MW solar PV project planned for Thac Ba Lake in Vietnam’s Yen Bai province as the local government seeks to increase its clean energy output and strengthen ties between Vietnam and South Korea.
PV Magazine 

Australia adjusts dumping margin on Vietnamese aluminium extrusions
Australia issued last week a notice regarding the investigation into the dumping and the countervailing duty on aluminium extrusions exported to it from Việt Nam and Malaysia.
Viet Nam News 

Hanoi shares administrative reform experience with Vientiane
Vientiane Governor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune said Laos has just begun administrative reforms while Hanoi has obtained initial outcomes in this work. Vientiane wants to learn from Hanoi’s experience to build a synchronous and modern administration, thus helping to promote local socio-economic development.
VietNamNet Bridge 

Internet in Vietnam remains at snail’s pace due to cable repair delays
Vietnam’s internet speed is likely to remain slow for the foreseeable future due to further delays to repair work on the Asia America Gateway (AAG) undersea cable, while work on the country’s other internet link, the Intra Asia (IA) cable, is ongoing.
VnExpress 

$1.5 mil allocated for environment pollution treatment
Nguyen Thanh Loi, Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the central province of Quang Tri, yesterday said that VND36 billion (over $1.5 million) is allocated to improve the environment in districts affected pesticide residue.
Saigon 

Shrimp exports expected to reach 5 bln USD by 2020
Vietnam’s shrimp exports are expected to reach between 4.5 – 5 billion USD by 2020, with an annual increase of between 9.5 – 12 percent.
Vietnam Plus 

Hanoi is willing to help Vientiane implementing PAR and IT application
On March 27, Hanoi People`s Committee held a seminar on administrative reform (PAR) between Hanoi and Vientiane (Lao PDR).
Hanoi Times 

Vietnam set to produce satellites by 2022
Vietnam targets to self-develop Lotusat-2 by 2022 when its technical facilities for satellite research, assembly, integration and testing are ready to operate, according to the Vietnam National Satellite Center (VNSC).
SpaceDaily 

Daiwa House building large hotel in Vietnam
Daiwa House Industry announced Monday it will spend about 8 billion yen ($72.4 million) to build a large hotel in the Vietnamese city of Hai Phong with the aim of attracting Japanese business travelers.
Nikkei Asian Review 

Cambodian military delegation welcomed in Hanoi
Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich made the remark in Hanoi on March 27 at a reception for visiting Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Lieut. Gen. Hun Manet.
VietNamNet Bridge 

Vietnam Jails Online Graft Whistleblower for Bribery
A court in Vietnam sentenced a prominent online whistleblower to nearly five years in prison Monday for bribery, according to his lawyer, who called the verdict “anticipated” and vowed to pursue an appeal for his client.
Radio Free Asia

Stream Sponsors Vietnam IoT Startup Competition
Stream Technologies is sponsoring Vietnam’s annual IoT Startup competition, the company has announced. Organized by the Board of Management of Saigon Hi-Tech Park, the competition’s goals are to attract the interest of the startup community and foster the development of IoT-based products, and to incubate and establish new IoT startups.
IoT Evoloution 

Vietnam leverages Google, YouTube hate speech failings
When a Google executive apologized to advertisers last week in London, the apology echoed seven time zones away in Vietnam.
Southeast Asia 

Vietnam pegged as convenience hotspot
Vietnam is forecast to be the fastest-growing convenience market in Asia by 2021, according to new data released by international grocery research organisation IGD, followed by the Philippines and Indonesia.
AsiaFruit 

SBV: commercial banks’ interest rate adjustment normal
It is normal for commercial banks to adjust their interest rates in accordance with their business strategies and market situation, said the State Bank of Vietnam.
Vietnam Plus 

Vietnam’s import tracking raises concern amid Brazil meat scandal
The Animal Health Department under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said that the country has never imported meat from any of the 21 meat processing companies being investigated for alleged bribery in Brazil.
Tuoi Tre News 

 

 

Introducing The AEC News Today Mobile App

See full details, including our AEC News Today Mobile App Privacy Statement here: Stay up to Date With The AEC News Today Mobile App

Download the AEC News Today mobile app from Google play or the App stores by clicking the icons below.

Download the AEC News Today mobile app for iOS here Download the AEC News Today mobile app for Android here

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Support independent media by sharing using these tools. Do not steal our content

Make a comment

Your email address will not be published.