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Asean morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu

WHO urges workplace safety ‘revolution’ against backward policies (video)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on business owners and employees throughout what it terms the ‘Western Pacific Region’ (WPR) to drive workplace safety policy through the implementation of universal smoke-free workplaces.
— AEC News Today (video)

Asean Global Leadership Programme heads to LSE for 19th edition
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is teaming up with regional management consulting firm SRW&Co., to host its first Asean Global Leadership Programme (AGLP).
— AEC News Today (video)

Turkish lira dip spells trouble for Asian markets
Concerns over US tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminum sent destabilizing ripples across the region
— The Nation

US presses Thailand, Asean on Iran sanctions
A senior US official is currently touring Southeast Asian capitals to seek their enforcement of newly re-imposed sanctions on Iran.
— Bangkok Post

China signs aviation pacts with 62 Belt and Road countries
China has, to date, signed bilateral intergovernmental air
transportation agreements with 125 countries and regions, with
62 of them along the Belt and Road trade initiative, according
to the country’s aviation authority.
— GBTimes

Myanmar to seek more emergency rice aid from ASEAN
Myanmar is considering seeking more assistance from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emergency rice reserve programme due to dwindling supply of the country’s staple grain amid the onslaught of floods, U Myo Tint Tun, deputy permanent secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Irrigation said on Monday.
— Myanmar Times

Bangkok ranks 98th in EIU Global Liveability Index
Bangkok is ranked 98th, with an overall rating of 66 out of 100, in the latest “Global Liveability Index” by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
— The Nation

Looking behind the rise of a new format
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES among urbanites have led to the rise of mixed-use projects in Southeast Asian countries, according to property experts.
— The Nation

$100,000 at stake for winner of Globe ‘League of Legends’ tourney
Globe is creating noise for Philippine eSports, putting a total of $250,000 up for grabs at the inaugural Conquerors Manila League of Legends (LoL) tournament to be held in the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19.
— Rappler

Singapore hosts 36th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting and 12th Meeting on ASEAN-China Maritime Consultation Mechanism
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will host the 36th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting (MTWG) and the 12th Meeting on ASEAN-China Maritime Consultation Mechanism (ACMCM) from 13 to 16 August 2018.
— Hellenic Shipping News

Coping with Technology: Challenges and Opportunities for ASEAN+3 Economies
Technological change and the relentless pace of automation offer significant opportunities for productivity growth and improved efficiency, but they also bring related risks of increased worker displacement and the challenge of upskilling labor.
— Brink

Indigenous people: The struggle for home
When the then Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhyono, was presented with two maps of the country’s primary forests by different government agencies at a cabinet meeting in December 2010 on ongoing REDD+ work, it became clear that the spatial data presented was conflicting.
— The Asean Post

Future of China-ASEAN relations
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership, created in 2003 to reflect a realization of the long-term potential of their ties.
— China.org.cn

Scenic launches 2019/2020 Southeast Asia brochure
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has launched its 2019/2020 Southeast Asia brochure.
— Cruise Trade News

Why are businesses relocating data centres to Southeast Asia?
Data centres are sprouting around Singapore and its neighbours but what are the factors that make the region so attractive to providers?
— Channel Asia Singapore

More Southeast Asian Voices Emerge in Second Docs by the Sea
Workshop and pitching forum for South East Asia-based documentary filmmakers, Docs by the Sea, returned to Bali last week.
— Jakarta Globe

Financial firms rush to Southeast Asia
Major banks are tapping into the world’s most rapidly growing economies, which are considered to be their next overseas cash cows, in a bid to overcome difficulties in finding new revenue sources in the saturated domestic financial market.
— The Korea Times

SOUTHEAST ASIAN DELICACIES CONTINUE TO ATTRACT LOCALS
Food enthusiasts gathered at the 19th Southeast Asia Food Carnival for the annual showcase of sweet treats from several countries, which were offered at some 14 booths.
— Macau Daily Times

FARMERS IN ASIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE SEEK A COFFEE HIGH
On a misty, cold day in Laos’ highlands, former opium farmer Bounsee Lorleuxai sips a three-in-one instant coffee. For years, that was the best he could do if he wanted the drink.
— OZY

SE Asia report: Indo prices firm for second month
Indonesian slaughter prices have firmed again for the second month in a row, Vietnam slaughter prices have also continued their movement upwards and Chinese prices are rising, Dr Ross Ainsworth in this month’s SE Asia market report.
— Beef Central

Land transport modernization and the bureaucracy
UNTIL five years ago, the Philippines had the lowest registered vehicles ratio per population in the whole of North and Southeast Asia.
— BusinessWorld Online

ASEAN artists come together in a 3-part show
ON AUG. 8, 1967, the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand — signed a document (later known as the ASEAN Declaration) describing the region as “bound together by ties of history and culture.”
— BusinessWorld Online

New e-commerce zones to help boost trade
More cities to take part in pilot program, especially in border areas, in a move experts say will increase foreign business
— Ecns.cn

The Weeknd announces first ever Asia Tour – Singapore, Manila, Bali, Bangkok and more confirmed
The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) has finally announced his
first ever Asia tour and we couldn’t be more excited.
— Bandwagon

Cambodia morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

NEC to release final results as complaint window closes
The National Election Committee (NEC) is set to announce the final results of the July 29 national elections on Wednesday as scheduled, said NEC deputy secretary-general Som Sorida.
— The Phnom Penh Post

New airport car park opens tomorrow
Starting tomorrow, all vehicles accessing Phnom Penh International Airport will be welcomed by a new hi-tech parking lot, which has been designed to ease traffic congestion, according to an airport representative.
— Khmer Times

50 Chinese detained in Cambodia after crackdown on prostitution in Sihanoukville
About 50 Chinese nationals have been detained in Cambodia as part of a crackdown on prostitution rings in Sihanoukville province, a Chinese investment hub, the provincial governor said on Tuesday.
— South China Morning Post

See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news

Indonesia morning news

Compiled by Joanne Encantador @encantador_jo

Will $1.6b Hydroelectric Plant in South Tapanuli Endanger World’s Rarest Great Ape?
The development of a $1.6 billion hydroelectric project in North Sumatra could potentially threaten the survival of the world’s rarest great ape, a global activist group said on Monday (13/08).
— Jakarta Globe

UAE, Indonesia target $5.5bn trade boost after halal deal
The UAE and Indonesia are targeting a significant increase in bilateral trade to $5.5 billion after signing an agreement to harmonise standards for halal products.
— Arabian Business

Indonesia mulls dollar bonds as Turkey crisis deepens rout
As a sell-off in Indonesian rupiah debt persists, the government is weighing a global dollar bond offering as an option to bridge the nation’s budget deficit, according to a finance ministry official.
— The Star Online

See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news

Lao PDR morning news

Compiled by Joanne Encantador @encantador_jo

Latest Thai-Lao friendship bridge study finished in December: chief
Studies on the economic viability, structural engineering and environmental impact of the sixth Thai-Lao friendship bridge will be completed in December, says the chief of the Highway Department.
— The Nation

Farmland flood damage bill exceeds 125 billion kip
The impact of recent flooding has cost the agricultural sector around 127 billion kip, according to an initial report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
— Vientiane Times

Da Nang plans to become Asean logistics centre
Vice chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Dang Viet Dung said the city intended to build the Lien Chieu port as a key entry point into logistics chains providing services for the central and central Highlands regions, as well as the import-export exchange among ASEAN partners via the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) that links Viet Nam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
— The Nation

See here for more of today’s Lao morning news

Malaysia morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

AirAsia sells online travel agency stake for RM240mil
AirAsia Bhd is selling its entire 25% stake in online travel agency AAE Travel Pte Ltd to joint-venture (JV) partner Expedia Southeast Asia Pte Ltd for RM240mil cash.
— The Star Online

Malaysian women to be caned for ‘attempting lesbian sex’
Two Malaysian women convicted for attempting to have lesbian sex will be fined and caned, a prosecutor said on Tuesday, in a rare case against gay people in the Muslim-majority country.
— Bangkok Post

Billions hinge on Malaysia Mahathir’s bid to woo project concessions from China
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad arrives in China on Friday seeking to renegotiate, and perhaps cancel, billions of dollars worth of Chinese-invested projects entangled in domestic graft probes.
— Channel NewsAsia

See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News

Myanmar morning news

Compiled by Joanne Encantador @encantador_jo

Myanmar climbers eye treacherous Hkakabo Razi
A two-week jungle trek followed by a sheer climb up avalanche-prone slopes to a jagged ridge of icy pinnacles awaits three Myanmar mountaineers planning to take on Hkakabo Razi, a peak so treacherous it has been conquered only once.
— Bangkok Post

Myanmar set to turn into major gold exporter
Myanmar`s Ministry of Commerce is in the process of officially removing a regulation that prevented traders to export gold for more than five decades, according to a report in The Myanmar Times.
— Investine

Enough studies – let’s help the Rohingya
With the one-year anniversary nearing of the Kofi Annan report recommending solutions to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, the international community needs to send Nay Pyi Taw a clear and strong message that it’s had enough of investigative commissions. Diplomatic niceties have been emanating from this catastrophe for far too long.
— The Nation

See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news

Philippines morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu

US turns over P807-M surveillance, reconnaissance system to Air Force
The United States government turned over an P807-million
surveillance and reconnaissance system for the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday.
— GMA News

Duterte: ‘I’m thinking of stepping down’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he was thinking of stepping down from power.
— Inquirer.net

DoF: Deficit could hit 6.7% of GDP
The government’s budget deficit could surpass that posted during the 2007-2008 financial crisis if fiscal provisions under the draft federal constitution are adopted, a senior Finance department official said.
— The Manila Times

See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news

Singapore morning news

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Singapore says no Malaysian request for return of 1MDB-linked jet
Singapore police said on Tuesday an aircraft linked to an investigation into a multi-billion scandal at Malaysian state fund 1MDB was in the city-state but Malaysia had not made a formal request for its return.
— Reuters

Unsustainable growth in manufacturing could hit Singapore’s GDP
The boost from the manufacturing sector could ease in H2 as Chinese import demand cools down.
— Singapore Business Review

Malaysia eyes more than 10-fold hike in Singapore water deal
Malaysia’s prime minister said Monday he is seeking to hike the price of water sold to the neighboring country of Singapore by more than ten times as his country searches for ways to pay off massive debts.
— PattayaMail

See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news

Thailand morning news

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

Massive job loss seen if Thailand doesn’t upgrade education – EEC advisor
Thailand will gain about 30,000 short-term jobs as the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor project ramps up, but will lose hundreds of thousands of jobs long-term unless the country improves its education system, an EEC board meeting was told.
— PattayaMail

Phoenix tour boat owner to fight charges, renounces confession
The lawyer representing the owner of the Phoenix tour boat, which capsized and sank in a storm off Phuket on July 5, killing 47 Chinese tourists, made a public statement today (Aug 14), vowing to fight the recklessness causing death charge in court and renouncing any testimony already given to police.
— The Phuket News

Bloomberg targets Big Tobacco’s ‘underhanded tactics’
The non-profit groups — based in France, England and Thailand — jointly secured the three-year grant to spotlight industry-led sabotage of policies designed to reduce tobacco use, Bloomberg told AFP.
— The Nation

See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news

Vietnam morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

Gov’t approves strategy for bank expansion by 2025
Việt Nam aims to have at least 2 or 3 banks in Asia’s top 100 largest banks in terms of assets by 2025.
— Viet Nam News

Only 15% of administrative reforms completed
Only 15 per cent of business and investment conditions have been cut or simplified since the start of the year despite the fact that a deadline set by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is approaching.
— Bizhub

Preventing fraudulent trade in retail market
The presence of many international retail brands in Vietnam shows that the shopping demand in the country is increasing.
— Nhan Dan Online

See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news

The Asean morning news roundup and its individual country morning news round-ups are the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of news reports from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. We scour hundreds of local and international news and websites to find the things that you need to know to start your working week day.

We clearly identify the source of the story, whether it is behind a paywall, a media release, or whether the site uses annoying pop-up advertising or auto-play video, in case those things annoy you. It’s all then packaged up in an easy to read format enabling you to make an informed choice of whether you want to learn more by clicking directly through to the original source, or keep on reading the headlines. AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.

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