Asean Morning News For June 7

Asean Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu

Inflation Bogeyman Prompts Fuel Subsidies Across Southeast Asia
Oil-fired inflation that threatens to shoot ever higher is prompting governments across Southeast Asia to give some relief to pinched consumers.
— Bloomberg

Huawei sets US$81m for Asean drive
China’s Huawei Technologies has earmarked US$81 million (2.58 billion baht) for investment over three years in Asean.
— Bangkok Post

China’s Belt and Road: Bigger than the Marshall Plan
The scale of Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) could have profound economic implications.
— ING

Philippines remains at bottom of FDI inflows in ASEAN
The Philippines still lags behind most of its peers in Southeast Asia in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) despite attaining record high inflows in 2017.
— Philippine Star

Is Beijing unstoppable in the South China Sea?
Verbal warnings, strongly worded statements and freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) – all seem to have fallen on deaf ears as Beijing continues its pursuit of militarising islands in the disputed South China Sea.
— The Asean Post

The digital sun is rising in south east Asia
When Indonesian online marketplace Bukalapak officially became the country’s fourth unicorn earlier this year, it was another sign of the rapid digital transformation well underway to Australia’s near north.
— Bluenotes

Study names Philippines as ‘least peaceful’ Southeast Asian country
The Philippines has been named as the least peaceful Southeast Asian country in the latest Global Peace Index.
— Philippines Lifestyle

Out of Asia: China steel exporters chase new buyers in Africa, South America
Chinese steelmakers are seeking new export destinations in Africa and South America as shipments to their biggest overseas buyers in Southeast Asia fall by double digits, with new U.S. trade actions threatening to kill off some markets entirely.
— Reuters

SEAX-1 cable ready for service
Super SEA Cable Networks has announced that the SEAX-1 subsea cable system linking Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia is now ready for provisional acceptance.
— Telecomasia.net

The hidden costs of hydropower
Hydropower is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest renewable energy sources, however, many still remain oblivious to the damaging side-effects of hydropower projects.
— The Asean Post

Young ASEAN leaders contribute ideas to protect Mekong Delta environment
Some 120 young leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) contributed their ideas to protecting the environment in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam at a workshop which opened in Can Tho city on June 5.
— Vietnam Plus

Why Southeast Asia is One of the Best Places to be an Entrepreneur
The ASEAN market is one of the world’s most diverse and entrepreneurial – a market that is ready for innovation, creativity, and even disruption.
— Unreserved Media (blog)

ILO and Singapore moving forward to promote decent work in Southeast Asia
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower have renewed their Partnership Agreement to promote decent work in Southeast Asia.
— Modern Diplomacy

Import restrictions ripple across Southeast Asia
Months after China ramped up restrictions on scrap plastic imports, countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are initiating similar, if less extensive, policies as officials try to get a handle on massive increases in shipments and improper use of permits.
— Resource-Recycling

Centre opens to promote Langcang- Mekong cooperation
The Global Centre for Mekong Studies of Laos (GCMS-Laos) in Vientiane officially opened to the public on Wednesday, to promote cooperation among the six countries of the Lancang-Mekong region.
— Vientiane Times

Paper industry seeks import restrictions to thwart China, Asean threat
The paper manufacturing industry wants action by the central government to restrict import.
— Business-Standard

Competitive Scenario of Ride E-hailing in ASEAN, 2018 Market Report
The e-hailing market in the ASEAN is showing clear signs of growth and is likely to emerge as a key mode of transport in the region in short to medium term. Urban areas are expected to be the primary segment for e-hailing apps in the ASEAN.
— BusinessWire

Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

Minister talks sky train plan as Grab signs initiative with UN
The minister of public works and transport confirmed on Tuesday that a Japanese-funded sky train project in the capital is moving forward, with the feasibility study expected to be completed this year or next.
— The Phnom Penh Post

The Royal Message Is Real; Rainsy Says It’s Fake
Royal Palace Senior Official in charge of general affairs Kuy Sophal confirmed Wednesday that the Royal Message: “Urging People to Go to Vote” is genuine.
— Fresh News

NEC dismisses CPJ’s ethics code criticism
The National Election Committee (NEC) on Monday rejected accusations from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a US-based NGO, that the media code of ethics journalists are expected to abide by during the election season would negatively impact the credibility of the July 29 polls.
— The Phnom Penh Post

See here for more of today’s Cambodia Morning News

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu

Modi’s Act East, New India Focus Sees Indonesia-India Ties Bolstered
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just completed another of his ‘Act East’ expansionist visits, signing nine government-government (G2G) agreements with Indonesia, with 25 business-to-business(B2B) agreements signed on the sidelines.
— AEC News Today (video)

World Bank projects Indonesian economy to grow 5.2%
The World Bank (WB) has projected that the Indonesian economy would grow 5.20 percent this year, more than the government’s projection of 5.18 percent.
— Outlook India

Indonesia’s latest weapon to cut plastic bag use: devout Muslims
Indonesia, one of the planet’s major plastic polluters, is now banking on one of its biggest resources to entice people to take a plastic bag diet: Muslim clerics.
— The Jakarta Post

See here for more of today’s Indonesia Morning News

Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Laos Increases Minimum Monthly Wage for the Third Time in Eight Years
The Lao government has increased the country’s monthly minimum wage from Kip 900,000 (US$108) to Kip 1,100,000 (US$132) with effect from May 1, 2018.
— Asean Briefing

Employment opportunities await Lao youth in Japan
Young people can now access the Japanese agriculture labour market, Laos’ Employment Service Centre under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare announced this week.
— Vientiane Times

24th anniversary of the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Australia’s ambassadors to Thailand and Laos joined the Nong Khai Governor Ronachai Jitwiset on Wednesday in unveiling a sign commemorating the 24th anniversary of the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
— The Thaiger

See here for more of today’s Lao Morning News

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

1MDB-Linked Land Deal Brings Malaysia’s Central Bank Governor Down
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accepted on June 6 the resignation of the country’s central bank governor Muhammad Ibrahim which the latter offered on the previous day, reportedly in connection with a controversial land deal by the bank approved late last year.
— Investvine

Malaysia Takata Airbag Death See’s Government Push For Compliance
The death last week of a 23-year-old Malaysian man from a faulty Takata airbag is the latest in a steadily increasing number of deaths attributed to the Japanese manufacturer in what is the greatest debacle and disasters in the automotive industry’s history.
— AEC News Today (video)

MAS asks Malaysia to clarify position on stock market trading link
The Monetary Authority of Singapore said on Wednesday (Jun 6) that it has asked Malaysia to clarify its position on a proposed link between the countries’ stock exchanges.
— Channel NewsAsia

See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News

Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

UN gives Myanmar 30 days to accept human rights investigators
The UN Security Council has given Myanmar 30 days to respond to a request for the country to allow UN experts to investigate alleged atrocities against Rohingya civilians in Rakhine State.
— Coconuts Yangon

About 50 pc of tourist trips cancelled, suspended last year
At the instigation of some western media about Rakhine situations, about 50 per cent of tourist trips were cancelled and suspended last year, said Ohn Maung, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, at a coordination meeting on tourism development and the smooth operation of tourist entry, exit and visit, in Nay Pyi Taw on June 4.
— Eleven Myanmar

Ks10 billion deducted from proposed expenditures to be used in nine regional development sectors
Over Ks10 billion deducted by the Mandalay regional Hluttaw from the proposed expenditures will be used for nine regional development sectors.
— The Global Newlight of Myanmar

See here for more of today’s Myanmar Morning News

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu

Rodrigo ‘The Lounge-Lizard’ Duterte’s Abuse of Power Kiss Infuriates (video)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been publicly berated by world leaders almost from the day he took office for alleged human rights abuses, so it’s not surprising in the new era of #metoo that his latest abuse of power, a forced kiss, has stirred up a torrent of condemnation globally.
— AEC News Today (video)

Philippines’ Duterte threatens authoritarian rule over relentless criticism of presidency
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Wednesday to resort to emergency powers and enforce them “to the hilt” to deal with relentless criticism over his human-rights record, crimes and government wrongdoing.
— The Star

See here for more of today’s Philippines Morning News

Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Singapore’s top talent in financial services can expect higher starting salaries: Robert Half report
Singapore’s financial sector employers are willing to pay above-average wages in a bid to secure top talent, a recent study revealed.
— Business Insider

Former terrorism suspect Zaky Mallah reportedly detained in Singapore
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed the detention of an Australian in Singapore.
— ABC

Singapore could become the second country to legalize mitochondrial replacement therapy
This small city-state could become the second country—after the United Kingdom—to explicitly legalize mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), a controversial assisted reproduction technique that allows women who are carriers of some rare genetic disorders to give birth to healthy babies.
— Science Mag

See here for more of today’s Singapore Morning News

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

PM accuses the media of trying to undermine his premiership
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday vented his frustration at the media, accusing them without naming names of attempting to destroy the “honor” of Thai premiership.
— Thai PBS

Two million tons of plastic waste pile up in Thailand every year: MNRE
Thailand is suffering a massive volume of over two million tons of plastic waste every year, most of which comes in the form of contaminated plastic bags.
— Pattaya Mail

Court rules Lahu activist Chaiyaphum slain by soldier
The Chiang Mai court has concluded that the young Lahu activist Chaiyaphum Pasae was killed by army bullets but would not say whether or not he attempted to fight back against the authorities, despite his family’s request.
— Prachatai English

See here for more of today’s Thailand Morning News

Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov

Vietnam launches design for clean energy future
A design for a clean energy future in Vietnam was announced at a conference held in Hanoi on June 5.
— NNT

Vietnam’s Finance Ministry Proposes Temporary Ban on Crypto Mining Hardware Imports
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed a temporary blanket ban on crypto mining hardware imports, local news outlet VN Express reports today, June 5.
— Coin Telegraph

Vietnam’s second oil refinery to be fully operational by early August
The 200,000-barrel-a-day (bpd) facility, owned by Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC, is already running at 55 percent capacity and is undergoing a long start-up process.
— Energy

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.