Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Thailand leads ASEAN to discuss FTA with China
The trade war between China and the United States has led to an increased US import tax of 25 percent which affects global trade and Thai exports to the US. The Ministry of Commerce has devised a solution to the problem by seeking enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and China.
— NNT
Southeast Asia faces more trade obstacles after slow Q1 growth
Southeast Asia saw slower growth in the first quarter of this year, with its six big economies all expanding at a more moderate pace in the January to March period than in the previous three months.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
Coal losing power to attract major lenders in last bastion of SE Asia, says Thai tycoon
WHILE South-east Asia remains one of the last places where coal power can attract international financing, one maverick tycoon thinks the region will no longer tolerate burning the dirtiest fuel.
The Business Times
Korea to set up ASEAN finance center in 2020
The government will set up a Korea-ASEAN finance support center either in Bangkok, Thailand, or Jakarta, Indonesia, next year, said Joo Hyung-chul, President Moon Jae-in’s economic adviser.
— The Korea Times
US plans new anti-terrorism training centers for Southeast Asia, East Africa
The United States plans to build new antiterrorism training centers in Southeast Asia and East Africa, according to information provided by the State Department.
— Stars and Stripes
LNG takes on coal in ASEAN’s energy mix
In a region that has become addicted to coal as a cheap answer to energy shortages, liquefied natural gas (LNG) offers Southeast Asia a welcome alternative that is cost effective and emits half the carbon of the “black pearl”.
— The Jakarta Post (paywall)
China-Asean Centre to promote Cambodia
The China-Asean Centre has pledged to promote Cambodia as a tourism destination in the Chinese market, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
— Khmer Times
ACB urges further action for healthy agro-biodiversity
The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) is promoting healthy agricultural biodiversity (agro-biodiversity), noting this resource is essential for people’s well-being and achieving food security.
— Philippine News Agency
UK urged to respect ASEAN amid efforts to bolster ties
Indonesia has urged the United Kingdom to pay due respect to ASEAN’s basic principles, the country’s envoy in London has said, as the UK seeks early post-Brexit opportunities with the regional bloc amid uncertainty over the divorce deal with the European Union.
— The Jakarta Post (paywall)
Asia Pacific accounts for 41 percent of global digital commerce in 2018
Global market research company Euromonitor International unveiled today a new white paper, ‘Digitalisation in Asia: How One Region is Shaping Worldwide Trends,’ examining Asia Pacific’s digital landscape and what companies need to do to win in the region.
— Antara News
Southeast Asian nations chase high expectations for their bloc
More than a half-century after five nations came together to form a regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is weighing a strong growth outlook with the reality of political and economic change.
— The Edge Markets
DOE hosts the 7th ASEAN Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-sector Network
In line with the Philippines’ chairmanship of the ASEAN Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN), the Department of Energy (DOE) hosted a two-day event from 20 to 21 May 2019 to tackle Good Practices on Regional Cooperation in Nuclear Security.
— Philippine Information Agency
Assessing the Health of Southeast Asian Economies
Joseph Incalcaterra, chief economist for Asean at HSBC, talks about Southeast Asian economies and policies Thailand’s economic growth slowed in the first quarter.
— Bloomberg
Compliance with the Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard
n an Advisory dated May 3, 2013, and Circular Letter (CL) 14-2013 dated July 1, 2013, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel F. Dooc prescribed the adoption of the Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard by insurance companies and mutual benefit associations (MBAs).
— Business Mirror
Strengthening exchange and ties between China and Southeast Asia
Although the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations has ended, the exchange and mutual learning among civilizations will not end.
— Chinadaily
Village chiefs from ASEAN countries study China’s poverty reduction efforts
Village officials from ASEAN countries participate in a cultural activity at Hebian village, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province in May.
— Global Times
Asean ministers agree to strengthen socio-cultural ties
Ministers and delegates from Asean member countries met at the 21st Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council meeting held on May 17 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
— ANN/ Vientiane Times
S. Korea preparing to set up joint film organization with ASEAN
South Korea is preparing to set up a joint organization with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote the development of the region’s film industry.
— Yonhap News Agency
Explore your wild side in 10 of Southeast Asia’s national parks
Whether you are looking for a quick day trip or wanting to go full Mowgli from The Jungle Book and live in the wild forever, Asia is home to some of the world’s most diverse national parks.
— South China Morning Post
Maybank Kim Eng eyes technology, IP to seize Asean growth opportunities
HAVING focused on building its Asean-wide brand and reach in the last eight years, Maybank Kim Eng – the investment arm of Malaysian banking giant Maybank – aims to play a deeper role in driving and leveraging the region’s enormous growth opportunities and will be harnessing technology to do so.
— The Business Times
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
CBC reports $6.7B in consumer credit
The total outstanding balance of consumer credit in Cambodia reached $6.7 billion at the end of March – a 7.4 per cent increase from the end of December – the latest report from the Credit Bureau of Cambodia (CBC) said.
— Phnom Penh Post
Co-working space Outpost secures US$1.3M seed funding
The new hospitality brand focussing on co-living and co-working is based in two locations; Bali, Indonesia and Phnom Penh, Cambodia Outpost, a co-working and co-living company based in Indonesia and Cambodia, announced that it has raised a US$1.3 million seed funding from Strypes Holdings, and Clarenberg Ventures.
— e27
Cambodia imports 1,500 pigs from Thailand per day amid ban of import from Vietnam
Cambodia has imported up to 1,500 pigs from Thailand a day, as a ban on pig imports from Vietnam is still in place due to African swine fever outbreak, an animal health chief has said.
— Xin Hua
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Police fire tear gas to disperse crowds after Indonesia confirms president’s re-election
Indonesian police fired tear gas on Wednesday to disperse protesters in central Jakarta following a rally held after official results showed President Joko Widodo had been comfortably re-elected, a Reuters witness said.
— Reuters
With Joko Widodo’s Re-election, Indonesia Bucks Global Tilt Toward Strongmen
The woman threw herself on the road in front of the motorcade, forcing the vehicle with the license plate “Indonesia 1” to slam on the brakes.
— The New York Times
Boeing Max may be grounded beyond this year, Indonesia says
Indonesia signaled it may ground Boeing Co.’s 737 Max until next year, underscoring the challenges faced by the US planemaker as it races to get its fastest-selling jet back in the air after two fatal crashes.
— The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Laos’ trade deficit increases in first quarter of 2019
The value of Laos’ combined exports and imports in the first quarter of 2019 amounted to 1.53 percent less than during the same period last year, excluding the value of electricity imports and exports.
— ANN/ Vientiane Times
Thailand, Laos to study on new cross-border railway between Ubon Ratchathani and Pakse
Several cooperation projects on the connection between Thailand and Laos, including a new cross-border railway in southern Laos, have been discussed by the two countries’ transport ministers.
— Xinhuanet
Bank of the Lao PDR drafts plan to boost cashless payments in Laos
THE Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is drafting a plan to promote cashless payments and to facilitate and manage money transactions in Laos.
— The Phnom Penh Post
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Petronas floating LNG Satu achieves its first LNG drop post relocation
Petronas has achieved its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) drop by its floating LNG facility, Petronas Floating LNG Satu (PFLNG Satu) at the Kebabangan cluster field, 90 kilometres offshore.
— New Sarawak Tribune
Malaysia-Singapore ink deal to pause RTS link till end Sept
Putrajaya and the Singapore government today agreed to suspend the proposed Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link until the end of September this year to allow Malaysia more time to study the scope, structure and.
— Malay Mail
Malaysia’s current account surplus highest in five years
Malaysia’s current account surplus reached to the highest levels in five years in the first quarter of 2019 (1Q19) as goods surplus rose amidst a fall in imports while the services and income deficits narrowed.
— The Borneo Post
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Parliament approves US$749m Japan loan for Yangon, Mandalay
The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Assembly of the Union) has approved a ¥82.27 billion (US$748.5 million) loan for urban development projects in Yangon and Mandalay.
— Myanmar Times
Death Penalty Possible in Myanmar Cannabis Farm Case
A court in Myanmar on Tuesday formally charged an American man and two local co-workers with violating drug laws concerning marijuana, with potential penalties ranging from five years’ imprisonment to death.
— VOA
Tax on mobile phones kicks in June 1
Starting June 1, a five percent commercial tax on mobile phones and accessories shall be collected from buyers at the time of purchase and the relevant tax stamps affixed to the receipts in accordance with the Commercial Tax Law, the Internal Revenue Department (IRD) announced earlier this month.
— Myanmar Times
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
Neda committee changes scopes of 3 infra projects
The National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III approved on May 17 the changes in three infrastructure projects.
— Manilastandard.net
Watchdogs file complaint vs Comelec officials over alleged election anomalies
Poll watchdogs filed an administrative complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Commission on Elections officials and executives of tech provider Smartmatic over alleged anomalies in this year’s midterm elections.
— The Philippine Star
South China Sea: US Destroyer Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation Near Scarborough Shoal
On Sunday, a U.S. Navy warship conducted a freedom of navigation operation near a feature claimed by China, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
— Spratly Islands
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Singapore, KL to suspend Rapid Transit System Link work until end-September
Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to defer construction of a cross-border MRT link until Sept 30.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
Singapore downgrades growth forecast as economy slows
The economy recorded its slowest quarter of growth in nearly a decade on the back of an anaemic manufacturing sector beset by global trade tensions and an electronics slump.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
Singapore commercial property investment jumps 72%
Singapore’s commercial property sector escaped the downturn that caught out every other major market in the region in the first quarter.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Planning unit cuts growth forecast
The government’s planning unit has lowered its full-year GDP growth forecast to 3.3-3.8% from 3.5-4.5% after the economy grew at its slowest pace in more than four years in the first quarter.
— Bangkok Post
Bhumjaithai to join a coalition but only if its “free kanja” policy is accepted
Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has made clear that his party will join the coalition that commands the majority in the House of Representatives but on the condition that the alliance accepts the party’s policy to legalize cannabis (kanja) and its products.
— Thai PBS News
Cabinet refuses lower Map Ta Phut returns
On Tuesday the cabinet dismissed a proposal by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office and Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to reduce returns on investment for bidders for the third phase of the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port.
— Bangkok Post
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vietnam imposes duties on imported steel wire, rolled steel
The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that it has recently issued a decision on application of measures to prevent imported steel wire and rolled steel products from avoiding trade remedies.
— Sggp News
Vietnam’s first-quarter GDP sees 6.79% growth: Government report
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh presented the Government’s report on the implementation of socio-economic development in the first quarter of 2019 and measures for the remaining months of the year at the opening meeting of the 7th session of the 14th National Assembly on May 20.
— NDO
Vietnam to put top ex officials on eight major corruption trials this year
Intensifying its corruption crackdown, Vietnam will bring a series of its former officials to courts from now until year end.
— VnExpress
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.
Asean morning news for May 22 added by Digital Editor on
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