Asean morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
COVID-19 in Asean: update for April 1 — 980 new cases, 32 deaths across Asean
As of 01:29 GMT April 1 there was 7,772 active cases of COVID-19 throughout the 10 Asean member countries, an increase of 740, or 10.52 per cent, on the day prior.
— AEC News Today
PH, Singapore post largest manufacturing drop in Asean in March
Performance of the manufacturing sector in the Philippines and Singapore posted the biggest deterioration among surveyed Southeast Asian countries, the latest Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of IHS Markit reported Wednesday.
— Philippine News Agency
‘Serious consequences’: ASEAN COVID-19 lockdowns heighten food supply fears
A lack of collaboration between ASEAN governments and the food industry could risk causing supply shortages across the region as several nations enforce COVID-19 lockdowns.
— Foodnavigator-asia
US has released $18.3-M health & humanitarian assistance to ASEAN
Despite the challenges it is facing back home due to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the United States government has extended approximately US$18.3 million in emergency health and humanitarian assistance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, including the Philippines.
— Manila Bulletin
KL, Manila among Asian cities with biggest losses from Covid-19 lockdowns: report
AMONG the various lockdowns in Asia-Pacific megacities due to the Covid-19 outbreak, those in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Manila pose the biggest downside risk as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), according a Barclays special report on April 1.
— The Business Times
Rule relaxed for legal migrant workers
The Labour Ministry is to allow Cambodian, Lao and Myanmar workers stranded due to border closure to continue working beyond the expiration of their work permits.
— Bangkok Post
ASEAN Incentives to Counter COVID-19 Impact
Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, ASEAN nations have seen their supply chains disrupted and experienced economic slowdowns.
— Asean Briefing
Cambodia Halts Hydropower Construction on Mekong River Until 2030
Experts in Cambodia have welcomed the government’s recent halt on hydropower development on the Mekong River until 2030, but called on the government to focus on renewable energies.
— VOA
Thailand 4.0 Reinvigorates ASEAN and Connects Thailand to the Global Community
As it takes on the mantle of chair of the ASEAN in 2019, the Kingdom of Thailand has maintained an extremely favourable business environment.
— Bangkok Post
Coronavirus and democracy in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, as the health crisis escalates and countries go into different variations of a lockdown, it is affording regimes with authoritarian tendencies the opportunity to suppress political expression, enforce strict obedience and consolidate their rule.
— Bangkok Post
Asean discusses response to Covid-19
The first teleconference of the Asean Coordinating Council Working Group on Public Health Emergencies was held on Tuesday under the chair of Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, head of the Asean Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Vietnam.
— Philippine News Agency
COVID-19 patients increase in Southeast Asian countries
Malaysia on April 1 announced an additional 142 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, bringing the total number of COVID-19 patients in the country to 2,908.
— Vietnamplus
Indonesia, Vietnam rise on govt measures to soften virus impact
Indonesia and Vietnam stocks rose on Wednesday as risk appetite was whetted by government measures to cushion the economic impact of the fast-spreading coronavirus, while Singapore shares slipped following sharp gains in the previous session.
— The Edge Markets
Can Vietnam’s position as a chair of ASEAN improve US-ASEAN ties?
Vietnam’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings new challenges and opportunities. As a nation, Vietnam is managing a maritime dispute with China.
— Asean Today
VCs in Southeast Asia launch programs to support tech talent, startups
The Covid-19 outbreak has dealt a heavy blow to Southeast Asia’s startup community.
— Tech in Asia
Co-working spaces see a surge in demand – but it may not last
As Covid-19 continues to spread unabated, companies across Southeast Asia are looking to minimize the impact on their teams, partly by spreading their workforce across multiple locations.
— Tech in Asia
Southeast Asia’s Teenage Extremists
Since 2015, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has publicly reported four cases of teenage radicalization. All four teenagers identified were radicalized by acquaintances online and displayed sympathy to a foreign conflict in “jihad” zones like Syria and Iraq.
— The Diplomat
Cambodia morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
‘State of Emergency’ Draft Law Gives Gov’t Sweeping Powers; Permits Human Rights Restrictions
A copy of the hastily-drafted “state of emergency” law, leaked Tuesday evening, looks to give the Cambodian government sweeping powers during an emergency, enabling the administration to curtail a large number of civil rights with seemingly no serious checks and balances.
— VOA Khmer
TOP NEWS: Cambodia Reports Zero Case of Covid-19 Today; 25 Recovered
Cambodia reported zero case of Covid-19 on Wednesday, while two patients recovered today, according to the Ministry of Health’s press release dated 1 April 2020 (updated as of 9:00 a.m).
— Fresh News
American tourist, 64, is arrested after wiping his saliva on a banknote and leaving it on an ATM in Cambodia amid coronavirus crisis
An American tourist was arrested after causing a coronavirus scare by wiping saliva on a banknote and leaving it on an ATM in Cambodia.
— Daily Mail
See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news
Indonesia morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Indonesia slashes growth forecast by more than half on coronavirus
Indonesia slashed its growth forecast by more than half as the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on South-east Asia’s biggest economy, prompting the government to adopt a series of emergency measures.
— Straits Times
Bali declares state of emergency
Indonesia’s tourist hotspot Bali has declared a state of emergency after a rise in positive covid-19 cases including local transmission.
— Travel Mole
84 health workers, including two pregnant women, test positive for COVID-19 in Jakarta
The Jakarta administration has reported that 84 medical staff, who work in 30 hospitals and one clinic across the capital, tested positive for the coronavirus amid a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment.
— The Jakarta Post
See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news
Lao PDR morning news
Compiled by Mark Henry Uy
Covid-19: private hospitals and clinics ordered to close
Minister of Health Bounkong Sihavong has issued a notice ordering the closure of private hospitals and clinics nationwide as the country is entering a complete lockdown.
— KPL
WB approves 60 mln USD to strengthen Laos’ financial safety net
WB approves 60 mln USD to strengthen Laos’ financial safety net
— Xinhua
Laos confirms new Covid-19 case, bringing total to 10
A female Vientiane resident, 21, was confirmed today as being infected with coronavirus, bringing the total infections to 10 people.
— Vientiane Times
See here for more of today’s Lao morning news
Malaysia morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Covid-19: 108 recoveries recorded on Wednesday (April 1), highest in a single day
Malaysia has discharged 108 Covid-19 patients on Wednesday, which is the highest number of recoveries in a day so far since the outbreak.
— The Star Online
Malaysia sees early signs of effectiveness for COVID-19 measures: Health ministry
Malaysia on Wednesday (Apr 1) reported 142 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases to 2,908.
— Channel NewsAsia
142 new cases, two deaths recorded
A total of 142 new positive Covid-19 cases were recorded in the country as at noon today, bringing the total to 2,908.
— New Sarawak Tribune
See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News
Myanmar morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 16 in Myanmar
The number of COVID-19 cases rose to 16 as of Wednesday in Myanmar, said the latest figures released by the Health and Sports Ministry.
— Xinhua
Yangon authorities mull street lockdown over new COVID-19 patient
Yangon authorities have quarantined 26 residents, including 2 children who live on Nilar 1 Street, Ga Ngal quarter in North Okkapala township at the Bayintnaung Tatmadaw Interrogaton Facility.
— Myanmar Times
Coronavirus threatens Myanmar’s most vulnerable in displacement camps
An estimated 350,000 displaced people across Myanmar are “sitting in the path of a public health catastrophe”, says rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW).
— BBC
See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news
Philippines morning news
Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @stmarisewudolu
‘Shoot them dead’: Duterte orders troops to kill quarantine violators
Facing unrest from Filipinos running out of resources, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered police and soldiers to shoot residents causing trouble during the government’s lockdown put in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
— Rappler
Philippines’ COVID-19 death toll up to 96, cases now at 2,311
The Philippines death toll from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) climbed to 96 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed eight more fatalities.
— GMA Network
PHL manufacturing lowest in March
THE Philippine manufacturing sector contracted to its lowest on record in March, as demand fell and delays hounded the sector amid the Luzon enhanced community quarantine during the period.
— Business Mirror
See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news
Singapore morning news
Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy @justhine.aecnews
Number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore reach 1,000; old age home among 2 new clusters identified
A total of 74 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Singapore on Wednesday (Apr 1), the highest daily increase to date, bringing the national total to 1,000 infections.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
Singapore banks may see worst-case hit of 14-18% on revenue over consumer loan relief: Jefferies
In a worst-case scenario, Singapore banks may see a 14 to 18 per cent hit to their revenue in 2020 following the latest coronavirus relief measures for consumers, said Jefferies Research in a report on Wednesday (April 1).
— Straits Times (annoying popups)
Evictions, deposits for events including weddings to be protected under new Bill to stem COVID-19 fallout
Companies that are unable to pay their rent and individuals who have placed deposits for events including weddings will be protected under a new Bill that will be introduced in Parliament next week to provide temporary relief against their contractual obligations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)
See here for more of today’s Singapore morning news
Thailand morning news
Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ
Yala struggles to enforce ban on Friday prayer at mosques
Yala authorities are hard-put trying to convince local Muslim leaders of the need to obey the Chularatchamontri’s order suspending Friday prayers at all mosques, amid worries that mass gatherings spread the coronavirus disease.
— Bangkok Post
Thai PM says tourists will get automatic visa extensions
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned that foreigners seeking visa extensions have been gathering in their hundreds at Thailand’s immigration offices each day, at a time when social distancing is needed due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
— The Thaiger
Prayut Warns Emergency Decree May Extend If Pandemic Doesn’t Ease
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday told the media after the Cabinet meeting that he may extend the state of emergency decree for another month or two should Thailand’s COVID-19 situation does not ease.
— Khaosod English
See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news
Vietnam morning news
Compiled by Sreypov Men @MenSreypov
Vietnam plans 10% electricity price cut to support virus-hit consumers
Vietnam plans to cut its electricity prices by 10% for three months to support people hit by the coronavirus epidemic, state media reported on Wednesday.
— Devdiscourse
Vietnam’s key English newspaper halts printing over coronavirus
The state-run Vietnam News Agency stopped printing its key English-language newspaper Tuesday until April 15, after one of its reporters tested positive for the new coronavirus.
— Nikkei Asian Review
Vietnam Airlines Launches Cargo-Only Flights
In March, the airline operated 45 cargo-only flights transporting freight from Hanoi and Saigon to Bangkok, China mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.
— Asia Travel Tips
See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news
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Asean morning news for April 2 added by Digital Editor on
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