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Asean morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu         @stmarisewudolu

Việt Nam proposes 14 initiatives for ASEAN 2020
To implement the priorities of ASEAN in 2020, Việt Nam proposed 14 initiatives, priorities and co-operation plans for discussion, consultation and consensus with member states in the first meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials for the 51st ASEAN Economic Minister’ Meeting (SEOM 1/51), which took place in Hà Nội from January 12-14.
— Viet Nam News

Russia says U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy is meant to contain China
Russia on Wednesday criticized the United States for introducing a new Indo-Pacific concept it said was aimed at containing China.
— The Japan Times

Many not sold on Beijing’s new stance on Belt and Road Initiative: Survey
China’s recent pledge to make infrastructure projects in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) clean, green and financially sustainable has not convinced key influencers within the Asean region, according to the results of a survey released today by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
— The Straits Times

Gap in US-Sino influence in S-E Asia widening in China’s favour
CHINA continues to wield the most influence in South-east Asia, and the gap between perceived American and Chinese influence is widening in China’s favour, going by the findings of a survey released on Thursday.
— The Business Times

ASEAN records 133 million international arrivals
Statistics in 2019 showed that ASEAN welcomed 133 million international arrivals, with an increase of seven per cent compared to 2018, of which the number of intra-ASEAN tourist arrivals accounted for about 36.7 per cent.
— Borneo Bulletin

Asean, RCEP trade partners unlikely beneficiaries from US-China trade war, Deloitte economist says
An unexpected effect of the US-China trade war has been an apparent acceleration of the process to forge an Asian trading bloc that does not include United States, according to Deloitte China’s chief economist Xu Sitao.
— South China Morning Post

As Mideast tensions rise, Japan to share oil reserves regionally
Japan is moving to share its oil reserves with Southeast Asia to cushion the region from any disruptions to Middle Eastern supply, especially amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

ASEAN foreign ministers coordinate tasks and strategies for 2020
Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting Thursday and Friday in Vietnam to agree and arrange the bloc’s tasks and strategies this year.
— Prensa Latina

Activists demand new ASEAN chair Vietnam address human rights in region
Civil society groups have called for concrete actions from Vietnam, which begins its ASEAN chairmanship this year, to address the most pressing human rights issues in Southeast Asia.
— The Jakarta Post

Asean meet in Brunei calls for smart tourism initiatives
Digital support has provided the travel and tourism industry with a valuable platform that offers better accessibility, visibility of information and promotion strategies, the 23rd Asean Tourism Ministers meeting was told.
— The Star Online

Southeast Asia rubber fungus has auto industry bracing for shortage
A fungal disease that has ripped through Southeast Asia’s rubber plantations is pushing up prices and threatening mid- to long-term supplies of the indispensable material for vehicle tires.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

Ways to build cohesive, sustainable future in Southeast Asia
The World Economic Forum will convene its 50th Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, next week under the theme “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”.
— The Jakarta Post

Commentary: Why support for the Islamic State has persisted in Southeast Asia
The Islamic State (IS) was severely weakened in 2019, following the fall of Baghouz, its last territorial stronghold in Iraq and Syria, in March, and the death of IS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi in October during a US special forces raid.
— CNA

In challenging waters, Vietnam to steer Asean
Mention “Asean” these days and public opinion in Vietnam tends to think of the South China Sea disputes.
— Bangkok Post

Indonesia to host ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022
Indonesia has overtly echoed its readiness to co-chair the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2021 and host the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022.
— Antara News

Boeing’s Max troubles are an opportunity for Southeast Asian airlines
The grounding of Boeing’s troubled 737 Max model has caused massive headaches for airlines around the world.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)

Indonesia to become Southeast Asia’s biggest stock market
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is finally poised to take the title of the biggest equity market in the region.
— Bangkok Post

ASEAN Smiles to uplift tourism in SE Asia
The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has developed single- and multi-destination tour packages for South-east Asia which will be launched on February 1 under the banner ASEAN Smiles.
— TTG Asia

TikTok partners with iFlix to reach audiences in Southeast Asia
TikTok, the short-video platform operated by Chinese tech major Bytedance, announced that it has partnered with video-on-demand service iFlix to bring short videos to audiences in 13 countries across Southeast Asia.
— Tech in Asia

Cambodia morning news

Compiled by Raksmey Khoem          @raksmey.aecnews

Police Commission Hears Witnesses in Probe of Cambodian Protester’s Alleged Death by Torture
A commission set up by Cambodia’s National Military Police heard testimony from five witnesses Thursday in an alleged torture case that resulted in the death this month of a man who was detained for joining a land-rights protest.
— Radio Free Asia 

Police clash with villagers over land encroachment
Preah Sihanouk provincial officials yesterday clashed with a group of villagers armed with sticks and machetes as the officials were trying to dismantle illegally built homes in the Ream National Park.
— Khmer Times 

The U.S. Ambassador Says Sihanoukville’s Expansion Comes with Major Challenges
“Sihanoukville is transforming, which produces economic opportunities but also growing pains that pose serious challenges,” he said at a meeting with business representatives and members of the area’s chamber of commerce, according to a U.S. Embassy press release.
— Thmey Thmey 

See here for more of today’s Cambodia morning news

Indonesia morning news

Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy         @justhine.aecnews

Chinese vessels not in Natuna anymore: Minister
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD claims that all Chinese vessels have left Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in Natuna as authorities plan to deploy more patrol ships in the area.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia plans to slash oil imports to overcome trade deficit
The plan of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to slash oil imports by state oil and gas company, Pertamina, is aimed at overcoming the country’s trade deficit, the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force, SKK Migas, said.
— Antara News

Last Indonesian hostage in South Philippines set free
Muhammad Farhan, an Indonesian held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf armed group in South Philippines, was successfully freed on Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020.
— Antara News

See here for more of today’s Indonesia morning news

Lao PDR morning news

Compiled by Raksmey Khoem         @raksmey.aecnews

Water supply department riding wave of international cooperation
The Department of Water Supply under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is targeting an expansion of projects across the country this year after racking up achievements in the sector during 2019.
— Vientiane Times (paywall)

City receives funding to clear drains and prevent flooding
The Environment Protection Fund will give 500 million kip to the Vientiane City Operation and Management Service to help with flood prevention in the rainy season by clearing drains and waterways.
— Vientiane Times (paywall)

Environment Protection Fund gives boost to natural resource management
The Environment Protection Fund is providing 10.122 billion kip for the preservation of natural resources in six target areas.
— Vientiane Times (paywall)

See here for more of today’s Lao morning news

Malaysia morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

Ministry seeks diplomatic solution to India’s restriction on refined palm oil imports
The Primary Industries Ministry is seeking diplomatic solutions with India following their move to restrict refined palm oil imports from Malaysia.
— The Sun Daily

Road development plans for Sabah & Sarawak
Works Minister Baru Bian will emphasise the three crucial road development plans for Sabah and Sarawak in order to provide better connectivity for the people and to further boost economic development in both states.
— New Sarawak Tribune

S’wak Forestry praise hefty RM1.4mil fine, one-year jail sentence for pangolin smugglers
The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) hails a Sessions Court Judge for imposing a RM1.4mil fine and one-year jail sentence against two pangolin smugglers in Bintulu in northern Sarawak.
— The Star Online

See here for more of today’s Malaysia Morning News

Myanmar morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

Myanmar to issue up to 10 foreign bank licences
The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has kicked off a process to allow foreign banks to start retail operations in the country from 2021.
— Vantageasia

Myanmar Has Blazed a Path to Democracy Without Rights
The paradox at the heart of the Rohingya genocide has always been Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
— Foreign Policy

Singapore investors explore opportunities in Myanmar construction
Over the years, the Myanmar government has stepped up its efforts to bring in foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country. Being more pro-business and open to FDI, potential opportunities for foreign companies willing to invest in Myanmar are vast, particularly in the construction industry as one of the main pillars of the economy.
— Myanmar Times

See here for more of today’s Myanmar morning news

Philippines morning news

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu         @stmarisewudolu

Philippine FM fumes: “I want an eye for an eye, 2, 3 Kuwaiti lives for a Filipino life”
The Philippine government yesterday (Jan 15) began enforcing a ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait following a local autopsy report which found household service worker (HSW) Jeanalyn Villavende had been sexually abused and tortured before she died.
— AEC News Today

Philippine volcano shows signs of calming, but danger remains
A Philippine volcano that has been spewing ash for days appeared to be calming down on Thursday, but seismologists said the danger of an eruption remained high and authorities warned evacuees not to return to their homes.
— CNA

Palace: Total deployment ban to Kuwait to remain in force until pact on OFW protection implemented
The Palace on Thursday, Jan. 16, said the total ban on the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait will remain until the terms in the agreement on the protection of OFWs signed between the Philippine and the Middle Eastern country’s governments are followed.
— Eagle News

See here for more of today’s Philippines morning news

Singapore morning news

Compiled by Justhine De Guzman Uy         @justhine.aecnews

Singapore attracted S$15.2 billion in investments last year, beating forecast
Singapore surpassed expectations to attract S$15.2 billion in fixed asset investments last year, propped up by commitments from semiconductor as well as energy and chemical companies.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Of 60,000 new jobs created from 2015 to 2018, about 80% went to Singaporeans: Chan Chun Sing
Of the nearly 60,000 new jobs created for the local workforce between 2015 and 2018, about 50,000 went to Singaporeans and more than 9,000 went to permanent residents (PRs), Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing revealed on Thursday (Jan 16).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Singaporean man with pneumonia warded, isolated after travel to Wuhan: MOH
A Singaporean man with pneumonia has been warded in Singapore and isolated after travelling to Wuhan, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Thursday (Jan 16).
— 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

Rice exports forecast to fall to lowest in 7 years
Thailand’s rice exports in 2020 are forecast to drop to their lowest in seven year, the country’s rice exporters group said on Thursday, as the strong baht reduces the competitiveness against other shippers.
— Bangkok Post

Fourth phase of stimulus on the cards
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana has instructed the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) to study a fourth phase of the Taste-Shop-Spend stimulus scheme.
— Bangkok Post

Prominent Thai Politician calls for legalization of brothels and adult shops in Thailand
Thai Civilized party leader, and member of the House committee studying ways to reduce rape and other sexual violations, Mongkolkit Suksintharanont, has proposed that Thailand should permit regulated and licenced brothels and sex toy shops as a way to address the problem.
— The Pattaya News

See here for more of today’s Thailand morning news

Vietnam morning news

Compiled by Sreypov Men         @MenSreypov

Vietnam Isolates Two Chinese Visitors With Fevers in Danang
Two Chinese visitors from Wuhan city have been put in isolation by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and are under observation for the new coronavirus after landing at Danang International Airport Tuesday.
— Bloomberg

Vietnam will reduce tariffs for solar power
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed a new feed-in tariff 32 percent lower than the earlier incentive rate. It wants a fixed rate of 7.09 cents per kWh, down from the 9.35 cents offered to projects completed before June 30 last year, it said in a recent proposal to the government.
–Vietnam Insider

HCM City tax department seeks to go past revenue target
The HCM City Department of Taxation hopes to surpass its revenue target by at least 5 per cent this year.
— Viet Nam News

See here for more of today’s Vietnam morning news

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About Asean morning news.

Asean morning news roundup and its individual country morning news roundups are the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Asean English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Asean English language news today.

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