Philippines to remain world’s top rice importer: USDA
Rising consumer demand, coupled with disruptions to domestic production caused by El Niño and a series of storms, has left rice supplies insufficient to meet demand.
Singapore invests 107 million USD in food technology research
Singapore currently imports more than 90% of its food. According to Grace Fu, increasing domestic production alone would not be enough to protect the island nation from global disruptions. Singapore needed to diversify its sources of supply, build resilient supply systems and strengthen its ability to respond to unexpected events.
Indonesia strengthens Southeast Asia’s fashion links
Running until November 1 under the theme “City of New Lights”, the event combines fashion shows, emerging talent development and cultural exchange.
Polish media highlight growing ties with Vietnam
The outlets also assessed that the signing of a joint statement, a five-year action plan for 2026–2030, and agreements in a range of fields will establish a solid political framework for the two countries to promote comprehensive cooperation.
No airports closed despite wildfire impacts in Indonesia
Lukman F. Laisa, the ministry's Director General of Civil Aviation, said all airports remain open, with flight schedules adjusted to weather conditions in affected areas.
Flash floods hit Thailand’s Phuket as heavy rain persists
Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods across Thailand’s Phuket island on October 26, hitting all its three districts, including the Phuket City, reported the local media.
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand to develop common approaches for cross-border use of digital money
The initiative aims to bring together policymakers, financial institutions, payment networks and technology providers to advance the use of digital money in cross-border financial activities.
Thailand targets Vietnam in Southeast Asia tourism push
TAT will focus on families and shopping in Vietnam, while its Malaysian campaign will emphasise food, shopping and travel to secondary cities.
European media hail substantive Vietnam-EU ties
Vietnam holds important mineral resources used in batteries, electronic equipment and energy infrastructure, and closer cooperation could help the EU diversify its supply chains.
Malaysia’s exports hit record high in first nine months
According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the country’s total trade rose 30.1% to 2.91 trillion MYR (713 billion USD), while imports increased 25.7% to 1.34 trillion ringgit (328 billion USD). The trade surplus reached 232.38 billion MYR (57 billion USD).
ADB warns of severe economic losses for Cambodia from climate change
In its Asia-Pacific Climate Outlook 2026: Coastal Risks on the Rise – Actions for a Resilient Future, ADB warns that climate hazards will intensify between now and the end of the 21st century, threatening Cambodia’s port operations, fisheries, foreign trade and tourism.
Thailand, Myanmar discuss energy cooperation plans
Thailand remains one of Myanmar’s largest investors, particularly in the energy, manufacturing and border trade sectors.
Singapore maintains strong economic growth
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore attributed the growth largely to Singapore’s role as a regional transshipment and distribution hub for electronic components and equipment within regional supply chains.
Cambodia promotes sport ties in ASEAN
As part of its commitment to regional development, Cambodia is preparing to host several major events, including the 2028 ASEAN University Games, the 2029 Asian Youth Para Games and the 2031 ASEAN Youth Games.
Laos promotes digital governance, skills development in AI era
The Lao government has been proactively renewing its thinking and working methods towards modernisation while improving macroeconomic management mechanisms to address economic and financial difficulties.
Vietnam reaffirms ASEAN support for UN radiation scientific committee
ASEAN called on countries to continue providing scientific data, strengthening international cooperation and participating widely in global surveys, including those on medical exposure.
Malaysia deploys driverless cargo vehicle for urban roads
This marked the first time a Malaysian company has deployed a fully driverless vehicle on Malaysian public roads with a valid licence plate, according to the local media.
ASEAN urged to crack down on cyber, transnational scams
One of the key items on the meeting’s agenda was an ASEAN declaration on protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, which addressed risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content.
Execution will drive ASEAN growth in 2027: Malaysian economist
For Vietnam, execution means turning export strength into greater domestic value added before tariff barriers or price volatility undermine growth, said Shan Saeed, global chief economist at Malaysian proptech group IQI Juwai.
International media spotlights depth of Vietnam–Denmark ties
Danish media outlets, along with Canada’s Ground News, the UK’s hellomagazine.com, Yahoo and US magazine Town & Country, on October 19, stressed that the presence of Denmark's Crown Prince Christian, representing the next generation of the Danish Royal Family, during the visit, reflects the special importance Denmark and its Royal Family attach to strengthening friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.