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.
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.
Cambodia asks for FAO support to strengthen early warning systems
Thor Chetha said the ministry considered weather and climate services an essential public function that helps improve agricultural productivity, manage water resources more effectively, reduce disaster risks and promote sustainable development.
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.
Vietnam-EFTA free trade pact expected to boost trade
Vietnam’s main exports to EFTA markets include seafood, footwear, textiles and garments, machinery, electronics and components. Meanwhile, Vietnam imports machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and production materials from EFTA countries.
Singapore maintains monetary policy settings amid inflation risks
MAS said the current appreciating policy band would allow the Singapore dollar to strengthen further, helping offset the expected near-term increase in imported inflation and supporting a gradual easing of price pressures in 2027.
Indonesia records over 283,000 respiratory illness cases amid forest fires
The figures have prompted civil society coalition Sustainabilitas to call on the government to declare the fires a national disaster and strengthen emergency measures to protect residents.
Thailand tightens security inspection on checked baggage
Under CAAT guidelines, airport security personnel are authorised to open checked baggage for inspection if screening reveals signs that it may contain prohibited items, even when the owner is absent.
Malaysia targets 250,000 international students by 2030
Around 170,000 international students from 180 countries are currently studying in Malaysia, Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abd Kadir told the media after the closing ceremony of the International Young Future Leaders Summit 2026 (iFuture 2026).
ASEAN reaffirms commitment to poverty eradication, food security
Facing challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, rising food demand, and price fluctuations, ASEAN is actively implementing its Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry towards 2045 and the relevant 2026–2030 action plan to build food systems that are sustainable, inclusive and resilient, said Ambassador Do Hung Viet.