19 October 2026
INDONESIA
1. Indonesia’s President Holds Talks With UN Secretary-General
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for bilateral discussions at the presidential retreat in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday. The meeting focused on bilateral engagement between Indonesia and the United Nations.
2. Indonesia’s First Aircraft Carrier Prepared for Disaster Response
Indonesia’s Defence Ministry said the country’s first aircraft carrier, KRI Sriwijaya-100, is ready to support non-combat military operations, particularly disaster relief efforts. The vessel is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
LAOS
1. Laos Seeks Investment From Azerbaijan
Laos is inviting Azerbaijani companies to explore investment opportunities in sectors including agro-processing, minerals, oil, logistics and tourism. The government is also encouraging investment in downstream mining activities to support economic development.
2. Laos and Thailand Strengthen Cooperation Against Online Scams
Laos and Thailand are intensifying cross-border efforts to tackle online scams, money laundering and organised crime. Their cooperation will focus on improving law enforcement coordination, freezing criminal assets and preventing the misuse of financial systems.
MYANMAR
1. Myanmar Encourages Expansion of Industrial Crops
Myanmar’s government has called for increased cultivation of oil palm, rubber and durian in Kayin and Mon states, as well as the Taninthayi region. Authorities have also urged farmers to replace ageing crops with higher-quality varieties and introduce coffee and cocoa as intercrops to improve agricultural productivity.
2. Myanmar Discusses Identification Documents for Undocumented Workers
Myanmar’s Labour Ministry is discussing with Malaysia and Laos the establishment of centres to issue certificates of identity to undocumented Myanmar migrant workers. Approximately 60,000 undocumented Myanmar workers are estimated to be living in Laos.
PHILIPPINES
1. First Group of 34 Filipino Workers From Riyadh Expected Home
The first group of 34 overseas Filipino workers from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is expected to return to the Philippines on Monday. The government is also arranging the repatriation of hundreds of other workers amid regional security concerns and flight disruptions.
2. Philippines Allocates PHP7.86 Billion for El Niño Response
The Philippine government has allocated PHP7.86 billion for disaster response measures to address the effects of a very strong El Niño. The climate phenomenon has already caused billions of pesos in agricultural losses, raising concerns over its impact on farmers and food production.
SINGAPORE
1. Singapore Records Mostly Unhealthy Air Quality
Singapore recorded mostly unhealthy air quality at 8 am on Monday, with its 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index ranging from 88 in the northern region to 134 in the west. The readings placed the northern area in the moderate category, while the western region recorded an unhealthy level.
2. Singapore to Strengthen Monitoring of Three Infectious Diseases
Singapore will strengthen surveillance of three potentially deadly infectious diseases from October 31. Under the updated requirements, medical practitioners must report all cases to the authorities. The diseases have no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments, according to the report.
THAILAND
1. Thai Authorities Investigate Unlicensed Entertainment Venues in Rayong
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has ordered an investigation into four unlicensed entertainment venues in Rayong following inspections by the Interior Ministry. Authorities reportedly found more than 100 Chinese nationals at the premises, while prostitution was identified at two venues. The investigation also involves bribery allegations.
2. Authorities Investigate Suspected Oil Pollution in Prachin Buri
Thailand’s Pollution Control Department is conducting water-quality tests and preparing containment measures after a suspected oil film was detected in Prachin Buri. Authorities are concerned that the pollution could spread to the Prachin Buri River if the situation is not contained.
VIETNAM
1. Vietnam and Denmark Explore Cooperation in Green Energy and Technology
Vietnam and Denmark are seeking to expand bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power, alongside maritime transport and smart logistics. Other potential areas of collaboration include digital transformation, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors and biomedicine.
2. Ho Chi Minh City Raises Nearly US$6 Million for the Poor
The Ho Chi Minh City Fund for the Poor received pledges of nearly US$6 million, equivalent to approximately RM25 million, during the 2026 “City of Compassion – Connecting Love” art exchange programme. The event began on October 17 and aims to mobilise support for disadvantaged communities.
-BERNAMA
