Tag: Laos

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 21, 2026

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA'S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES -- ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters of several natural resource commodities, including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys. 2. ASEAN DIGITAL PACT COULD LIFT INDONESIA'S ECONOMY TO US$600 BLN: AIRLANGGA -- ANTARA Indonesia’s digital economy could expand to US$600 billion through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said on Wednesday. LAOS 1. VIETNAM-LAO EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION STARTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Vietnam broke ground on a 60-kilometre expressway costing US$910 million (RM3.6 billion) that connects the Lao border. The corridor will improve overland links to Vietnamese seaports that will expand trade and tourism. 2. PREPARING FOR LDC GRADUATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao is preparing to exit the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by focusing on rural development to improve living standards. Poverty reduction, strengthening governance and combating corruption will be given top priorities. MYANMAR 1. IMPROVING RURAL WOMEN’S ECONOMIC STATUS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Small-Scale Industries Department will implement the rural family income improvement project in 214 villages. Sewing and food production courses will be conducted to uplift the economic well-being of rural women. 2. SOLAR-POWERED STREETLIGHTS FOR VILLAGES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government will provide solar streetlights to 41 villages in Shan state. The initiative aims to enhance the socioeconomic status of rural residents and narrow the urban-rural development gap. PHILIPPINES 1. BILL EXTENDING PRC ID VALIDITY TO 5 YEARS APPROVED ON FINAL READING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY In a major win for millions of Filipino professionals, the House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on third and final reading a measure extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years, easing renewal burdens and cutting red tape in government transactions. 2. HOUSE OKS KALINGA BILL, EYES FASTER RESPONSE TO FUEL CRISES, INFLATION -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the Kalinga Act, a proposed national emergency response and resiliency framework that would allow the Marcos administration to move faster against fuel-driven inflation, energy supply risks and shocks that threaten food, transport, livelihood, and essential services. SINGAPORE 1. SINGTEL LOGS 12 PCT RISE IN ANNUAL EARNINGS HELPED BY REGIONAL ASSOCIATES - CNA Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) reported a 12 per cent rise in annual underlying profit on Thursday, driven by strong contributions from India's Bharti Airtel and other regional associates. 2. BABY FOOD FROM IRELAND RECALLED DUE TO POTENTIAL MOULD GROWTH AND SPOILAGE: SFA -- THE STRAITS TIMES A recall for a baby food product from Ireland is ongoing due to potential mould growth and spoilage, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said. THAILAND 1. THAILAND REVEALS 93 COUNTRIES LOSING 60-DAY VISA-FREE ENTRY -- THE NATION Thailand’s Cabinet has approved ending 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, with most set to return to 30-day stays. 2. GOVT TO PURGE STATE SECRETS -- BANGKOK POST Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all state agencies to fully disclose public information and eliminate unnecessary secrecy as part of a nationwide anti-corruption campaign launched in cooperation with the private sector. VIETNAM 1. SMART FISHING PORT AT GIA LAI -- VIETNAMPLUS Gia Lai province will build a smart fishing port at Tam Quan to modernise its seafood industry and improve export standards. The port will deploy digital tools, automation and data analytics to manage fleets and track marine catch. 2. ASIAN HACKATHON ATTRACTS OVER 400 TEAMS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has attracted 439 teams, with about 1,440 contestants from 22 countries. The 36-hour in-person hackathon is scheduled from July 2 to 5 at VinUni University in Hanoi. -- BERNAMA

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA’S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES — ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters of several natural resource commodities, including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys. 2. ASEAN DIGITAL PACT COULD LIFT INDONESIA’S ECONOMY TO US$600 BLN: AIRLANGGA — ANTARA […]