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.
ASEAN Culture Day 2026 in US promotes friendship, peace
Vietnam added a distinctive touch to the event with a Dong Ho-inspired ao dai presentation, combining the elegance of the traditional Vietnamese long dress with motifs rooted in the country’s folk culture. The Vietnamese booth also displayed silk products and traditional handicrafts, helping promote the refined and diverse beauty of Vietnamese culture to international friends.
Timor-Leste speeds up participation in ASEAN digital economic framework
For Timor-Leste, joining the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement will require improvements in institutional capacity, digital infrastructure and public digital skills, while offering domestic businesses opportunities to access broader markets. The move also represents a concrete step towards translating the country's ASEAN membership into tangible economic benefits.
Cambodia pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions
Cambodia has reaffirmed its firm commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change through technological modernisation, and pledged to work with the international community to cut emissions to the lowest possible level.
Cambodia steps up crackdown on online scam networks
The national campaign against online scams has taken legal action against suspected operations, including raids, prosecutions and ongoing investigations into cases before the courts, according to a Cambodian official.
Cambodia spends over 70 mln USD on coffee bean imports
According to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the country imports around 10,000 tonnes of coffee annually, mainly from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, France, Italy, the US, Malaysia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Australia.
IMF-World Bank meetings give Thailand fresh year-end tourism boost
The events provide an opportunity to showcase Thai culture, performing arts and attractive destinations to international delegates, especially those visiting the country for the first time. The government hopes these experiences will encourage delegates to return to Thailand in the future, helping to raise the country’s international tourism profile.
Chinese media give extensive coverage to Vietnamese NA President’s visit
Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television (CCTV) and other Chinese media outlets, including People’s Daily and Guangming Online, on October 12 reported on Premier Li Qiang’s meeting with NA President Man at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Cambodia optimistic about economic prospects
Cambodia’s national treasury currently held at least 2.5 billion USD in reserves. In the first nine months of 2026, its state budget revenue exceeded 5 billion USD, averaging 500-600 million USD per month.
Philippines looks to Singapore to advance ASEAN digital economy pact
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expects Singapore to take the lead in implementing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) when it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
Malaysia backs Egypt’s bid to boost cooperation with ASEAN
Malaysia also looked forward to Egypt's support for ASEAN in exploring cooperation with the African Union (AU), as the regional grouping continued to expand its relations with other regions to strengthen resilience.
India, ASEAN step up talks to upgrade trade in goods agreement
India and ASEAN signed AITIGA in 2009 to promote trade liberalisation and expand economic ties. However, changes in trade patterns, supply chains and the global economic environment have created a need to update the agreement to reflect current conditions.
ASEAN Bazaar 2026 highlights cultural diversity in New Delhi
Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Ignacio said the bazaar introduced ASEAN countries’ cultures and cuisine to Indian and international visitors, noting that culture and food form an effective way to bring people closer together.
Cambodia issues press release on outcomes of Vietnamese PM’s official visit
On political cooperation, both PMs reiterated their consistent position of attaching special significance to the traditional friendship, good neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation and long-lasting stability relations between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Vietnam calls for stronger dialogue on disarmament, non-proliferation, global arms control
Vietnam stressed the need for international cooperation in controlling small arms and light weapons, tackling the aftermath of landmines and explosive remnants of war, advancing multilateral dialogue on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and governance of emerging technologies, and keeping outer space for peaceful use.
ASEAN Community Vision 2045: From regional commitments to development opportunities for localities
Making effective use of ASEAN cooperation agenda and mechanisms would provide practical support for national, sectoral and local development plans. The growth of each locality and firm also sets the stage for Vietnam to joining and contributing more to ASEAN.
Indonesia seeks US technologies to boost oil output
The country aims to raise crude oil lifting to 612,500 bpd in 2027, from 610,000 bpd in 2026, according to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia.