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.
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.
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.