INDONESIA
1. INDONESIA CALLS FOR JOINT ASEAN AI FRAMEWORK TO BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE -- ANTARA
Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid on Wednesday called on ASEAN countries to develop a common artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework to prevent the technology from widening the region's digital divide.
2. RI, CHINA FINANCE MINISTERS MEET IN BEIJING TO DEEPEN FUNDING TIES -- ANTARA
Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa met with his Chinese counterpart, Lan Fo’an, in Beijing on Wednesday as part of a strategic push to diversify Jakarta’s sovereign funding and expand its international investor base.
LAOS
1. WEST ASIA TENSIONS PRESSURE GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Economists forecast Laos may not achieve its 5.5 per cent growth target this year and inflation could hit double digits due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Growth is predicted to be around 4-4.5 per cent.
2. MAJOR BOOST TO RURAL COMMUNITIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The United Nations-led US$4.5 million (RM18 million) project aims to transform rural lives in the provinces of Luang Prabang and Oudomxay. It will improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen communities’ resilience to climate-related shocks.
MYANMAR
1. EXPERTS TO HIGHLIGHT DENTAL CARE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Yangon will host the “Clear Aligner Symposium in Myanmar 2026” on July 26. The dental care-related symposium will focus on modern dental technologies and clear aligner treatments, while dental specialists will share their expertise.
2. RISING DEMAND FOR INDIAN CHILLI -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The demand for the Indian chilli variety grown in Myanmar is rising annually from local and foreign buyers. It is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries and Myanmar exports chilli to Thailand, China and India.
PHILIPPINES
1. MARCOS, PUTIN EYE STRONGER PHILIPPINES-RUSSIA TIES IN FOOD, ENERGY SECURITY- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday explored ways to expand cooperation in food and energy security as they marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia.
2. JUNE 24 DECLARED HOLIDAY IN MANILA FOR 455TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY Malacañang has declared June 24, 2026, a special non-working day in the City of Manila in celebration of its 455th founding anniversary.
SINGAPORE
1. 'UNPRECEDENTED' AI BUILDOUT DROVE SINGAPORE'S SHARPEST NON-OIL EXPORTS SURGE IN OVER TWO DECADES: ANALYSTS - CNA
The global push to build artificial intelligence infrastructure drove Singapore's non-oil domestic exports to their sharpest growth in over two decades in May, with analysts saying the country is well-placed to deepen its position in higher-value parts of the supply chain.
2. NUS FALLS TO 10TH PLACE WHILE NTU RETAINS 12TH SPOT IN LATEST GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has fallen two places to 10th position in a global ranking of institutions, while Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has retained its 12th spot.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND OPENS UPGRADED HIGHWAY 101 LINK FROM NAN TO LAOS BORDER -- THE NATION
Thailand has fully opened the upgraded Highway 101 route linking Nan province with Chaloem Phra Kiat district, in a move expected to improve transport, border trade and tourism in the northern province.
2. NEW ELECTRICITY RATES PUT OFF UNTIL REVIEW -- BANGKOK POST
Authorities have postponed a plan to impose higher electricity rates on large households with heavy consumption, citing the need to revise how power bills are calculated, says Energy Minister Akanat Promphan.
VIETNAM
1. EXPANDING FARM PRODUCTS TRACKING -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam’s agricultural product traceability system has been introduced in 26 provinces and cities. It covers 18,500 products, including rice, meat, eggs, milk, pineapple, passion fruit and tea as of June 12 this year.
2. HANOI-MOSCOW ACCELERATING TRADE TIES -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam and Russia continue to bolster their 2012 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by deepening economic, trade and investment cooperation. Both countries are focusing on energy, science and technology partnership.
-- BERNAMA
