Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 19
2.PRABOWO IN BANGKOK TO BOLSTER TIES AHEAD OF ASEAN SUMMIT -- THE JAKARTA POST
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has suspended three of its members following allegations of intimidation and extortion against a Chinese engineering firm involved in a major national project in Cilegon, Banten.
President Prabowo Subianto begins his visit in Bangkok on Monday, as he reconvenes with Thailand's leaders to strengthen bilateral ties ahead of his first ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and amid regional concerns over the ongoing tariff war started by the United States.
LAOS
1.CHINA'S MEDICAL AID TO SUPPORT LAO HEALTHCARE -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia Economic Development have provided medical supplies and vaccines to the Lao government. The RM6 million (CNY10 million) worth of medical aid is to support the treatment and prevention of diseases.
2.LUANG PRABANG EYEING TOURISM AWARD -- VIENTIANE TIMES
UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang is aiming for the Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destination Organisation. Luang Prabang aims to elevate its profile as a culturally rich tourist destination in the world with the international certification.
MYANMAR
1.FRESH FDI WORTH RM155 MILLION APPROVED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government approved three new foreign direct investments (FDI) valued at RM155 million (US$35.778 million) on May 16. The investments were in the manufacturing of solar panels, installation of power cables, production of instant foods and the garment sector.
2.ASIAN OPENBILL STORKS ARRIVE IN MOEYUNGYI WETLAND -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
About 500 critically endangered migratory Asian openbill storks were spotted at the Moeyungyi Wetland Sanctuary in Bago Region. Moeyungyi has become a major habitat during the rainy season and the birds arrive in search of food.
SINGAPORE
1.'YOU ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME': LADY GAGA RETURNS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION, WITH SINGAPORE FLAG IN TOW -- THE STRAITS TIMES
American pop star Lady Gaga played a dazzling, sold-out set at the National Stadium on May 18, the first night of her four gigs in Singapore, her only stops in Asia.
2.FORMER US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN DIAGNOSED WITH 'AGGRESSIVE' PROSTATE CANCER -- CNA/AGENCIES
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday (May 18).
THAILAND
1. THAI, CAMBODIAN TROOPS HOLD TALKS OVER BORDER PATROL DISPUTE -- THE NATION
The Suranaree Task Force engaged Cambodian troops over border patrol amid recent territorial concerns, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, said on Saturday.
2. DEPARTMENT TO AMEND TAX ON FOREIGN INCOME REMITTANCE -- BANGKOK POST
The Revenue Department is preparing to draft legislation to amend the collection of tax on foreign income remitted to Thailand.
VIETNAM
1.VIETNAM ASSURED CUBA OF ITS INVESTMENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam and Cuba have pledged to diversify their economic partnership to bolster their 25-year-old strong bilateral relations. Vietnam will continue its operations in the Mariel Special Development Zone, which drives Cuba's economic growth.
2.UNIVERSITY OF DA NANG TO DEVELOP FINANCIAL TALENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The University of Da Nang will help to develop human capital to support the government's ambition to transform Da Nang into a financial hub. The planned Vietnam International Financial Centre in the central city is expected to attract quality investments.
-- BERNAMA
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The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
Singapore PM Wong to visit China, where he will discuss cooperation to strengthen rules-based order
SINGAPORE: The world is in a state of flux, and countries big and small have to do their part to manage geopolitical tensions and rivalry carefully so as to minimise the risk of conflict and war, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV ahead of his first visit to China as prime minister, he said a key priority is to discuss broader regional and global developments with Chinese leaders, and explore how both countries can work together to strengthen multilateralism and the rules-based international order. He also said that he hopes to build closer ties with the Chinese leaders, especially with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. His visit from Sunday (June 22) to Thursday (June 26) was announced on June 20 by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, who said PM Wong will be meeting Xi, Li and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress. The visit comes as strategic rivalry between the United States and China has triggered supply chain disruptions, technological decoupling, and growing fears that other countries may eventually be forced to pick sides. The US has also imposed sweeping tariffs on much of the world, including Singapore, with particularly high duties on China. 'We are in the midst of a very messy and unpredictable transition,' PM Wong said in the interview, aired on the CCTV programme Leaders Talk on June 20. He noted that the US had helped shape the global order after World War II – an order that benefited all countries, including China and the US itself – which is now under strain as America signals a desire to pull back from it. 'There is no country in the world today that can replace the US, no one. So what is our alternative? I think frankly, at this stage, no one knows the answer,' he said. PM Wong said it will take time for a new equilibrium to emerge. Unlike the post–Cold War era, which was dominated by a single superpower, he believes the new global order will be shaped by countries both large and small. But in the meantime, the transition is potentially dangerous. 'Without clear global leadership and coordination, there are many things that can go wrong in this world,' he warned, urging all countries to manage geopolitical tensions and rivalry carefully to minimise the risk of conflict and war. He said the onus is on all countries to continue working together and find win-win cooperation, especially in areas of shared interest. 'And then step by step, we can all work together to lay the groundwork for a new and more stable global order that may emerge in the years ahead. It will take time, but we should all do our part to shape this new global order.' PM Wong will emphasise the importance of upholding a rules-based multilateral order when he attends a World Economic Forum event in Tianjin next week. The event, officially called the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, is commonly known as Summer Davos. In the interview with CCTV, he acknowledged that today's multilateral system is not perfect, but said it should be reformed and improved – not abandoned – to better serve all countries. He explained the US' turn towards anti-globalisation, saying that Americans feel that they are not enjoying the commensurate benefits. Responding to a suggestion by the CCTV journalist that imposing heavy tariffs on much of the world might not be the proper way for the US to compensate themselves for feeling short-changed by globalism, PM Wong said: 'We do not believe it is, but as I said, the administration reflects a growing sentiment amongst the American people that they are paying too high a price to be the world's policeman, to underwrite the global system, and they have not benefited. 'If America were to take an enlightened self-interest, not just a very narrow perspective of its interest, but a wider view of its interests, this system has benefited America too. 'But the feelings are real, because globalisation over the decades has resulted in many cities and towns in America being completely de-industrialised, jobs being taken away, people losing their jobs, incomes stagnating. So the sentiments do exist. And when these sentiments exist, politicians react to the sentiments, and they take actions which they think will respond to these sentiments. That is what is happening in the US today.' Asked about his top concern for Singapore, PM Wong said the increasingly fragmented global environment poses challenges for a small, open economy like Singapore, which depends heavily on trade. But while global supply chains are being reshaped and countries seek greater self-sufficiency, he stressed that trade will continue, albeit in new configurations. Singapore, he said, must stay competitive and relevant to remain a key node in shifting trade and investment flows, and is working with like-minded partners to uphold free trade and a rules-based system. Within Asean, efforts are under way to deepen integration and lower trade barriers. Singapore is also strengthening ties with key Asian economies such as China, India, Japan and South Korea, while reaching out to further markets in the European Union, Latin America, and Africa. 'I believe in every crisis, there will always be opportunities, and so we are finding ways to seize new opportunities for ourselves and for other countries,' he said. Wong described the relationship between Singapore and China as 'a very close and steadfast partnership', nurtured over generations of leaders. 'So I hope to do the same in my visit with Chinese leaders, especially with President Xi and Premier Li, and I think the close ties at the leadership level sets the tone for the overall relationship.' A key objective of his trip to China will be to reaffirm a shared commitment to bilateral cooperation, as Singapore and China mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The cooperation led to the three government-to-government projects of Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-city and Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. Asked if he envisioned introducing a new project during his term, PM Wong said that he does not consider existing projects as completed and done with, but platforms that can continually host new areas of cooperation. This is in line with bilateral ties, which were upgraded in 2023 to an All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership. PM Wong is no stranger to China, having visited almost every year since entering politics in 2011. He described the transformation he witnessed in China as 'nothing short of an economic miracle'. In the interview, he expressed confidence in China's economy despite global headwinds, citing its strong track record and capable leaders who are willing to adapt. Most of all, he said, his optimism stems from the determination of the Chinese people to keep moving forward and improve their lives. 'It's a remarkable transformation, and I continue to wish China every success in its journey of modernisation,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
Laos, China forge partnership to facilitate cross-border transport, trade
Viengkhone Sitthixay explains about the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park to Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune (left) duing his visit to the exhibited booth. KUNMING, (China): Laos's Thanaleng Dry Port (TDP) has established partnerships with key Chinese firms to advance cross-border cargo transport and regional trade connectivity. At the recent 9th China-South Asia Exposition held in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan province, the Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd. signed the Strategic Cross-Border Partnership with Anning Dry Port International Holding Co., Ltd. The partnership aims to enhance logistics efficiency between Laos and China by streamlining customs processes, sharing warehouse resources, and standardising documentation. The deal will leverage TDP's role as a key logistics hub linking China with Southeast Asia, while also tapping into the strategic convergence of major regional railways at Anning Dry Port — including links to Vietnam and Myanmar. 'The unique characteristics of the harbor position it as a key hub for China's national transport network, enabling the Thanaleng Dry Port to diversify and enhance its service,' TDP said in a statement. Thanaleng Dry Port – the single-window customs clearance point for freight transport on the Laos-China railway - also signed an additional cooperation deal with Lao Financial Holding Sole., Ltd., China Intelligent Electric Vehicles Co., Ltd., and Yunnan Maimiao Automobile Service Co., Ltd. The Cross-Border Automotive Industry and Financial Services Full-chain Platform and Bonded Warehouse Cooperation agreement aims to support and promote win-win cooperation by utilising the bonded warehouses of the Thanaleng Dry Port as a primary service to jointly establish a platform for cross-border trade and integrated investment services. These include the pre-tax import of goods + bonded warehouse services + pre-tax payment sales + sales with installment payment options + after-sales services in order to help elevate the Lao automotive industry and develop cross-border trade in the region. The partnerships are part of the Lao dry port's broader strategy to engage with regional and global players to advance cross-border transport and position itself as a key logistics connector linking Southeast Asia to China and even extending to Europe. During the 9th China-South Asia Exposition, the Thanaleng Dry Port - the converging point between the Laos-China and Laos-Thailand railways - set up a booth at the six-day event to showcase its logistics service products that have been introduced since it began operation in December 2021. Vice President of Thanaleng Dry Port Sole Co., Ltd., Viengkhone Sitthixay, and his team welcomed Lao Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and foreign guests to the company's booth where the DPM was briefed about the Lao landmark project. The dry port's Managing Director, Sakhone Philangam, told the guests that the dry port and its associated Vientiane Logistics Park are priority projects of the Lao government and form an integral part of the broader strategy to transform landlocked Laos into a land-link country. The progress made in this direction was showcased at the Kunming expo, where businesses set up more than 2,000 booths in total. The event provides an excellent opportunity for Lao businesses to explore avenues and establish trade partnerships with international companies, particularly those in China and Southeast Asia. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
Ho Chi Minh: a journalist of the highest standing
HANOI: Long before he became the revered leader of an independent Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh was a journalist with a mission: to give a voice to the voiceless, to expose injustice and to connect the Vietnamese struggle with the broader currents of global liberation. His pen, as sharp as his political instincts, became his first weapon in the long fight against colonialism. A documentary titled Journalist Ho Chi Minh, produced by the People's Army Cinema in 2020, highlighted that President Ho was not only an eminent political leader and a great cultural figure, but also a brilliant journalist who laid the groundwork for Vietnam's revolutionary press. The establishment and growth of Vietnamese journalism have been firmly rooted in the ideology of revolutionary Nguyen Ai Quoc, an alias of President Ho since its earliest days. By the end of 1917, President Ho Chi Minh, then known as Nguyen Ai Quoc, embarked on his revolutionary journalist journey. From those early days in France, he clearly understood that the press was a sharp moral weapon against the enemy and a vital means of communication for promoting revolutionary movements. He began writing articles that denounced colonialism and fought for the independence and justice of colonised peoples worldwide, including those in Vietnam. In 1922, after overcoming numerous challenges, Nguyen Ai Quoc, and his comrades in the Intercolonial Union established the newspaper Le Paria in France. The preface of its first issue, published on April 1, 1922, stated its motto as a "fighting weapon, its mission is clear: to free the people". Nguyen Ai Quoc's contributions to Le Paria were tremendous, and his writing remains compelling to this day, according to French writer and historian Jean Lacouture in the documentary. President Ho Chi Minh reading a Chinese newspaper during a visit to China in 1953. - Photo: VNA/VNS He described the writing as that of a master strategist. The documentary noted that Nguyen Ai Quoc's articles in Le Paria resonated deeply with readers in the colonies, earning widespread support and praise. Letters poured in from around the world, containing donations for the newspaper and requests for long-term subscriptions. A fateful bond 'Ho Chi Minh never identified himself as a poet, journalist or writer. Instead, he only considered himself as someone with a 'fateful bond' with the press, a political commentator, a propagandist and a professional revolutionary," said Bui Dinh Phong, PhD, associate professor at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Spanning 50 years of journalistic activities, President Ho wrote over 2,000 articles, more than 270 poems, and 500 pages of memoirs and short stories in different languages, all dedicated to one sole mandate: national liberation. "The great revolutionary journalist Ho Chi Minh established a legacy of record-breaking achievements that few in his field have matched over the last century,' Phong told a national seminar recently held to mark 100 years of revolutionary journalism in the country. He founded or co-founded numerous publications, including Le Paria (1922), Thanh Nien (1925), Linh Kach Menh (1927), and Vietnam Doc Lap (1941), among others. Furthermore, he contributed articles to many domestic and international newspapers, writing in various languages such as Vietnamese, French, Russian and Chinese, Phong said. According to the article Keeping the Revolutionary Fire Through Each Letter, published in the Quan doi nhan dan (People's Army) newspaper in 2021, Nguyen Ai Quoc's earliest piece in archive was Van de ban xu (The Indigenous Question). It was published in the French daily newspaper L'Humanité on August 2, 1919. His final article Nang cao trach nhiem cham soc va giao duc thieu nien, nhi dong (Enhancing Responsibility for the Care and Education of Teenagers and Children), was run in the Nhan Dan (The People) newspaper on June 1, 1969. 'His themes, content, forms and writing styles were incredibly diverse and rich, featuring a unique and creative authorial technique. "However, they were consistently unified in their guiding principles, purpose, viewpoints and political ideology," added Phong. An exceptional journalist In an article in Tap chi Lich su Dang (Journal of Vietnam Communist Party History, issue No 4, 2010), Hoa Dinh Nghia of the Ho Chi Minh Museum wrote that Ho Chi Minh's articles always demonstrated profound knowledge, rich life experience and a swift grasp of information and current events. "His writing style was concise, simple and clear. When writing for newspapers, he always upheld a high sense of social responsibility, thinking deeply about his content and being meticulous with his words and ideas to ensure that the masses could easily understand and engage with the information," Nghia wrote. "In his early days as a writer, he would revise an article many times to perfect it. At first, he would write at length, then edit it down to be concise and succinct while still retaining all necessary and important content," Nghia wrote. "This became such a habit that even as President, after finishing an article, he would often read it aloud to those around him for feedback.' One of the most important reasons Ho Chi Minh achieved the stature of a brilliant journalist, according to Phong of the National Academy of Politics, was that when writing, one must always understand who they are writing for and what the purpose is. Some sketches by Nguyen Ai Quoc (1922-1942) at the Vietnam Press Museum in Hanoi. - Photo: VNS Ho Chi Minh's career and journalistic legacy provided a convincing answer to these questions, Phong said. "Ho Chi Minh wrote for numerous newspapers, each with different contexts, audiences, purposes and methods of expression," he said. "His experience in journalism was a reverse experience: he first learned to write journalism in French, then in Chinese and only after that did he learn to write in Vietnamese." During his years in France, when writing for the newspaper La Vie Ouvrière (The Worker's Life) and even when he was the editor-in-chief, publisher, distributor and seller for Le Paria, his primary target audience was the fellow oppressed and the Vietnamese workers who could not read French. In the newly released photo book 100 Years of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press, published by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House, it is noted that after a period of study and work in the Soviet Union in 1923-1924, where he wrote for Pravda (The Truth) and other publications, Nguyen Ai Quoc moved to Guangzhou, China, in November 1924. His mission was to prepare for the launch of a new political newspaper and to train a new generation of Vietnamese revolutionaries. The following year, he founded the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League and launched its official publication, the Thanh Nien (Youth) newspaper. This milestone marked the birth of Vietnam's revolutionary press. - Vietnam News/ANN
