INDONESIA
1.PRABOWO SEEKS CLOSER BRAZIL TIES IN STATE VISIT -- THE JAKARTA POST
President Prabowo Subianto has wrapped up his state visit to Brazil by reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the South American country, as the two emerging economies seeking to bolster ties under the pressures of the United States’ trade tariffs and shifting international order.
2.INDONESIAN MINISTER APOLOGISES, CANCELS PLAN FOR TINY SUBSIDISED HOMES -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Minister of Housing and Settlements Maruarar Sirait on Thursday officially scrapped a controversial plan to reduce the minimum size of subsidised homes to just 18 square metres, following strong public criticism and backlash from lawmakers. Speaking during a hearing with the House of Representatives’ Commission V, which oversees infrastructure and housing, Maruarar acknowledged receiving extensive feedback from various stakeholders and admitted the idea had sparked unnecessary controversy.
LAOS
1.REFORMS TO EMPOWER LAO WOMEN -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Poverty eradication and gender equality, with an emphasis on gender-responsive financing and institutional reforms for women, remain the government's top priority. Efforts will focus on strengthening institutions and aligning development strategies with gender equality objectives.
2.LAO’S E-WALLET SWEEPS SWISS AWARD -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Lao Telecommunication Public Company’s “M moneyX” won the WSIS Prize 2025 at the World Summit on the Information Society in Switzerland on July 7. The e-wallet offers services such as money transfers, bill payments, taxes and social security contributions.
MYANMAR
1.URBANISATION SHOULD NOT UNDERMINE FOOD SECURITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government said urban planning should not encroach on farmland as it is the key source of food security. Policy makers need to consider that future development projects do not impact economic growth and harm food security.
2.SIAMESE TWINS BORN IN RURAL MON HOSPITAL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
A pair of Siamese twins were successfully delivered at the Bilin General Hospital in Mon state. A doctor delivered the girls in a rural under-equipped hospital. The twins were delivered through a caesarean section on July 9.
SINGAPORE
1.S’PORE TO LAUNCH NEW GRANT FOR COMPANIES, EXPAND SUPPORT FOR WORKERS AMID US TARIFF UNCERTAINTIES -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Singapore companies will be able to tap a new grant to help them adjust to the new tariff environment, announced the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT).
2.US, CHINA TRADE VEILED BARBS AT ASEAN MEETINGS, PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL BLOC -- CNA
Top diplomats of the United States and China took veiled swipes at each other in separate meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Thursday (Jul 10) as they pledged support for the grouping amid geopolitical and trade uncertainty.
THAILAND
1. PICHAI MEETS WITH PRIVATE SECTOR TO TACKLE US TARIFF IMPACT AHEAD OF AUGUST DEADLINE -- THE NATION
Thailand’s Finance Minister Pichai convenes meeting with key stakeholders to discuss response to US’s 36% tariff on Thai imports, hoping for successful negotiations.
2. EX-ABBOT ADMITS TO LOVE AFFAIR -- BANGKOK POST
The former abbot of Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi has admitted to a years-long romantic relationship with a woman known as "Sika Golf", saying he had even planned to leave the monkhood to marry her -- only to later discover she was also romantically involved with senior monks from other well-known temples.
VIETNAM
1.DEMAND FOR LUXURY CONDOS RISING IN HANOI - - VIETNAM NEWS
Hanoi’s real estate sector is thriving with strong demand for high-end condominiums in the second quarter of 2025. Nearly 6,850 new apartment units were put on the market during the period, doubling the first quarter’s supply.
2.HOUSING PROJECTS FOR FOREIGN BUYERS -- VIETNAM NEWS
Ho Chi Minh City have approved 17 commercial housing projects that can be sold to foreign individuals and organisations. The move allows more foreign investors in the domestic real estate market and also reflects Vietnam’s market-friendly policy.
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