INDONESIA
1. INDONESIA BUILDS FRAGRANCE HUB TO BOOST ESSENTIAL OIL INDUSTRY-- ANTARA
The Industry Ministry strengthens the downstreaming of national essential oils by developing the Flavor and Fragrance Center (PFF) as a hub for innovation, training, and product business incubation.
2. INDONESIA PAVES WAY FOR GLOBAL FINANCIAL HUB IN BALI -- ANTARA
Amid a global economic slowdown, trade wars, and intensifying competition for investment, Indonesia recognizes that future economic strength depends not only on natural resources but also on its ability to become a hub for global capital flows, investment, and financial services.
LAOS
1. PUTIN LAUDS DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH LAOS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Russian President Vladimir Putin told Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith that Moscow-Vientiane ties are based on friendship, mutual respect and trust. Both nations marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.
2. BUILDING TRIPARTITE ECONOMIC COOPERATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urged Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to cooperate in transport, energy, trade, investment and tourism sectors. He commented on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, in the Philippines, recently.
MYANMAR
1. AUTO RICKSHAW MAKER CREATES 50,000 JOBS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Three-wheeler distributor, Bajaj Auto, says it has created more than 50,000 jobs in Myanmar’s short-distance transport sector and related small and medium-sized enterprises. It has also been instrumental in raising workers' incomes.
2. ADDITIONAL BUSES TO SERVE CITY COMMUTERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Yangon Bus Service will increase its fleet to accommodate the rising number of urban commuters, which has increased by about 250,000. At present, 3,500 buses serve 1.75 million people daily.
PHILIPPINES
1. 7 NABBED, 12 ‘TRAFFICKED’ VICTIMS RESCUED IN PARAÑAQUE ‘SPA’ BUST- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven individuals and rescued 12 trafficked victims, including several minors and an infant, during a series of entrapment and rescue operations on May 7 in Parañaque City for violation of Republic Act 10364, otherwise known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
2. NAVOTAS LANDFILL FIRE NOW FULLY EXTINGUISHED – PBBM-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Through the government’s relentless efforts and strong collaboration with the private sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Sunday night that the lingering fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill has been fully extinguished.
SINGAPORE
1. REDUCED SPEEDS, FEWER PROMOTIONS: HOW THE SINGAPORE CRUISE INDUSTRY IS STAYING AFLOAT AS MARINE FUEL PRICES SURGE -- CNA
It may not be full steam ahead for the cruise industry amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, but those operating out of Singapore are finding strategic ways to stay afloat.
2. LTA TO REMOVE MOST OF LIVE TRAFFIC VIDEO FEEDS, SOME ELECTRONIC SIGNBOARDS IN TRANSITION TO ERP 2 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The video feed of traffic conditions from most cameras in Singapore will be turned off from June 30 and some electronic signboards removed progressively, as part of the transition to the next-generation Electronic Road Pricing System (ERP 2).
THAILAND
1. ANUTIN VISITS PHUKET TO OVERSEE CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT BANG TAO, FREEDOM BEACHES -- THE NATION
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visits Phuket to oversee the enforcement of land reclamation efforts at Bang Tao and Freedom Beaches, as authorities tackle public land encroachment.
2. TRACKING DOWN DRUG LORD THAPANAN -- BANGKOK POST
Authorities are intensifying efforts to seize assets linked to Thapanan, alias "Noo Chen", a major narcotics trafficker whom police compare to the late drug lord Khun Sa for the scale of his operations and influence.
VIETNAM
1. OUTBOUND INVESTMENT TOUCH RM2.8 BILLION -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam’s overseas investment reached US$714 million (RM2.8 billion) in the first four months of 2026. Local firms invested in 32 countries, and Laos was the major destination for Vietnamese capital.
2. HANTAVIRUS SURVEILLANCE AT HANOI AIRPORT -- VIETNAM NEWS
The Hanoi Health Department has ordered stronger surveillance and prevention measures against Hantavirus disease after international cases surfaced recently. Passengers entering and transiting through Noi Bai International Airport are being monitored.
-- BERNAMA
