INDONESIA
1.INDONESIA PLANS 575-KM GIANT SEA WALL TO PROTECT ECONOMY: AHY -- ANTARA
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) stated that the construction of the Giant Sea Wall at Java North Coast aims to protect the economy of the people.
2.INDONESIA MONITORS 9 NATIONALS AFTER ISRAEL INTERCEPTS GAZA FLOTILLA -- ANTARA
The Indonesian government is continuing to monitor the condition of nine Indonesian nationals, including five who were detained by Israeli forces while participating in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission.
LAOS
1.QUICK COMPLETION OF EXPRESSWAY LINKING CAPITALS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Authorities are expediting the construction of the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway — one of the region’s vital road links connecting the Lao and Vietnamese capitals. The project is earmarked for completion by 2029.
2.VENTURING INTO DURIAN CULTIVATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Attapeu, a southern province in Laos, has approved 528 hectares of land for durian cultivation to promote exports. The project is expected to generate income for residents and contribute to the agriculture sector.
MYANMAR
1.NAY PYI TAW-BEIJING TO MAINTAIN ROBUST RELATIONS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar and China pledged to maintain their strong diplomatic relations and continue to promote trade and investment. Both governments agreed to maintain stability in border regions, implement the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor plan and combat online fraud.
2.POSITIONING TOURISM ON GLOBAL MAP -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
An international travel expo will be held in June to woo more foreign tourists that will help to revive the country’s tourism industry. It will feature ancient cultural heritage, traditional customs, beaches, cuisine, biodiversity and rare wildlife.
PHILIPPINES
1.BIR SIMPLIFIES ‘DEREGISTRATION’ PROCESS FOR CLOSING BUSINESSES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a circular simplifying the process for closing businesses and cancelling tax registration as part of the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.
2.UNILATERAL WORKDAYS REDUCTION AMOUNTS TO CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL – SC -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday said unilateral imposition of reduced workdays and a worker rotation scheme amounts to constructive dismissal.
SINGAPORE
1. SINGAPORE PLEDGES US$12 MILLION TO GLOBAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP FOR PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS - CNA
Singapore will contribute US$12 million (S$15.4 million) over four years to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Ministry of Health said in a news release on Tuesday.
2. SINGAPORE’S ENERGY STRATEGY HAS TO BE MORE DIVERSIFIED, FORWARD-LOOKING: PM WONG -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Singapore will pursue multiple paths to ensure its energy security, from diversifying its sources of natural gas to expanding electricity imports and developing low-carbon alternatives, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND SCRAPS 60-DAY FREE VISA, RESTORES OLD EXEMPTION RULES -- THE NATION
Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) that the Cabinet meeting had resolved to cancel the 60-day visa-free scheme for more than 90 countries.
2. CALL FOR MORE MIGRANTS TO EASE LABOUR SHORTAGE -- BANGKOK POST
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has urged the government to act swiftly in tackling worker shortages for Thailand's labour-intensive industries.
VIETNAM
1.HANOI-NEW DELHI WARMING UP OLD TIES -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnamese President To Lam called for stronger Vietnam-India military cooperation during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Hanoi. He said Vietnam is ready to connect India with the region to build an environment of peace.
2.INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS TO ENHANCE COMPETITION -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam will develop a national standards framework to support strategic technologies and products to strengthen technological self-reliance and enhance national competitiveness. The strategy will adopt international and regional standards.
-- BERNAMA
