42nd ASEAN Summit

Cambodia said it will fund the repatriation of 20 Khmer antiques from Thailand. The Thai government said it is unable to return the items due to financial constraints. Cambodia wants Thailand to proceed with the return of the artefacts as previously agreed.

2.CAMBODIA TO HOST FRANCOPHONIE ENTREPRENEUR MEET --  FRESH NEWS 

Cambodia announced it will host the 6th Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting in 2026. About 1,000 delegates from the French-speaking countries will attend the business conclave where they are expected to discuss on challenges, strengthening the supply chain and bolstering trade connections.

INDONESIA

1.RI CLOSER TO FILLING AMBASSADOR POST IN US -- THE JAKARTA POST

Indonesia has moved closer to filling the long-vacant ambassadorial seat in the United States after the government nominated former senior minister Indroyono Soesilo, who was screened by the House of Representatives on Saturday.

2.RI, SEAFDEC COLLABORATE TO REDUCE MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE SEA -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry along with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (SEAFDEC/IFRDMD) are working together to improve the capacity of human resources to reduce microplastic pollution in the sea.

LAOS

1. LAO BULLION BANK EXPANDS LOAN ISSUANCE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Lao Bullion Bank has partnered with four commercial banks to provide loans secured by gold certificates issued by the bullion bank.The partner banks are the Joint Development Bank, Lao Development Bank, ST Bank, and the Agricultural Promotion Bank.

2.INCREASING FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY TO WOO INVESTORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao Public has appointed Lao-China Securities Public Company as its financial advisor to support capital expansion. This strategic collaboration is to build long-term financial stability and foster investor confidence.

MYANMAR 

1.PUSHING RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The government urged all stakeholders to implement sustainable rural development projects that are in line with this year’s “World Rural Development Day: “Harnessing Rural Strength to Transform Our World” theme. Almost 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population resides in rural areas.

2. INJURED BABY ELEPHANT RECOVERING AT WINGABAW CAMP -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

One of the baby elephants injured at the Wingabaw elephant camp is recovering. The mother elephant accidentally hit one of its newly born twins with its leg which caused a spinal cord injury. Veterinarians managed to provide medical treatment and protect the calf.

SINGAPORE

1.MPS SHOULD NOT ASK QUESTIONS TO ‘CLOCK NUMBERS’; FOCUS SHOULD BE IMPROVING S’POREANS’ LIVES: SEAH KIAN PENG -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singaporeans can expect more debate in the upcoming 15th Parliament, with today’s uncertain world and the need for more policies to tackle the attendant challenges, and more MPs in the House.

2.STAY OR QUIT? HOW SOME GEN Z WORKERS IN SINGAPORE ARE MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF THEIR OWN DRUM -- CNA

When Ms Kumar, 27, told her parents she planned to leave her first job, her mother was taken aback and questioned her lack of “loyalty" to the company.

THAILAND

1. PAETONGTARN, THAKSIN, AND SRETTHA TO PRESENT THAI SOFT POWER VISIONS AT 2025 FORUM -- THE NATION

Paetongtarn, Thaksin, and Srettha to headline Splash – Soft Power Forum 2025 in Bangkok, sharing visions for tourism, sports, and Thai cultural identity.  

2. BORDER ROW GOES TO UN BOSS -- BANGKOK POST

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it blames Cambodia for breaking its own promise to resolve border issues with Thailand through bilateral mechanisms agreed upon by both countries.

VIETNAM

1.ELECTRONIC PRESCRIPTIONS IN ALL HOSPITALS STARTING OCTOBER -- VIETNAM NEWS 

The Health Ministry issued a final directive to all hospitals nationwide to implement electronic prescriptions starting October 1. The circular mandates all hospitals and other healthcare facilities like clinics and private medical centres to fully adopt e-prescribing.

2.HIGHER WAGE DEMAND TO IMPROVE WORKERS’ WELFARE -- VIETNAM NEWS

The Vietnam labour organisation is urging the government to implement a 9.2 per cent increase in the minimum wage across all  regions to enhance the economic conditions of workers. This new wage adjustment is anticipated to take effect on January 1, 2026.

-- BERNAMA