42nd ASEAN Summit

Speculations continues to mount over the health of former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as government officials remain tight-lipped and offer little clarity about the medical care typically extended to former heads of states. Jokowi, who stepped down from office last October, has been notably absent from major public events, including the recent 79th anniversary celebration of the National Police, also known as Bhayangkara Day, attended by President Prabowo Subianto and by other former presidents.

2.FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIAL FOUND DEAD IN SUSPECTED HOMICIDE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

A Foreign Ministry official was found dead under suspicious circumstances in his boarding room in Central Jakarta on Tuesday. The victim, identified by his initials ADP, a junior diplomat, was found dead in his room on Jalan Gondangdia Kecil, Menteng, around midday. Police said his body was lying on the bed with his face covered in duct tape.

LAOS

1.ADB TO MODERNISE LAO RURAL ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved RM280 million (US$65.8 million) to modernise the Lao agricultural food industry. The fund targets to improve climate resilience, food security, nutrition and rural income.

2.MILLIONS OF FISH FINGERLINGS TO BE RELEASED -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment plans to release approximately 65 million fish fingerlings and other aquatic species into rivers across Laos this year. It is part of the ministry’s annual programme to promote sustainable biodiversity.

MYANMAR

1.APRIL-JUNE RICE EXPORTS HIT RM980 MILLION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar exported over 614,000 metric tonnes of rice and broken rice worth RM908 million (US$214 million) from April to June this year. The Ministry of Commerce is collaborating with major trade associations to achieve export targets.

2.TARIFF NEGOTIATIONS WITH US TO CONTINUE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government will continue to pursue negotiations with the United States (US) following the 40 per cent trade tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Monday. Myanmar accepts the new tariff hike on a positive note.

SINGAPORE

1.KEEP CITIZENS AT THE CENTRE OF PUBLIC SERVICE, CHAN CHUN SING TELLS CIVIL SERVANTS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Double down on good work, innovate together with boldness and keep the focus on citizens.

2.IS IT GETTING HARDER TO USE CASH IN SINGAPORE – AND DOES IT MATTER? -- CNA

My experiment to use only cash for a week in June got off to a false start.  I had gone to Five Oars Coffee Roasters for a meeting, and though the shop only accepted contactless card payments, my drink was paid for by the organiser. I also paid cash for dinner and dessert that evening without a hitch.

THAILAND

1. THAILAND TOPS ASEAN FOR MOST SEARCHED FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXPERIENCES: TRAVELOKA -- THE NATION

Thailand has been named the top destination in ASEAN for food and beverage experiences, according to a ranking by Traveloka.

2. SHORT-HAUL BOOKINGS REMAIN WEAK -- BANGKOK POST

Airlines report forward bookings for short-haul markets for the remainder of this year are weak, in contrast to the long-haul segment, while some carriers expressed interest in joining the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) stimulus campaign.

VIETNAM

1.NEW TAX HOLIDAYS FOR DIGITAL TECH COMPANIES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam will offer attractive incentives for digital technology companies, including foreign investors under a new law starting in 2026. Incentives include corporate income tax exemption for the first two years and a 50 per cent reduction in the following four years.

2.MEGA FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SECURITY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam has mobilised over RM30 billion (US$7 billion) for its ambitious energy transition agenda. Three key energy infrastructure projects have already secured funding from the international partners. Vietnam is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

-- BERNAMA