42nd ASEAN Summit

The Trade Ministry’s new palm oil regulation (Permendag 16/2026) prioritises strengthening state-owned exporting companies while introducing a transitional framework for businesses to adapt ahead of full implementation.  

2.INDONESIA TURNS TO BARTER TRADE TO REDUCE US DOLLAR DEPENDENCE -- ANTARA

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said barter trade arrangements are among the government's strategies to reduce demand for U.S. dollars and help ease pressure on the rupiah amid its depreciation against the greenback.

LAOS

1.CALL FOR STRONGER ASEAN UNITY --  VIENTIANE TIMES

At the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, Laos urged for stronger ASEAN unity, enhanced regional connectivity, and greater adoption of artificial intelligence. These are vital for addressing emerging challenges and achieving sustainable development.

2. HISTORICAL CAVE OPENS TO PUBLIC IN KHAMMUAN -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Tham Fa Meu cave, which officially opened to visitors this week, features geological and archaeological heritage sites, including more than 280 prehistoric rock paintings. It showcases ancient human settlements in Laos.

 MYANMAR

1.YUAN TO SPUR CHINESE INVESTMENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Chinese entrepreneurs find it convenient to invest in Myanmar after the Chinese yuan has been officially recognised as a legal currency for direct investment. The Myanmar Investment Commission agreed to accept investments in yuan.

2.INDIAN DIGITAL TOOLS TO PRESERVE FILMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

India will assist Myanmar in preserving its historic films and newsreel archives using  modern digital technologies. The cooperation will help preserve Myanmar’s classic films and historical records in digital formats.

PHILIPPINES

1.EALA REACHES ROUND OF 16 AT HSBC CHAMPIONSHIPS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY Filipino Alexandra Eala advanced to the second round of the WTA 500 HSBC Championships after beating Chinese Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, Tuesday night (Philippine time) at The Queens Club in London, Great Britain.

2. ISOLATED RAINS TO PREVAIL; EL NIÑO CONDITIONS PRESENT IN PACIFIC -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY Isolated rain showers will continue to prevail over most parts of the archipelago, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wednesday.

SINGAPORE

1. RESIDENTS CAN POST MAIL FROM ALL HDB, CONDO LETTERBOXES BY SEP 30; NO PLANS TO REMOVE POSTBOXES: SINGPOST - CNA

Instead of a post office or a postbox, residents will soon be able to post letters and small packets directly from their residential blocks, after Singapore Post (SingPost) said on Tuesday that it will expand a trial of the service islandwide.

2. AI SALARIES IN SINGAPORE RISE AS DEMAND FOR TALENT GROWS, PHD NOT ALWAYS REQUIRED--  THE STRAITS TIMES

Big tech firms and global banks may be citing a shift to artificial intelligence (AI) to justify layoffs, but for workers who build these systems in Singapore, the technology is paying off: AI salaries here are rising up to five times faster than overall wages.

THAILAND 

1. THAILAND RANKS SECOND GLOBALLY FOR AI ADOPTION GROWTH, MICROSOFT SAYS -- THE NATION

Microsoft says Thailand’s AI adoption is growing at the world’s second-fastest rate, driven by strong uptake among data workers and executives.

2. SPEAKER COMES UNDER SCRUTINY -- BANGKOK POST

The People's Party (PP) has issued an assessment of the House speaker's performance during his first 90 days in office, raising concerns about delays in legislative work and a growing backlog.

VIETNAM

1.ASEAN NEEDS TO BUILD FINANCIAL ECOSYSTEM -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam has urged ASEAN to build an integrated fintech ecosystem for the digital future. This will assist ASEAN in transforming into a major digital finance hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

2.VIETNAM-CANADA TRADE EXPANSION TALKS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and Canada aim to improve trade, investment and supply chains. Sectors include energy, green technology, infrastructure, food processing, high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

-- BERNAMA