Cambodian conservationists have released 20 critically endangered turtles into the protected Sre Ambel River in Preah Sihanouk Province to restore the species’ population in its natural habitat.

2. HIGH PRAISES FOR PRESS FREEDOM -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESS

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The Ministry of Information said a national survey revealed that the country’s press freedom and press order were ranked as good by a majority of respondents. The ministry will continue to strengthen journalism quality and promote information security.

INDONESIA

1. INDONESIA VOWS FAIR TREATMENT AS EU NON-TARIFF BARRIER TARGET PALM OIL -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia will continue to uphold the principles of fairness and non-discriminatory treatment in facing various non-tariff barriers imposed by the European Union (EU).

2. INDONESIA TO SAVE US$1.25 BILLION IN FOREX FROM DOWNSTREAMING: ROSAN -- ANTARA

Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani is targeting the second phase of strategic downstreaming projects, including the construction of gasoline refinery facilities in Cilacap and Dumai, to save Indonesia US$1.25 billion in foreign exchange.

 LAOS

1. PEOPLE-CENTRIC POVERTY PROJECTS  -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Lao Front for National Development has been urged not to become  too bureaucratic and to work closely with local communities. The government proposed to expand cooperative, village development funds and community-based production to help people increase their incomes.

2. LAO-JAPAN SUCCESS IN BUILDING HUMAN CAPITAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute, which marked its 25th anniversary this year, contributed to human resource development and business capacity building. It nurtured Lao corporate leaders and entrepreneurs.

MYANMAR

1. RISING TOURIST ARRIVALS AT BAGAN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The ancient city of Bagan, or the temple city, has attracted more than half a million local and International tourists this year. Numbers are expected to rise if there is no extreme summer heat or fuel crisis.

2. MANDALAY SOLAR ENERGY SUPPLY SURGE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Two solar power plants in Mandalay — the Thazi Solar Power Plant and the Thabyaywa Solar Power Plant- were commissioned yesterday. The two projects can generate about 202 million kilowatt-hours annually and supply electricity to about 130,000 households.

 PHILIPPINES

1. 23.9K JOB VACANCIES UP FOR GRABS IN ILOCOS REGION ON LABOR DAY-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

  A total of 23,905 job vacancies are available for the upcoming Labor Day Jobs Fair in six locations in the Ilocos Region, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

2. EVOENERGI, MCDONALD'S PH INK 22,000KW POWER DEAL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

  McDonald's Philippines has tapped EvoEnergi as its Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) under the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

SINGAPORE

1. EU, ASEAN NEED TO BE 'DOUBLING DOWN' ON MULTILATERALISM AS FREE TRADE FRACTURES: VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN -- CNA

With globalisation coming under pressure and free trade links becoming dismantled, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) should be "doubling down" on their common approach to cooperation, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday.

2. HISTORICAL TOWNHOUSE SET TO BE S’PORE’S FIRST ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENT HERITAGE BUILDING -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A historical townhouse in Neil Road is set to become the first conserved building in Singapore to be energy self-sufficient in end-2027, after repair and upgrading works on it are completed.

THAILAND

1. THAILAND TRANSPORT MINISTER REJECTS THREE-AIRPORT RAIL CONTRACT CHANGES -- THE NATION

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Transport, said the latest progress on the high-speed rail project linking three airports (Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao) was that informal internal talks had been held with the private concessionaire, Asia Era One Company Limited, or CP.

 2. HOTEL BOOKINGS PLUNGE AS MIDEAST WAR HITS TRAVEL -- BANGKOK POST

Hotels nationwide across all segments, including luxury, have reported a significant drop in bookings from May, with provinces dependent on European markets such as Phangnga facing a 50% decline, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

VIETNAM

1. TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE SOUTHERN CITY’S GROWTH --VIETNAMPLUS

Ho Chi Minh City will focus on strategic investment in research and development, core technologies and innovation institutions to propel its progress. Its technology-driven growth model will give a competitive edge.

 2. MEGA CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS APPROVED -- VIETNAMPLUS

Dong Nai has approved three major transport projects worth US$4.3 billion (RM17 billion). These projects will strengthen connectivity between Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City and key economic regions across the country.

-- BERNAMA