The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry revealed 93 hydrogen ecosystem development initiatives currently underway across Indonesia, representing a total investment value of Rp32 trillion (approximately US$2.05 billion).  

2.INDONESIA EYES US$635 MILLION TRADE BOOST FROM ASEAN FOOD DEAL -- ANTARA

Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the ratification of the ASEAN Food Safety Regulatory Framework Agreement (AFSRFA) could boost Indonesia’s food trade balance by up to US$634.83 million.

bootstrap slideshow

MYANMAR

1.FARM TO CONSUMER EGG CAMPAIGN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanmar Poultry Farmers and Dealers Association will sell eggs directly to consumers at reasonable prices to manage rising prices. Egg prices have recently surged due to a supply-demand mismatch in the market.

2.RESEARCH ON HIGHER YIELD COTTON  -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A cotton research farm in Myanmar's Mandalay Region is crossbreeding Uzbek and local cotton varieties to develop higher-yielding, higher-quality alternatives to the widely grown Shwetaung-8 and Shwetaung-10 varieties.

PHILIPPINES

1. PHILIPPINES RAISES AYUNGIN INCIDENT BEFORE ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines has raised before a gathering of Southeast Asian foreign ministers the recent developments in the South China Sea, specifically a maritime incident near the Ayungin Shoal that resulted in a Filipino Navy member sustaining injury.

2.ASEAN FMS PROPOSE BENCHMARKING TOOL; PERMANENT ENVOY TO MYANMAR -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

ASEAN foreign ministers proposed the appointment of a permanent special envoy to Myanmar and a benchmarking tool to assess the progress of the Southeast Asian state’s implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).

SINGAPORE 

1. TIME TO SELL OR TOO LATE TO BUY? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SINGAPORE BANKS' RECORD SHARE PRICES - CNA

Singapore bank stocks reached fresh records this month, leaving two groups of investors with a decision to make: those already holding the shares are weighing whether to take profits, while those without exposure are wondering if they have missed the boat.

2. LAW CENTRE IN GEYLANG SERAI BRINGS LEGAL AID TO PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, MENTAL CONDITIONS --  THE STRAITS TIMES

People with special needs or mental health conditions can find help for legal matters at a dedicated law centre in Geylang Serai.

THAILAND 

1. CABINET CONFIRMS AUGUST 12 AS ANNUAL NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN THAILAND -- THE NATION

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the continued observance of August 12 each year as the birth anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and National Mother’s Day, retaining the date as an annual public holiday.

2. MILLIONS AWAIT WELFARE REVIEW -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered an extension to the appeal period for applicants rejected from the state welfare card programme.

VIETNAM

1.EFFORTS TO ERADICATE ILLEGAL FISHING -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Can Tho City Border Guard Command launched a month-long campaign to intensify patrols against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It is part of Vietnam's efforts to promote sustainable fisheries.

2.PROBE ORDERED INTO COACH ACCIDENT -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government has ordered an investigation into a coach fire that killed seven people in Dong Nai, with early reports indicating the driver became drowsy, lost control and crashed into an embankment.

-- BERNAMA