Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 9, 2026
INDONESIA
1. INDONESIA TRIALS QRIS WITH SAUDI ARABIA, INDIA AS BALI TOURISM GROWS -- ANTARA
The expansion of cross-border digital payment systems through the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) has added value to Bali’s tourism sector by simplifying transactions for foreign tourists.
2. RI CALLS ON BRICS MEMBERS TO COLLABORATE AMID GLOBAL TRADE SHIFT -- ANTARA
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged BRICS members to deepen cooperation in addressing changes in the global trade landscape at the BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting (TMM) in Jaipur, India, on Friday (August 7).
MYANMAR
1. ROARING SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO CHINA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar exported over 21,000 metric tonnes of seafood products to China in the first four months of the 2026-2027 financial year beginning April 1. The exports were worth US$48 million (RM196 million).
2. HEALTH TIPS FOR FLOOD-HIT AREAS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to discard flood-affected food that may be spoiled or contaminated with sewage, debris, oil or chemicals. It also advised on hygiene and consuming boiled water.
PHILIPPINES
1. MARCOS KEEPS REFORMS, REGIONAL GROWTH ON TRACK -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent the week reinforcing his administration’s reform and development agenda, strengthening the country’s diplomatic engagements, and bringing services closer to communities to sustain economic growth and improve the Filipinos’ lives.
2. 6 DEAD, 7 WOUNDED DUE TO COMBINED EFFECTS OF LUIS, MAYMAY, HABAGAT -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Six people perished and seven were injured due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday.
SINGAPORE
1. MAJOR REVIEW UNDERWAY TO SUPPORT FAMILIES ACROSS LIFE'S JOURNEY: PM WONG IN NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE 2026 - CNA
A “major review” of how the government supports Singaporean families not just at the point of marriage and parenthood, but throughout their life’s journey, is underway, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Saturday (Aug 8).
2. CHIEF JUSTICE, FORMER HEAD OF COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVISERS RECEIVE TOP NATIONAL DAY HONOURS -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and former chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers (CPA) Eddie Teo will receive the Republic’s highest civilian honour for their years of service to the nation.
THAILAND
1. DOPA ORDERS NATIONWIDE CRACKDOWN ON FIREARMS AND TIGHTER SECURITY -- THE NATION
Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has ordered provincial authorities nationwide to tighten firearm controls, increase checkpoints and patrols, and strengthen security at schools and other key locations following the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.
2. NA LADPRAO BEER HALL OWNER CHARGED OVER FATAL FIRE -- BANGKOK POST
Police have charged the owner of Na Ladprao beer hall with six offences following a fire last month that killed 37 people and injured 77 others.
VIETNAM
1. HANOI, CANBERRA SET NEW TRADE TARGET -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam and Australia aim to expand bilateral trade to US$20 billion (RM82 billion) after upgrading their trade ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. Major Vietnamese companies have established high-tech agriculture projects in Australia.
2. HANOI OVERHAULS GROWTH MODEL -- VIETNAM NEWS
Hanoi is shifting towards technology-intensive investment to strengthen its position as a regional hub for research, innovation and high-tech industries. Priorities will be given to chip design, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and data centres.
-- BERNAMA
