The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is committed to strengthening maritime security along the nation's borders, particularly in key smuggling corridors such as the Riau Islands, following the successful interception of a foreign vessel carrying drugs.

2.MOUNT BROMO IN EAST JAVA CLOSED TO TOURISTS AS WILDFIRES SPREAD -- ANTARA

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The Indonesian government has closed all tourist access to Mount Bromo in East Java indefinitely as a wildfire spreads across the national park, allowing crews to focus on firefighting amid worsening conditions.

LAOS

1.LAOS MOURNS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos’ National Assembly President died on Saturday at the age of 70 after a period of illness. The government has declared five days of national mourning from August 9 to 13. 

2.VOCATIONAL STUDIES, AI FOR FUTURE WORKFORCE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Lao delegation at the China-ASEAN Education Ministerial Dialogue highlighted plans to teach university students about artificial intelligence and strengthen vocational education to meet the workforce demands of Industry 4.0.

MYANMAR

 1.AID RUSHED TO FLOOD-HIT AYEYARWADY REGION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The government has mobilised assistance for flood victims in Ayeyarwady Region after heavy rain damaged the Ngawun River embankment, triggering floods. Rescue, relief, rehabilitation and embankment repairs are underway.

2.TRIALS BEGIN FOR PAWSAN, BASMATI RICE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A trial cultivation of Pawsan and Basmati rice has been launched in eastern Shan State, with the high-demand varieties being tested for their yield potential during this year’s monsoon paddy season.  

PHILIPPINES

1.  VISAYAS POWER GRID ON YELLOW ALERT MONDAY  -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY  

The unavailability of major coal-fired power plants, along with limited electricity import from Mindanao, resulted in another yellow alert for the Visayas grid on Monday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.   

2.  PHILIPPINES' PERALTA WINS 5 MEDALS IN ASIAN WEIGHTLIFTING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

  The Philippines grabbed five more medals Sunday night at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

SINGAPORE

 1. DRY CONDITIONS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE NEXT WEEK, RAISING HAZE RISK IF HOTSPOTS IN THE REGION PERSIST: NEA - CNA

Dry conditions are expected to continue in the coming week, which could increase the risk of haze in Singapore if fires in the region persist, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Sunday.

2. NDP 2026: KALLANG ROARS AS SINGAPORE CELEBRATES 61ST BIRTHDAY -- THE STRAITS TIMES

As the Kallang Wave rippled across the National Stadium, some 42,000 people buzzed with excitement as they waited for Singapore’s 61st birthday celebrations to begin.

THAILAND 

 1. THAILAND TO PUSH DOUBLE-TRACK RIAL TO SUPPORT LOWER NORTHEAST ECONOMY -- THE NATION

The Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani double-track railway is one of the megaprojects included in Phase 2 of the double-track railway development plan, but it has yet to receive investment approval.

2. GOVT EYES STRONGER CYBER DEFENCES AS DATA LEAKS RAISE ALARM -- BANGKOK POST

Government agencies will consider adopting multi-factor authentication (MFA) and resetting passwords following data leaks that exposed sensitive information from at least 20 state agencies.  

VIETNAM

1.LAWMAKERS MOVE TO STRENGTHEN BANKING SAFEGUARDS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Lawmakers discussed draft amendments to Vietnam’s banking and financial laws aimed at strengthening safeguards for the banking system and creating a legal framework for financial activities.

2. INDIAN TOURISM TO VIETNAM ON THE RISE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam is emerging as a popular destination for Indian tourists, with arrivals rising from about 138,000 in 2022 to nearly 500,000 in 2024, driven by easier online visas and improved air connectivity.

-- BERNAMA