2. INDONESIA LAUNCHES MOLINAS IN PUSH FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE SELF-RELIANCE -- ANTARA

Investment and Downstreaming Minister Head and Danantara CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani said Indonesia is strengthening its self-reliance in the transportation sector through the launch of the National Electric Motorcycle (Molinas).

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LAOS

1. INVESTMENTS WORTH RM35 BILLION APPROVED -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos approved 34 investment projects worth US$8.5 billion (RM35 billion) in the first seven months of 2026. They are in sensitive sectors, including national security, public order and the environment. 

2. FLOOD-DAMAGED IRRIGATION CHANNELS TO BE REBUILT -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Flood-damaged irrigation channels along the Mekong River in Phonthong district, Champasak province, will be rebuilt to help farmers produce enough rice and other crops for domestic consumption and export.

MYANMAR

1. BELARUS, MYANMAR FOCUS ON WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Belarus and Myanmar are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation on women’s advancement by focusing on supporting rural and young women. Women account for about 53 per cent of Myanmar’s population.

2. DIARRHOEA CASES RISE IN YANGON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

About 182 patients were admitted to Yangon General Hospital with diarrhoea between August 9 and 12, with 54 testing positive for severe diarrhoeal pathogens. One 92-year-old patient died.

PHILIPPINES

1. DFA VERIFYING REPORTED ARREST OF OVER 100 FILIPINOS IN CHINA -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippine government is verifying the circumstances behind the reported arrest of over 100 Filipinos in China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday night.

2. FUEL SURCHARGE DOWN 1 NOTCH TO LEVEL 12 FOR AUG 16-31 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has announced the implementation of Level 12 fuel surcharge for Aug. 16-31, down 1 notch from Level 13 in the first half of the month.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE PM WONG SENDS CONDOLENCES TO CHINA OVER DEATH OF FORMER PREMIER ZHU RONGJI - CNA

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday conveyed his condolences to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, following the death of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji. 

2. NEW RULES FOR PROPERTY AGENTS LIKELY TO WEED OUT INACTIVE ONES, HELP CONSUMERS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

From the start of next year, property agents will have to complete at least three transactions over three years, or pass a refresher examination to remain in the industry.

THAILAND

1. PERSISTENT MONSOON RAIN PUTS 12 THAI PROVINCES AT RISK OF FLOODING -- THE NATION

The government has intensified its monitoring of water conditions during persistent heavy rain across Thailand under the influence of a monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon.

2. HOTELS PUSH FOR SUBSIDY TO BE BASED ON REVENUE -- BANGKOK POST

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) says the Tourism and Sports Ministry should select participating hotels for its "Thai Teaw Thai Plus" subsidy scheme based on their revenue and should allow them to adopt dynamic pricing to lift the sector and help small businesses.

VIETNAM 

1. TURKIYE WELCOMES VIETNAMESE BUSINESSES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Turkiye’s cooperative network, comprising nearly five million members and 50,000 cooperatives, could provide Vietnamese businesses with new opportunities to source agricultural products, food and raw materials.

2. HAI PHONG HOSTS MISS WORLD PAGEANT -- VIETNAMPLUS

Nearly 120 contestants for the 73rd Miss World pageant were unveiled in the northern port city of Hai Phong. The first leg of the competition runs from August 13 to 20 at Dragon Ocean Do Son.

-- BERNAMA