Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit on Nov 15-16, bringing together leaders and representatives from about 90 French-speaking countries and institutions. Registration opened August 14 with the launch of the summit’s official website.

2.NEW UNCLOS CHAIR OFFERS HOPE FOR MARITIME DEAL -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

bootstrap slideshow

Cambodia has welcomed the appointment of Katrina Cooper as chair of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Conciliation Commission, saying the move could help resolve maritime boundary differences.

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA TO LAUNCH MINERAL AND COMMODITIES EXCHANGE IN EARLY 2027 -- ANTARA

President Prabowo Subianto announced at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Friday that Indonesia's Strategic Mineral and Commodities Exchange is targeted to begin operations on January 1, 2027.

2.INDONESIA PROPOSES LIMITED DUAL CITIZENSHIP FOR TOP DIASPORA TALENT -- ANTARA

The Indonesian government is proposing legislative amendments to permit limited dual citizenship for specific individuals whose exceptional talents can significantly contribute to national development.

MYANMAR

1.GW-11 RICE FETCHES TOP PRICE IN PHILIPPINES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The GW-11 rice is commanding the highest price among rice exporters to the Philippines, driven by strong demand for its quality. The variety is also exported to Europe, China, Africa and other markets.

2.JOB CREATION UNDER NEW INVESTMENTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanmar Investment Commission approved 14 new investment projects that could create 3,300 jobs. The businesses include fuel retailing, construction of affordable housing and development of solar power plants for electricity generation.

PHILIPPINES

1.‘HABAGAT’ TO CONTINUE TO BRING RAINS TO PARTS OF LUZON -- PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” will continue to drench several areas in Luzon, the weather bureau said Saturday

2.SURVEY: WEST ASIA WAR CHANGING FILIPINOS' SPENDING ATTITUDES -- PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

Filipino consumers have tightened their belts to be able to handle price upticks due to the effects of West Asia crisis on fuel and other commodities, and have diversified shopping options to get the best offer.

SINGAPORE

1.SCDF UNVEILS NEW AMBULANCE THAT CAN BE RECONFIGURED QUICKLY TO CARRY 2 PATIENTS AT A TIME - CNA

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has unveiled its next-generation ambulance that can be reconfigured quickly to carry two patients at a time when needed.

2.AT LEAST S$6.1M LOST IN SEVEN MONTHS TO SCAMMERS PRETENDING TO BE OFFICIALS FROM ICA, CHINA -- THE STRAITS TIMES

At least S$6.1 million have been lost over about seven months to scammers posing as officials from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and from China.

THAILAND  

1.THAILAND PUSHES EAEU FTA IN HIGH-LEVEL RUSSIA TALKS -- THE NATION

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is leading Thai government and business representatives in Moscow to expand trade and investment with Russia while renewing Thailand’s push for negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

2.NEW B450 TOURISM FEE EXPECTED TO BE COLLECTED FROM APRIL 2027 -- BANGKOK POST

Thailand is likely to start collecting the tourism fee from foreign travellers at the revised rate of 450 baht as early as next April, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM OPENS E-ID ACCOUNTS TO FOREIGNERS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Foreign nationals who enter or live in Vietnam can now apply for electronic identification accounts under a new government decree. Individuals and organisations do not need to submit documents if the required information is already available in the system.

2.FINANCIAL AID TO ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Road Accident Damage Reduction Fund will provide financial support to accident victims and families of deceased victims facing financial hardship. The assistance will start on September 1.

-- BERNAMA