East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has declared a 14-day emergency response after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, as authorities seek to accelerate rescue efforts and restore infrastructure.

2.GOVT CALLS FOR PEACE IN ACEH, SECURITY STABILITY IN PAPUA -- ANTARA

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Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has called on all elements of society to maintain peace in Aceh and stability in Papua by expressing political aspirations strictly through lawful, non-violent means.

LAOS

1.STRENGTHENING JUDICIAL COOPERATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The 8th Judicial Conference of the Border Provinces of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos pledged to share legal expertise, experiences and strengthen cooperation in addressing issues arising in the border areas.

2.DIGITAL DRIVE AHEAD OF AI ERA -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Lao Digital Week 2026, scheduled for October 21–25 in Vientiane, will promote digital solutions to improve public services, support businesses and develop AI-ready skills as Laos accelerates its digital transformation.

MYANMAR

1.LOANS TO BOOST SOYBEAN OIL PRODUCTION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Edible Oil Millers Association announced that companies seeking to establish soybean oil mills to help increase domestic edible oil production can apply for loans to purchase oil-expelling machinery.

2.WATER CHLORINATION TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Chlorination is being carried out across water supply networks in Yangon Region to maintain prescribed residual chlorine levels, ensuring residents have access to clean drinking water and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

PHILIPPINES

1.'HABAGAT' TO DRENCH MOST OF PH MONDAY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Most parts of the country will experience rains caused by the southwest monsoon or 'habagat', the weather bureau said on Monday.

2.UE, UP TRIUMPH IN UAAP VALORANT TOURNEY OPENER -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

University of the East and University of the Philippines beat their rivals in the 2026 UAAP VALORANT tournament Sunday night at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

SINGAPORE

1.PM WONG CONVEYS CONDOLENCES AFTER DEADLY EARTHQUAKES IN INDONESIA - CNA

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has conveyed his condolences to Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto following the deadly earthquakes that struck Indonesia on Saturday.

2.HOW SINGAPORE INVESTORS ARE USING BROKERAGE AI TOOLS TO ANALYSE PORTFOLIOS, GAIN INSIGHTS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

More Singapore users at Moomoo, Tiger Brokers and Longbridge are tapping artificial intelligence to help them interpret market swings, uncover investment opportunities and make more informed trading decisions.

THAILAND

1.THAILAND SETS OUT DEATH BENEFITS FOLLOWING MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAW -- THE NATION

Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said on Saturday (August 15, 2026) that the government was prioritising benefit entitlements and improving its service system to accommodate diversity, ensuring comprehensive and equal protection for all insured persons.

2.THAILAND EYES DAWEI PORT ROLE -- BANGKOK POST

Thailand is positioning itself as a key player in the proposed Dawei deep-sea port project in Myanmar, as Russia expresses interest in investing in major infrastructure projects in the region, including the long-delayed port.

VIETNAM

1.COMBATING OBESITY IN HO CHI MINH -- VIETNAMPLUS

Ho Chi Minh City has become the first city in Vietnam and the 57th globally to join the Cities for Better Health network to tackle obesity through stronger disease prevention, improved health literacy and healthier communities.

2.CAN THO TURNS TO AI TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Can Tho City is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public administrative services, introducing smart reception robots, virtual assistants and automated question-and-answer systems to improve service delivery.

-- BERNAMA