The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has extended the search and rescue operation for victims of Virgo Transport 8 ferry by another seven days, as the operation entered its 14th day.

2.INDONESIA ANNOUNCES UNSC CANDIDACY FOR 2029-2030 -- ANTARA

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Foreign Minister Sugiono announced Indonesia's candidacy for a non-permanent member seat on the United Nations Security Council before the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly.

LAOS

1.YEAR-END TARGET FOR LAOS’ LDC GRADUATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos is firm in its aim to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of this year. The government has formulated a Smooth Transition Strategy to prepare for the country’s exit.

2.EU EXTENDS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TO LAOS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and the European Union (EU) are preparing to enter a new phase of their partnership. The focus will be on supporting sustainable investment, private-sector development, trade, employment and connectivity.

MYANMAR

1.BAGAN TO RELEASE 30,000 HOT-AIR BALLOONS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

About 30,000 traditional hot-air balloons will be released at the Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone during the Thadingyut Festival in October. Releasing hot-air balloons is a popular festival tradition.

2.AI, DIGITAL TOOLS TO BOOST TOURISM -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Authorities plan to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in tourism to improve visitor experiences while strengthening business management, marketing, planning and decision-making.

PHILIPPINES

1.HURDLER TOLENTINO, TEAM SIBOL ADD BRONZE MEDALS TO PHILIPPINES ASIAD HAUL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Team Philippines added two more bronze medals to its 20th Asian Games haul in Nagoya, Japan on Sunday.

2.THE PHILIPPINES’ NCRPO READIES SECURITY, ASSISTANCE DURING 3-DAY TRANSPORT STRIKE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines’ National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it would ensure public safety and assist commuters who may be affected by the transport strike from Monday to Wednesday.

SINGAPORE

1. BRUNEI'S CROWN PRINCE TO VISIT SAFTI CITY, OCEANARIUM AS PART OF FIVE-DAY TRIP TO SINGAPORE - CNA

Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah will make an official visit to Singapore from Monday to Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders' Programme.

2. SIMPLE HANDGRIP TEST COULD HELP DOCTORS DETECT EARLY HEART AGEING IN SENIORS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A simple squeeze of a handgrip could soon help doctors gauge how well an elderly person’s heart is ageing, long before any symptoms appear.

THAILAND

1. SET CONFIRMS SEPT 28 TRADING DESPITE TWO-DAY FLOOD HOLIDAY -- THE NATION

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved September 28–29, 2026 as special holidays in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan because of flooding. However, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has confirmed that trading and securities depository counter services will operate normally on Monday, September 28.

2. BARCODE CLAIMS PUT TO TEST -- BANGKOK POST

The Constitutional Court is due to deliver its ruling on Monday on whether the use of barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers in the Feb 8 general election breached the constitutional requirement for voting to be secret.

VIETNAM

1.MULTI-MILLION ONLINE GAMBLING RING SMASHED -- VIETNAMPLUS

Police in the northern province of Hung Yen have uncovered a large online gambling operation involving US$39 million (RM159 million). So far, police have detained 16 suspects in connection with the crime.

2.PRESIDENT URGES HANOI TO SET NEW URBAN STANDARDS -- VIETNAMPLUS

President To Lam urged Hanoi to set new standards in urban governance, technology, digital transformation, green development and public services. And remove bottlenecks and mobilise resources for development.

-- BERNAMA