ASEAN, Japan boost ICT cooperation

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh and Japanese Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Shindo Yoshitaka have discussed cooperation in information and communications technology (ICT) and disaster management.
ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh and Japanese Minister for InternalAffairs and Communications Shindo Yoshitaka have discussed cooperationin information and communications technology (ICT) and disastermanagement.

Japan’s support for theimplementation of ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2015 (AIM 2015) was also tabledat the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on April 30.

Minh stressed that the role of telecommunication providers is to ensurethe availability of high capacity infrastructure and quality serviceswhile the government’s role is to regulate the supply and demand inassuring an equal and affordable access and safety for the public andfair competition amongst providers.

Minister Shindo shared Japan ’s experience on the utilisation of ICT in disaster management.

He highlighted the importance to have a standardised protocol ofnetwork in the distribution of computing information of early warning topopulation for wider areas. He emphasised on the urgency to inform theevacuation scheme to the affected population.

TheMinister expressed Japan ’s willingness and readiness to providesupport to ASEAN and to strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperation in this area.

While appreciating Japan’s support in theprovision and establishment of ASEAN’s current ICT Disaster ManagementSystem, the ASEAN Chief expressed ASEAN’s interest in Japan’sexperience in designing and implementing ICT systems in TelemedicinePractices in remote areas and Energy Consumption Monitoring forenvironmental improvement.

The two sides shared highconfidence that the upcoming ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Policy Meeting onCyber Security Cooperation scheduled for September in Japan willyield important outcomes to further enhance the bilateral cooperation inthe field.-VNA

See more

Illustrative photo: www.pna.gov.ph

Philippines assesses security threats ahead of ASEAN Summit

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP, which will take the lead in maintaining peace and order during the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities. Troops have been ordered to extend necessary assistance to the PNP in ensuring the safety and security of the events.

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Positive signs have emerged from restructuring efforts at several large SOEs, including national airline Garuda Indonesia, Krakatau Steel (KRAS) and Timah Tbk (TINS), helping improve their performance and market standing, State asset fund Danantara Indonesia said.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro (L) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu sign the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) (Photo: pna.gov.ph)

Philippines, Japan sign new defence agreement

The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defence Forces to provide each other with fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies during joint activities.

Cambodian soldiers are deployed alongside a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher in a disputed border area with Thailand near Ta Moan Thom temple on July 25, 2025. (Source: Reuters/VNA)

Thailand, Cambodia hold talks to ensure ceasefire

Cambodia reaffirmed its firm, resolute, and sincere commitment to faithfully respect and implement the joint statement and other relevant documents, with the aim of seeking a peaceful, just, and lasting solution in accordance with international laws and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.

The scene of a crane collapse in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Another crane collapses in Thailand

The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon province near the capital Bangkok, where a crane involved in the construction of an elevated highway fell onto the road beneath.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Cambodian PM declares crackdown on cyber scams

The Cambodian PM noted the strict measures against online scams in the past are a testament to the government's political commitment to combating this transnational crime, which is a common concern for Cambodia, the region, and the world.

Foreign tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

International arrivals to Thailand surge in early 2026

Thailand welcomed 1,121,549 international visitors in the first 11 days of 2026, generating an estimated 55.03 billion THB (approximately 1.59 billion USD) in tourism revenue, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on January 13.

Tourists visit the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang, Laos.(Photo: VNA)

Laos named among world’s top travel destinations for 2026: TravelPulse

Known for being one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, experts said 2026 will be the year for Laos to start attracting discerning travelers. Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos features mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and an abundance of Buddhist monasteries.

A commemorative publication titled “50 Years of Germany – Vietnam Relations: Partners in the Past, Present and Future”, published in 2025, offers a timely and comprehensive reflection not only on the 50th anniversary but also on the two countries' strategic path ahead. (Illustrative photo: the Vietnamese – German University)

German economic cooperation ministry praises Vietnam’s development

Commenting on the German Government’s prominent reference to Vietnam’s achievements in a key policy document shaping the future direction of its development policy, Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of Germany’s World University Service (WUS), described this as highly significant.