Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on May 20 announced new controls on the export of several strategic resources, including crude palm oil, coal, and iron-containing alloys, in a bid to boost state revenues and curb foreign exchange losses amid economic pressures stemming from conflict in the Middle East and global financial volatility.
At the heart of the partnership is the OpenAI Singapore Applied AI Lab, a first outside the US. The lab will support work aligned with Singapore’s AI missions and national priorities, particularly in the areas of public services, finance, healthcare and digital infrastructure.
The article provided an in-depth introduction to the life, career and revolutionary journey of National Hero, President Ho Chi Minh. It also highlights the achievements and legacy he left to the Vietnamese nation and people, as well as his contributions to fostering friendship, cooperation and prosperity among peoples in the region and around the world.
The Italian Communist Party on May 19 published an article paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of his birth anniversary, describing him as a pivotal leader of Vietnam’s liberation struggle and a global symbol of anti-colonial resistance and anti-imperialist movements.
In the vision for the next 50 years, Vietnam-Thailand relations should be oriented toward greater depth, sustainability, and high adaptability.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the region’s economy, contributing more than 50% of GDP and employing 64.6% of the workforce. Despite their increasing participation in digital commerce, SMEs continue to be underserved in payment and e-commerce analyses.
Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, coupled with the unemployment rate remaining at full-employment levels, provides a strong foundation for the government to implement more structured, proactive and responsive measures to address current economic challenges.
Most foreign nationals will now be allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days instead of the previous 60 days, while citizens of some countries and territories may be limited to just 15 days.
In a report published on May 18, the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and market research firm Euromonitor International said illicit tobacco sales in Singapore, comprising mainly illicit cigarettes and e-vaporisers, resulted in an estimated 156 million SGD in lost government revenue over the same period.
Durian is not only a key agricultural export but also an important economic asset, contributing to incomes for farmers, exporters and the logistics sector, while promoting Thailand’s culinary image in the global market, according to Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriyas Junrungreangkit.
Cambodia currently manages 73 protected natural areas covering more than seven million hectares, equivalent to about 41% of the country’s total land area. These protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation, wildlife habitat protection and biodiversity preservation through stricter law enforcement and conservation measures.
The strong performance was driven mainly by electronic exports amid sustained demand linked to artificial intelligence technologies, according to a statement from Enterprise Singapore.
Singapore's exports to the US surged 59.6%, reversing a fall of 2.8% in March. Shipments to China climbed 37.8% from 20.3% the previous month and those to the European Union rose 33.4% after shrinking 12.2% in March.
The Indonesian rupiad at one point on May 18 dropped more than 1% to around 17,668 IDR per USD, its weakest level on record. Indonesia’s benchmark stock index also plunged more than 4% after a long holiday, reflecting growing investor concerns.
Under Thailand’s 2015 Fisheries Act, violators may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 THB (approximately 150–1,500 USD), or penalties of up to five times the value of illegally caught fishery products.
The global automotive industry is undergoing a strong shift towards electric vehicles, smart vehicles and digital technology, BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said in a keynote speech.
Teo revealed on May 16 that online scam losses in Malaysia reached 2.77 billion RM (about 700 million USD) last year, compared with 1.28 billion RM in 2023 and 1.57 billion RM in 2024. Investment scams accounted for the largest share of the losses.
The KEK Kura Kura Bali SEZ is expected to serve as a platform for innovative financial activities, including sustainable finance, digital finance, and investment management.
The new mandate requires authorities to report suspected cases within three hours, conduct disease investigations within 12 hours, and enforce a strict 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts.
The temporary restriction involves the shrimp species Penaeus esculentes (brown tiger prawn), Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (banana prawn), Penaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), Penaeus monodon (giant tiger prawn) and Penaeus stylirostris (blue shrimp).