Standard Chartered commits to supporting ASEAN sustainable development

Standard Chartered, with its 160-year legacy and unique position as the only international bank operating in all ASEAN markets, is committed to fostering sustainable development in the region.

Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered for Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, speaks at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered for Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, speaks at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Standard Chartered Bank Indonesia on January 21 hosted a seminar on the 2025 economic outlook, with the attendance of ambassadors, representatives of multinational corporations and international organisations, regional and international economic experts, as well as financial and banking businesses in Indonesia.

The seminar focused on discussions about the regional and global economic situation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that nations are currently facing.

Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered for Singapore and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), underscored the bank's 160-year legacy and its unique position as the only international bank operating in all ASEAN markets. He reaffirmed Standard Chartered’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in the region.

Lee pointed out that foreign direct investment (FDI) remains a crucial driver of growth in ASEAN, contributing significantly to the diversification of supply chains and consumer markets. As the region continues to develop, local economic pillars are also playing an increasingly vital role in overall growth. In response, Standard Chartered Indonesia has been reinforcing its regional presence by promoting innovation, supporting sustainable development, and strengthening its connections with the bank’s global network.

Standard Chartered has maintained a long-standing presence in Jakarta, offering a diverse range of financial services, including personal and corporate finance, and investment solutions tailored to the Indonesian market.

Indonesia's Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhono, highlighted that with over 17,000 islands and a population of 280 million, the country faces significant geographical and demographic hurdles. He emphasised the need for not only robust infrastructure but also innovative and sustainable solutions to bridge these gaps.

To achieve the government’s target of 8% economic growth, the minister outlined five key priorities, namely land use and spatial planning, public works development, housing initiatives - including affordable housing, expansion and modernisation of transportation networks (road, sea, and air) to enhance connectivity, and ensuring equitable development across all regions.

Rino Donosepoetro, CEO of Standard Chartered Cluster for Indonesia and ASEAN markets, expressed his optimism about Indonesia's future under its new government. He highlighted President Prabowo’s ambitious goal of achieving 8% economic growth in the coming years, noting that the country is moving in the right direction.

Donosepoetro emphasised Indonesia’s vast potential and Standard Chartered’s pivotal role in attracting foreign investors while connecting its global clients from China, North Asia, Europe, the US, the Middle East, and South Asia to the dynamic ASEAN markets./.

VNA

See more

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia (Photo: scienceexchange.caltech.edu)

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:15 pm, with its epicenter located 93 km northeast of Indonesia's Maluku Barat Daya district and a hypocenter at a depth of 157 km beneath the seabed. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims of the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Devastation’s full extend is not clear

Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

File - Passengers pass through the automatic immigration checkpoint (auto gate) at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, January 3, 2024. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia operates auto gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.

Rescuers on March 30 search for missing people after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

WHO seeks urgent funding for Myanmar after devastating earthquake

In its flash appeal for funds, the WHO said the high numbers of casualties and trauma injuries are at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar meant the quake is likely to intensify the risk of diseases.

Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Belgian monarchs’ state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha. (Photo: khmertimeskh.com)

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.