World

Rising consumer demand, coupled with disruptions to domestic production caused by El Niño and a series of storms, has left rice supplies insufficient to meet demand.

Singapore currently imports more than 90% of its food. According to Grace Fu, increasing domestic production alone would not be enough to protect the island nation from global disruptions. Singapore needed to diversify its sources of supply, build resilient supply systems and strengthen its ability to respond to unexpected events.

Running until November 1 under the theme “City of New Lights”, the event combines fashion shows, emerging talent development and cultural exchange.

The outlets also assessed that the signing of a joint statement, a five-year action plan for 2026–2030, and agreements in a range of fields will establish a solid political framework for the two countries to promote comprehensive cooperation.

Lukman F. Laisa, the ministry's Director General of Civil Aviation, said all airports remain open, with flight schedules adjusted to weather conditions in affected areas.

Heavy overnight rain triggered flash floods across Thailand’s Phuket island on October 26, hitting all its three districts, including the Phuket City, reported the local media.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also approved a 72-million-USD financing package to help Cambodia strengthen rural agriculture and increase women's participation in the sector.

The initiative aims to bring together policymakers, financial institutions, payment networks and technology providers to advance the use of digital money in cross-border financial activities.

TAT will focus on families and shopping in Vietnam, while its Malaysian campaign will emphasise food, shopping and travel to secondary cities.

Vietnam holds important mineral resources used in batteries, electronic equipment and energy infrastructure, and closer cooperation could help the EU diversify its supply chains.

According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the country’s total trade rose 30.1% to 2.91 trillion MYR (713 billion USD), while imports increased 25.7% to 1.34 trillion ringgit (328 billion USD). The trade surplus reached 232.38 billion MYR (57 billion USD).

In its Asia-Pacific Climate Outlook 2026: Coastal Risks on the Rise – Actions for a Resilient Future, ADB warns that climate hazards will intensify between now and the end of the 21st century, threatening Cambodia’s port operations, fisheries, foreign trade and tourism.

Thailand remains one of Myanmar’s largest investors, particularly in the energy, manufacturing and border trade sectors.

Thor Chetha said the ministry considered weather and climate services an essential public function that helps improve agricultural productivity, manage water resources more effectively, reduce disaster risks and promote sustainable development.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore attributed the growth largely to Singapore’s role as a regional transshipment and distribution hub for electronic components and equipment within regional supply chains.

As part of its commitment to regional development, Cambodia is preparing to host several major events, including the 2028 ASEAN University Games, the 2029 Asian Youth Para Games and the 2031 ASEAN Youth Games.

The Lao government has been proactively renewing its thinking and working methods towards modernisation while improving macroeconomic management mechanisms to address economic and financial difficulties.

ASEAN called on countries to continue providing scientific data, strengthening international cooperation and participating widely in global surveys, including those on medical exposure.

This marked the first time a Malaysian company has deployed a fully driverless vehicle on Malaysian public roads with a valid licence plate, according to the local media.

One of the key items on the meeting’s agenda was an ASEAN declaration on protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, which addressed risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content.