Timor-Leste and Canada have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations into a special strategic partnership, with Ottawa placing considerable emphasis on expanding investment into the country.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Malaysia faces steep costs after Norway revokes arms export deal
On May 19, Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin commissioned the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to research alternative missile vendors, following Norway’s revocation of their bilateral defence agreement signed in 2018.
Migrant labour shortage threatens Thai economy, businesses warn
Thailand is facing a migrant worker shortage that authorities must urgently address to prevent wider economic strain, Thai business leaders have warned.
Why Thailand’s roads keep killing
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Thailand ranks among the highest in the world for road fatalities as traffic accidents claim approximately 20,000 lives annually, meaning an average of 50 deaths per day.
Jakarta hosts Busworld as Southeast Asia eyes greener, smarter transport
The fourth Busworld Southeast Asia is currently taking place from 20–22 May at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Indonesia. Firmly established as the region’s premier bus and coach exhibition, the event unites manufacturers, suppliers, operators and public officials.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand form joint committee to ease cross-border trade
Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Joint Business Council (JBC) has established a Cooperative Joint Committee (CJC), aimed at enhancing business collaboration and eliminating trade barriers between the three countries.
Bangkok establishes national committee to fast-track OECD accession
As Thailand aims for full membership status to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, the Thai Cabinet approved the establishment of a national committee to fast-track its accession on May 19, during its weekly meeting.
Vietnam to nurture maritime growth through finance infrastructure
On May 16, the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA) convened key stakeholders, economic experts, local businesses and investors for a forum themed “Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC) in Ho Chi Minh City – Opportunities for Businesses”.
EU-ASEAN push to align education with industry needs
Throughout May 12 to 14, ASEAN and the European Union (EU) convened Closing the Gap Workshop 2026 titled “Anchoring Workshop Readiness through Collaboration and Partnership” in Penang, Malaysia. It is part of a joint effort from both regional organisations to forge a more interconnected academic ecosystem.
Malaysia to launch TVET 2.0, targeting in-demand skills shortage
Malaysia is set to debut its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum, named TVET 2.0, in June.