The US has announced an investment worth over 2.5 billion US dollar for Southeast Asia to enhance security partnerships, develop strategic infrastructure, advance energy security and expand high-tech collaboration.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Timor-Leste Seals $107m Deal to Build First Utility-Scale Solar Project
On July 22, the government of Timor-Leste and Manatuto Renewables Power Sociedade Anónima (MRP) signed a 30-year surface rights agreement to develop a solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project.
Laos-Thailand US$5bn Mekong Hydropower Project on Track for 2030 Power Generation
The Thai-Lao joint Luang Prabang Mekong Hydropower Project is reportedly 72% complete, as broadcast by municipal television on July 18 after both sides’ representatives inspected the site to assess construction progress.
Cambodia Rescues 100,000 Hectares of Rice Fields Amid El Niño Drought
On July 21, Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) announced that it has successfully alleviated catastrophic 100,000-hectare crop failure attributed to an intense El Niño.
Cambodia Registers $24.5bn RCEP Trade Surge in H1
According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on July 20, Cambodia’s trade with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries reached 24.5 billion US dollar in the first half (H1) of 2026, marking a significant 24% surge from 19.7 billion US dollar last year.
Defending Maritime Rights Doesn’t Take a Warship, Just a Sheet of Paper
A single sheet of paper may seem insignificant against coast guard ships, offshore bases and competing territorial claims. Yet, for former Philippine Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, that sheet of paper could make all the difference in the South China Sea.
Hanoi to Advance Night-Time Economy, Targeting 30% Rise in Tourist Spending
On July 15, the Hanoi People’s Committee officially issued the plan titled “Development of the Night Economy in Hanoi for 2026-2030, With a Vision to 2045”. This marked the execution step of the master plan ratified on May 9 under Decision No. 2419/QD-UBND signed by Vice Chairman Trương Việt Dũng. Just last month on June 15, the administration approved a formal resolution regulating investment, business guidelines and tailored operating hours for late-night zones.
Malaysia’s Q2 GDP Advance Estimate Beats Forecasts With 5.8% Growth
Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.8% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating from 5.4% in the first quarter and outpacing market expectations, according to advance estimates released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on July 17.
Indonesia Begins $20bn Abadi Masela LNG Hub Construction
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the groundbreaking of the Abadi Masela Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) National Strategic Project on July 16. He officiated the ceremony virtually via video conference from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Myanmar’s Flawed 100-day Plan Risks Deepening Its Economic and Humanitarian Crisis
Myanmar’s Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe attended the informal ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on July 12, marking the country’s first in-person engagement with the bloc since the 2021 military coup.