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.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent
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.
Indonesia-Russia deepen economic ties at 14th Joint Commission Meeting
Indonesia and Russia signed the Agreed Minutes of their 14th Joint Commission Meeting on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation in Kazan, Russia. Convened on May 12, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.
US corporate giants gather in Singapore to deepen tech partnership
The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) successfully facilitated the 2026 Singaporean Business Mission, bringing together 21 US companies and the Singaporean government in an effort to expand technology partnerships.
Jakarta intervenes in bond market as rupiah weakens to historic low
On 12 May, Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the government would enter the bond market the following day to assist Bank Indonesia (central bank) in stabilising the exchange rate.
Hanoi to launch HalalViet Centre, eyeing global halal supply chain
Vietnam is set to debut the HalalViet Promotion and Experience Centre on May 15 in Hanoi. Organised by the Vietnam Institute of Strategy and Policy for Industry and Trade (VIOIT) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the launch will serve as a platform for business networking and Halal cultural experiences.
Indonesia’s Danantara buys intro ride-hailing giant GOTO to cut driver fees
Indonesia’s investment management agency Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara) has officially entered the stock market as a shareholder of the country’s leading ride-hailing and e-commerce firm, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO), with the move aimed at improving the welfare of drivers.
South China Sea and Strait of Hormuz dominate discussions at 48th ASEAN Summit
The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, culminated on May 8 with member states’ leaders formally signing outcome declarations throughout the plenary and retreat sessions, concluded by a symbolic gala dinner.