Indonesia’s monetary anchor, central bank governor, Perry Warjiyo unexpectedly stepped down due to “personal reasons”, Minister of the State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi announced during a press briefing on July 27.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Thailand Launches “Street Gold Star” App to Boost Tourism and Upskill MSMEs
The Thai government has officially launched the “Thai Street Gold Star” mobile application and an accompanying vendor certification scheme to elevate the international standard of the country’s massive street food sector.
Philippines Raises Capital’s Minimum Wage to Shield Purchasing Power
On July 25, the Philippines’ Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) officially rolled out the first tranche of the Philippine peso (PHP) 85 daily minimum wage hike for the National Capital Region (NCR), increasing daily pay by a minimum of PHP 60.
Economic Unfeasibility Forces Thailand to Terminate $30bn Land Bridge Megaproject
Thailand’s ambitious one-trillion Thai baht (30 billion US dollar) land bridge project will be scrapped due to financial unviability and environmental concerns, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas disclosed on July 24.
US Anchors Indo-Pacific Presence with $2.5bn ASEAN Funding
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.
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.