Following the announcement of the US-Iran peace agreement on June 15, a wave of confidence swept through the global market, including Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia. On the same day, the Indonesian rupiah saw an over-150-point appreciation, recovering from a historic low of 18,000 just a few days prior to trade at 17,700 rupiah per US dollar.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Malaysia’s Petronas secures 20-year deal to supply LNG to Japan
On June 10, Malaysia’s state-owned energy giant Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) signed a 20-year pact to supply 2 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually starting 2028 to Japan’s largest power generator, JERA. The agreement was enacted during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Japan.
Philippines-Canada enhance defence ties to shield supply chains and bolster minerals trade
The Philippines and Canada have agreed to enhance their defence partnership as the groundwork for deeper cross-border commerce, paved by the ratification of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA) on June 11 in Ottawa.
Swedish investors signal deepening commitment to Vietnam, with 50% planning expansion
Business Sweden, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam, released the 2026 Business Climate Survey on June 11. The report shows a positive business climate in Vietnam, with Swedish companies remaining engaged and optimistic regarding future investment opportunities. The publication brought to the fore growing key sectors, namely healthcare services, infrastructure as well as both green and digital transformation.
Germany-Vietnam Business Forum highlights circular economy growth
The 2026 Germany-Vietnam Business Forum commenced on June 11 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Co-organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the German Business Association (GBA), the bilateral meeting focused extensively on the theme “Circular Economy in Manufacturing”.
Indonesia expands barter trade to curb US dollar reliance
Speaking on June 9 after an exclusive coordination meeting on food commodity price developments, Trade Minister Budi Santoso informed reporters that the government is preparing a new barter mechanism that is expected to help ease the demand for greenbacks and preserve foreign exchange reserves, as trade will not be conducted using American currency.
Vietnam calls for a harmonised fintech ecosystem during 2026 ASEAN Future Forum
Hanoi is currently hosting the 2026 ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) until June 10, gathering government leaders, business delegates as well as, for the first time, political parties and local authorities from across the Southeast Asia region to discuss actionable recommendations for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
ASEAN-South Korea to upgrade FTA with focus on digital trade and critical minerals
On June 8, ASEAN and South Korea officially launched full-scale negotiations to upgrade their 20-year-old free trade agreement (FTA).
Luzon Economic Corridor tops Philippine-US bilateral talks
On June 5, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 80th year of Philippine-US diplomatic relations.
Malaysia debuts TVET 2.0 and new talent placement platform, targeting 100,000 jobs by 2027
On June 6, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a keynote speech to officiate the National TVET Day as he debuted the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2.0 initiative with a pledge of 50 million Malaysian ringgit (12.4 million US dollar) in funding.