On June 5, the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force convened its 79th meeting at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. IAI Task Force 2026 Chairperson and Permanent Representative of Cambodia to ASEAN, Noy Choumneanh chaired the gathering.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Malaysia builds a chip industry but may lack the workers to run it
Malaysia is trying to climb the semiconductor value chain to become a highly lucrative Integrated Circuit (IC) design and wafer fabrication hub, leaving behind its conventional Assembly, Testing and Packaging (ATP) branding.
PLX Asia launched as first integrated business hub in Southeast Asia
On May 29, PLX Asia was established as Southeast Asia’s first integrated business-to-business (B2B) platform. This centralised hub is tailored specifically for private label and contract manufacturing at a time when the region is experiencing a massive yet fragmented boom across the food and beverage (F&B), health and beauty as well as household care sectors.
Malaysia gears up for TVET Day exhibition, targeting 200,000 attendees
Malaysia is set to host a three-day event celebrating its national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day from June 5 to 7 at Putrajaya Square, Kuala Lumpur. This exhibition is designed as a platform to strengthen the country’s fast-growing TVET ecosystem—an educational system providing industry-focused skills training through schools, colleges and training institutes to prepare learners for employment in technical, skilled and professional trades—with the aim of driving substantial human capital development.
ASEAN+3 economies face rising inflation in 2026
On June 2, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) published its second quarterly report of 2026, highlighting the region’s steady growth forecast at 4% as well as revised upward inflation projection to 1.8% from 1.4% this year.
Malaysia braces for snap election as coalition tensions mount
Malaysia is facing a potential snap election in the second half of 2026. The 16th General Election is formally scheduled for no later than February 2028. However, on May 29, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim indicated he would consider dissolving parliament early should internal alliance tensions deteriorate further.
Myanmar President visits India to boost bilateral trade and investment
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing is currently on an official five-day visit to India until June 3 with an agenda packed with business matters. This is the president’s first overseas trip since taking office on April 10.
ASEAN to sign first digital economy pact in November
ASEAN is one step away from implementing its first digital economy pact, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is set for signing at the 49th Summit in November this year.
Brunei expands fintech sandbox eligibility in push for digital innovation
On May 21, the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) officially amended its Guidelines on FinTech Regulatory Sandbox. This instrument was intended to be “a catalyst for innovation in the financial sector”.
Indonesia-France CEO Forum 2026 culminates in business council launch
Indonesia and France have formally established a high-level business council, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, boosting trade and facilitating investments between the two countries.