Laos has concluded its first 10th legislature’s first session on March 27. Discussions covered a wide range of issues from leadership transition, approval of strategic framework and judicial mechanism.
Author: Jonathan Kay
Defence and Politics Correspondent
Thai AI startup Amity raises US$100M, expands R&D in Singapore
Southeast Asia’s largest generative AI company, Amity Group, has spread its wings to the Southeast Asian market when it announced a Series D funding round on March 25.
Singapore postpones Sustainable Aviation Fuel levy amid Middle East tensions
Singaporean authorities announced that they would postpone the imposition of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy on March 25. The SAF levy, which is originally scheduled to take effect for airline purchasers and other companies from April 1 and on, has been temporarily halted due to the tension in the Middle East by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
Laos delivers aid after rare hailstorm devastates Sikhottabong district
Laos has delivered emergency and humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of the Sikhottabong district in the capital Vientiane following a catastrophic hailstorm disaster on March 22.
The Philippines uncovers Chinese spy network within security services
At least three Filipino officers admitted that they are part of the Chinese intelligence network on March 21.
Indonesia finalises acquisition of 16 South Korean-made KF‑21 fighters
Indonesia has officially become the first export customer of South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, with a contract to acquire 16 units in the initial phase.
Vietnam to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Russia
Vietnamese Prime Minister (PM) Phạm Minh Chính embarked for Moscow for a four-day visit on March 22.
Southeast Asia races to cope with Middle Eastern fuel supply shock
Iran has retaliated against US-Israeli attacks by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important global node for oil and gas distribution. Southeast Asia, which relies on the Middle East for 60% of its oil imports, is hard hit.
Four Indonesian soldiers detained over acid attacks on activist
At least four Indonesian navy and air force personnel were detained by the military police following the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, from the CSO Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), on March 12. As a response, the Indonesian Armed Forces stated on March 18 that four suspects will be undergoing interrogation over their alleged involvement and would be held in the super-maximum security detention facility.
China and Vietnam hold ‘3+3’ strategic dialogue in Hanoi
China and Vietnam convened their ministerial-level ‘3+3’ strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, defence and public security in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi on March 16. Both countries aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, as the meeting formed part of the 17th China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.