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.
Category: Economy
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”.
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.
Malaysia to restrict EV imports from July 2026
Malaysia will curb electric vehicle (EV) imports starting July 2026 to protect local carmakers, declared the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) in a statement on May 6.
ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers hold joint meeting ahead of main summit
Ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit scheduled for May 8, ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers convened a joint meeting on May 7,
Indonesia to maintain coal reliance amid energy security push
“I have decided, let’s go with coal. This is survival mode,” declared Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, during his keynote speech at the Bogor Agricultural University Alumni Forum in Jakarta on 2 May.
Myanmar President inspects Yangon urban development, orders proper town planning
On May 2, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, inspected urban development activities and sanitation progress along the No. 5 Highway in Hlinethaya Township, Yangon Region.
Cambodia to cut textile import reliance by 2027
Cambodia’s Labour and Vocational Training Minister, Heng Sour, expressed confidence that the country will achieve textile independence by 2027.