Timor-Leste and Canada have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations into a special strategic partnership, with Ottawa placing considerable emphasis on expanding investment into the country.
Category: Economy
Malaysia faces steep costs after Norway revokes arms export deal
On May 19, Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin commissioned the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to research alternative missile vendors, following Norway’s revocation of their bilateral defence agreement signed in 2018.
Migrant labour shortage threatens Thai economy, businesses warn
Thailand is facing a migrant worker shortage that authorities must urgently address to prevent wider economic strain, Thai business leaders have warned.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand form joint committee to ease cross-border trade
Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Joint Business Council (JBC) has established a Cooperative Joint Committee (CJC), aimed at enhancing business collaboration and eliminating trade barriers between the three countries.
Bangkok establishes national committee to fast-track OECD accession
As Thailand aims for full membership status to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, the Thai Cabinet approved the establishment of a national committee to fast-track its accession on May 19, during its weekly meeting.
When Policy Signals Shape Market Perception
Across Southeast Asia, governments today are not short of policy ambition. New industrial strategies, investment reforms, digital economy roadmaps and public health interventions continue to emerge across the region.
The Illusion of Insulation: Why the Weak Rupiah Hits Rural Indonesia
On May 16, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto responded to concerns over the weakening rupiah with a seemingly simple remark: “People in the villages don’t use dollars, do they?” He also assured the public that food and energy supplies were secure.
EU-ASEAN push to align education with industry needs
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.
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”.