ASEAN Finance / ASEAN Express on June 16, 2026

ASEAN Finance Special Report (300 articles)

Stay ahead with the New Southbound Policy and track ASEAN's economic pulse. CNA's 'Southeast Asia Financial Information Network' delivers daily curated headlines from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond. Whether it's government policies, industry trends, or investment opportunities, stay informed, gain insights, and seize business opportunities.

Vietnam: Global Shifts Require ASEAN to Shape a New Era

(CNA Taipei, June 16) According to VNA, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that ASEAN must evolve from a participant in global trends to an active force shaping new rules and standards amid a rapidly changing world.

Le Minh Hung said the world is undergoing profound transformation in the coming decades, and ASEAN should focus on shaping the future.

He noted that technology is redefining competitiveness, AI is transforming productivity, digitalization is reshaping power structures, and green transition is creating new development models.

Laos: Joins OSJD Corridor II, Advances International Transport

(CNA Taipei, June 16) Laos has recently joined the 'Railway Cooperation Organization' (OSJD) Corridor II, linking Laos with Vietnam, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Estonia. Laos' Ministry of Public Works and Transport stated that the signing of the memorandum marks a significant step in regional and international transportation.

The Vientiane Times reported today that the 53rd OSJD Ministerial Conference was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from June 9 to 12, discussing railway development and integration of transport networks among member states. A MoU recognizing Laos' accession to Corridor II was signed.

Singapore: Launches New Measures to Become Regional Gold Hub, Competing with Hong Kong

(CNA Taipei, June 16) Singapore has announced multiple measures to expand its gold trading market, including establishing an OTC clearing system by year-end, launching official gold warehousing services in October, and relaxing tax incentives for funds holding precious metals to attract more capital and physical gold.

Nikkei Asia reported that this move is seen as a bid to compete with Hong Kong for the title of Asia's gold trading hub. Hong Kong has already partnered with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to establish a clearing mechanism and plans to significantly expand its gold storage capacity.

Philippines: US-Iran Deal Imminent, Philippine Peso Strengthens

(CNA Taipei, June 16) With the US and Iran nearing a peace agreement, Philippine stock and foreign exchange markets rose yesterday. The stock market surged 6.14%, closing at 6,272.88 points; the peso appreciated by 87 centavos, closing at 60.48 per USD. Economists say the peso could remain around the 60-per-dollar level.

The Manila Times reported today that SM Investments Corporation's chief economist, Robert Dan Roces, said if markets continue to reduce risk premiums on Middle East conflicts, the peso could sustain the 60:1 level, which was last seen on May 7, and may continue to appreciate.

Myanmar: Yangon Rents and Property Prices Soar, Influx of Population Increases Tenant Burden

(CNA Taipei, June 16) A large influx of people into Yangon has driven property prices and rents sharply upward. Apartment rents have surged from 400,000 to 650,000 Myanmar kyat per month. Landlords are restricting occupancy, demanding six months' advance rent and utility payments, and some unscrupulous operators are profiting from newcomers unfamiliar with the market.

Real estate transactions are also heating up. Prices for similar apartments have risen from a peak of 200 million kyat last year to 300 million, with prime locations exceeding 1 billion kyat. Some landowners and developers are engaging in 'land-for-housing' swaps. Some agents suggest stricter taxation on rental income could help curb prices.

Malaysia: 2025 Trade Volume Hits RM3.1 Trillion, Penang Leads in Exports

(CNA Taipei, June 16) According to Malaysia's Department of Statistics (DOSM), Malaysia's total trade volume reached RM3.1 trillion in 2025, with exports at RM1.6 trillion and imports at RM1.5 trillion. Penang remains the top-performing export region.

The Star reported today that according to the '2026 State Foreign Trade Statistics Report,' Penang accounted for 38.1% of Malaysia's total exports, followed by Johor (19.8%), Selangor (17.0%), Sarawak (6.4%), and Kuala Lumpur (3.7%).

Thailand: Financial Giant Warns of Stagflation, Sees Resilience in Thai Stocks

(CNA Taipei, June 16) Thai financial group Tisco warns that the global economy may face three major risks in the second half: stagflation, oil shocks from Middle East conflicts, and rising US bond yields. It recommends a diversified investment strategy, increasing exposure to commodities and gold for hedging.

However, Tisco remains optimistic about Thailand's outlook, forecasting that Thai stocks will continue to rise with foreign inflows, potentially lifting medium-term GDP growth to 3-4%. Thai equities, trading below historical averages and with a 'traditional economy' structure, show greater resilience than regional peers in low-growth, high-inflation environments.

Cambodia: One Million Workers Return, Cambodia Expands Japan Cooperation for Transformation

(CNA Taipei, June 16) Due to border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, around one million Cambodian workers in Thailand have returned home. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said the government is expanding labor and investment cooperation with Japan, encouraging workers to take jobs in Japan's tech, electronics, and automotive sectors to cultivate skilled talent and upgrade industries.

Nikkei Asia reported that Cambodia is also offering tax incentives of up to 150% to attract Japanese investment, but the Thailand-Cambodia conflict has already disrupted Japanese firms' 'China Plus One' supply chain strategies.

Indonesia: Cross-Border QR Payment with China Fully Operational

(CNA Taipei, June 16) The Jakarta Post reported that the cross-border QRIS payment system has broken down barriers between Indonesia and China, enabling merchants and customers in both countries to transact via a bank-linked cross-border payment network.

Such scenarios are becoming increasingly common in Indonesia. QR-based payments are transforming daily transactions for businesses and consumers, extending from airports and shopping malls to restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions.

※ For more information, contact Group Leader Zhang Lijuan (02) 2505-1180#792 EMAIL: mia@mail.cna.com.tw

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