April 24, 2026 ASEAN Express
SK Group reaches AI strategic cooperation with Vietnam. Other news includes Laos' trade surplus, Singapore business pressures, and policy moves in the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 18:42
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 19:02 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 21:59 (2h 57m after Collected)
Central News Agency
Vietnam: SK Group and Vietnam reach AI strategic cooperation to build infrastructure
(CNA Taipei, April 24) South Korea's SK Group announced the establishment of a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem partnership with Vietnam. Under the agreement, "SK Telecom" will help Vietnam build core AI infrastructure, while "SK Innovation" will provide exclusive energy solutions for AI data centers.
Furthermore, the partnership includes a major energy project: the construction of a 1500MW liquefied natural gas (LNG) combined cycle power plant and a related dedicated port in Vietnam, with construction expected to begin in 2027. This cooperation reflects that foreign investors not only value Vietnam's manufacturing capabilities but are also deeply participating in its digitalization and high-end energy transition starting in 2026.
Laos: Strong trade surplus in the first quarter
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Laos' total foreign trade in the first quarter of 2026 reached $5.2 billion. Driven by export growth, the trade surplus exceeded $310 million.
The Vientiane Times reported that this figure is a 13% increase from the $4.6 billion in the same period of 2025, reflecting steady growth in foreign trade, with export performance being particularly strong.
Singapore: Energy and logistics prices rise, survey reveals top 3 sources of pressure for businesses
(CNA Taipei, April 24) As the Middle East conflict continues to unfold, the latest survey report from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) indicates that about two-thirds of Singaporean businesses are experiencing "moderate to severe" impacts. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the pressure most significantly, and their confidence in dealing with uncertainty is noticeably lagging behind that of large enterprises.
According to the Bangkok Post, the report shows that the top three pressures for Singaporean businesses are rising energy prices, increased shipping and logistics costs, and weakening demand. SMEs are more affected by overall rising costs, while large enterprises are more significantly impacted by rising energy costs. Additionally, over half of SMEs experienced a revenue decline, compared to a third of large enterprises.
Philippines: Central Bank Governor: Multiple small interest rate hikes possible to curb inflation
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Due to the shock of oil prices and their spillover effects, the Philippine Central Bank has revised its inflation forecasts upward for this year and next. Philippine Central Bank Governor Eli Remolona stated that the benchmark interest rate might be raised slightly multiple times to curb inflation.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg Television, Remolona said: "We will take necessary actions to contain inflation, and it currently looks like we will adopt a series of small rate hikes. We are taking proactive steps, hoping to stay ahead of the situation."
Myanmar: Tourism Association to hold travel fair in Yangon in June
(CNA Taipei, April 24) The Myanmar Tourism Association has invited industry leaders to participate in a travel fair to be held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon from June 13 to 14.
The "Myanma Alinn Daily" reported that the event includes business meetings and tourism promotion, aimed at facilitating the recovery of Myanmar's tourism industry.
Malaysia: Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure, construction industry shows resilience
(CNA Taipei, April 24) UOB Kay Hian research indicated that Malaysia's domestic construction industry should be able to withstand the impacts of the Middle East conflict and potential total shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Malaysia's "The Star," the research institute noted that while rising crude oil prices drive up fuel and building material costs, construction companies should be able to manage the effects of these price fluctuations.
Thailand: Authorities issue 5 major economic stimulus policies, stabilize prices to help SMEs
(CNA Taipei, April 24) To stimulate Thailand's economy, Thai Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced 5 major policy priorities today, including reducing the cost of living and increasing income, stabilizing prices and adding value to agricultural products, enhancing the capabilities of SMEs, promoting export balance, and using technology to optimize government services.
Suphajee pointed out that since offering up to 58% discounts on over 3,000 daily necessities in April, sales of Thailand's private labels and tier-two brands have grown by 16%. Starting in May, the goal is to recruit 2,000 local SME manufacturers to list their products on specific online platforms, hoping to provide incentives such as no commission fees and shipping subsidies.
Cambodia: Cambodia and Vietnam agree to overcome trade barriers and promote investment growth
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Cambodia and Vietnam agreed at the 2026 Business Dialogue to overcome trade barriers and seek new growth momentum to significantly increase bilateral trade volume.
The Khmer Times reported that the dialogue aims to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.
Indonesia: Q1 FDI around $14.5 billion, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China remain top 3 sources
(CNA Taipei, April 24) According to Indonesian government data, Indonesia's foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2026 reached approximately $14.5 billion.
The Jakarta Globe reported that the top three investment sources remained unchanged, still being Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.
*For more information, please contact Section Chief Chang Li-chuan (02) 2505-1180#792 EMAIL: mia@mail.cna.com.tw
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Vietnam: SK Group and Vietnam reach AI strategic cooperation to build infrastructure
(CNA Taipei, April 24) South Korea's SK Group announced the establishment of a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem partnership with Vietnam. Under the agreement, "SK Telecom" will help Vietnam build core AI infrastructure, while "SK Innovation" will provide exclusive energy solutions for AI data centers.
Furthermore, the partnership includes a major energy project: the construction of a 1500MW liquefied natural gas (LNG) combined cycle power plant and a related dedicated port in Vietnam, with construction expected to begin in 2027. This cooperation reflects that foreign investors not only value Vietnam's manufacturing capabilities but are also deeply participating in its digitalization and high-end energy transition starting in 2026.
Laos: Strong trade surplus in the first quarter
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Laos' total foreign trade in the first quarter of 2026 reached $5.2 billion. Driven by export growth, the trade surplus exceeded $310 million.
The Vientiane Times reported that this figure is a 13% increase from the $4.6 billion in the same period of 2025, reflecting steady growth in foreign trade, with export performance being particularly strong.
Singapore: Energy and logistics prices rise, survey reveals top 3 sources of pressure for businesses
(CNA Taipei, April 24) As the Middle East conflict continues to unfold, the latest survey report from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) indicates that about two-thirds of Singaporean businesses are experiencing "moderate to severe" impacts. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the pressure most significantly, and their confidence in dealing with uncertainty is noticeably lagging behind that of large enterprises.
According to the Bangkok Post, the report shows that the top three pressures for Singaporean businesses are rising energy prices, increased shipping and logistics costs, and weakening demand. SMEs are more affected by overall rising costs, while large enterprises are more significantly impacted by rising energy costs. Additionally, over half of SMEs experienced a revenue decline, compared to a third of large enterprises.
Philippines: Central Bank Governor: Multiple small interest rate hikes possible to curb inflation
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Due to the shock of oil prices and their spillover effects, the Philippine Central Bank has revised its inflation forecasts upward for this year and next. Philippine Central Bank Governor Eli Remolona stated that the benchmark interest rate might be raised slightly multiple times to curb inflation.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg Television, Remolona said: "We will take necessary actions to contain inflation, and it currently looks like we will adopt a series of small rate hikes. We are taking proactive steps, hoping to stay ahead of the situation."
Myanmar: Tourism Association to hold travel fair in Yangon in June
(CNA Taipei, April 24) The Myanmar Tourism Association has invited industry leaders to participate in a travel fair to be held at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon from June 13 to 14.
The "Myanma Alinn Daily" reported that the event includes business meetings and tourism promotion, aimed at facilitating the recovery of Myanmar's tourism industry.
Malaysia: Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure, construction industry shows resilience
(CNA Taipei, April 24) UOB Kay Hian research indicated that Malaysia's domestic construction industry should be able to withstand the impacts of the Middle East conflict and potential total shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Malaysia's "The Star," the research institute noted that while rising crude oil prices drive up fuel and building material costs, construction companies should be able to manage the effects of these price fluctuations.
Thailand: Authorities issue 5 major economic stimulus policies, stabilize prices to help SMEs
(CNA Taipei, April 24) To stimulate Thailand's economy, Thai Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced 5 major policy priorities today, including reducing the cost of living and increasing income, stabilizing prices and adding value to agricultural products, enhancing the capabilities of SMEs, promoting export balance, and using technology to optimize government services.
Suphajee pointed out that since offering up to 58% discounts on over 3,000 daily necessities in April, sales of Thailand's private labels and tier-two brands have grown by 16%. Starting in May, the goal is to recruit 2,000 local SME manufacturers to list their products on specific online platforms, hoping to provide incentives such as no commission fees and shipping subsidies.
Cambodia: Cambodia and Vietnam agree to overcome trade barriers and promote investment growth
(CNA Taipei, April 24) Cambodia and Vietnam agreed at the 2026 Business Dialogue to overcome trade barriers and seek new growth momentum to significantly increase bilateral trade volume.
The Khmer Times reported that the dialogue aims to strengthen and expand cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.
Indonesia: Q1 FDI around $14.5 billion, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China remain top 3 sources
(CNA Taipei, April 24) According to Indonesian government data, Indonesia's foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2026 reached approximately $14.5 billion.
The Jakarta Globe reported that the top three investment sources remained unchanged, still being Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.
*For more information, please contact Section Chief Chang Li-chuan (02) 2505-1180#792 EMAIL: mia@mail.cna.com.tw
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is the power to guard press freedom
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly
The text, images, and audio/video on this website are not authorized to be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized.