Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Sept 21, 2026

The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions ended in Vientiane on Friday and adopted a five-year plan to strengthen unexploded ordnance clearance, victim assistance, and international cooperation.

2. MATERNAL, CHILD HEALTH SERVICES GET BOOST -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Lao government and development partners have launched a new phase of a joint programme to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services nationwide.

1. ASEAN, JAPAN AGREE ON SUPPLY-CHAIN RESILIENCE AMID GLOBAL RISKS - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan are strengthening cooperation on supply-chain resilience, energy security and regional economic stability amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and volatility in global energy markets.

2. ‘CLOSER, MORE PRACTICAL’ ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP FOR ASEAN, SOUTH KOREA - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members and South Korea pushed for a “closer and more practical” trade actions and partnership, citing the rising geopolitical tensions across the globe.

1. FIRST AUCTION OF SEIZED LUXURY BAGS FROM S$3B MONEY LAUNDERING CASE CLOSES, BRINGING IN MORE THAN S$1.1M - CNA

A fierce 30-minute bidding war for a rare Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama pumpkin bag – seized in Singapore’s S$3 billion (US$2.35 billion) money laundering case – sent its final price soaring on Sunday night.

2. PHISHING SCAMS USING SINGAPORE POLICE LOGO RE-EMERGING, PUBLIC WARNED -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Be careful if you receive a pop-up alert on your device that bears the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) logo, warning you that it has been locked.

1. THAILAND'S MRT ORANGE LINE EXPECTED TO ENTER TRIAL SERVICE IN 2027 -- THE NATION

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has reported progress on the Orange Line, which remains under construction, with figures current as of August 2026.

2. PM VOWS NO SPECIAL TREATMENT -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed not to protect anyone suspected of fraud in local government recruitment exams, saying he is awaiting further details before deciding whether further action is needed.

1. SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ELECTRIC-CAR MARKET LEADER -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam became Southeast Asia’s largest electric-car market in 2025, with electric vehicles accounting for nearly 40 per cent of new-car sales, according to the International Energy Agency.

2. NEW INSTITUTION TO TACKLE BAD LOANS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam has established a state-owned asset management company with US$190 million (RM776 million) in capital to tackle bad debts and support sustainable credit growth.

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