Southeast Asia

Singapore's economy remains firm for the rest of 2026, cushioned by the AI boom against oil shocks and new US tariffs, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Temasek is doubling down on AI and private credit, while Grab pilots autonomous vehicles in Punggol and expands its EV charging network in Vietnam. Regional investments continue, with Thailand's EV investment topping 137 billion baht and Malaysia's GDP growth forecast holding at 4.6%.

• 6Temasek Reports Record Portfolio and Plans Major AI Expansion
• 2Singapore seeks to avoid becoming collateral damage from US tariffs: Vivian Balakrishnan - The Straits Times
• 2Prabowo touts Batam as Indonesia’s next global maritime, investment gateway - The Straits Times
• 1Grab to pilot on-demand autonomous vehicle service in Punggol
• 1[UPDATED] Malaysia needs only RM16mil for Sepang F1 preparations, says Anwar [WATCH]

The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte opens in a divided Senate, with her brother demanding truth and defense questioning witness procedures. President Marcos faces criticism over double standards in bilateral ties with China, while thanking Canada for support in the South China Sea. In Singapore, PM Wong's Cabinet reshuffle signals focus on next-generation leaders, and President Tharman highlights strong economic partnership with Malaysia.

• 5Philippines VP Duterte Impeachment Trial Begins
• 4Myanmar agrees to repatriate 5,000 Rohingya refugees from Malaysia, Premier Anwar says
• 3Network School: Malaysia will not tolerate foreign interference in sovereign affairs, says Fahmi
• 3NBI questioned over failure to track alleged hitman in Duterte impeachment case
• 3Marcos claims China's sanctions on Teodoro 'unhelpful,' yet Manila’s double standards are real barrier to bilateral ties: expert

Defense ties deepen as India's Modi and Indonesia's Prabowo seal BrahMos and Astra missile deals. Thailand tightens airport crew baggage rules after a heroin case and backs six measures to curb outbound drug smuggling. Malaysia's LCS project proceeds despite Norway's missile export licence revocation.

• 1PNP to strengthen ties with Australian police to bolster expertise, tech
• 1Modi, Prabowo Seal BrahMos and Astra Missile Deals to Deepen Defense Ties
• 1Families told accused Bali bomber Hambali to face 202 life terms - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• 1CAAT tightens crew baggage rules after Thai Airways heroin case - Nation Thailand
• 1PM Anutin backs six measures to curb outbound drug smuggling - Nation Thailand

Malaysia faces an onslaught of racist politics, as Prime Minister Anwar states, while Singapore combats disinformation with 260 fake Jack Ma videos spreading falsehoods on YouTube.

• 1Some 260 fake Jack Ma videos spreading falsehoods about Singapore on YouTube: CNA investigation
• 1DDPM warns 61 provinces of flash floods, landslides and rough seas - Nation Thailand
• 1SM Group reaps 24 HK journal awards
• 1Fil-Am Bretman Rock, Niana Guerrero named to TIME100 Creators list - INQUIRER.net USA
• 1Malaysia continues to face an onslaught of racist politics, says Anwar

Who covers Southeast Asia most

Outlets by number of headlines in July 2026, with their stance toward the country.

• The Nation Thailand205 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  supportive but not uncritical

• VN Express123 titles

  From Vietnam
• Bangkok Post112 titles

  From Thailand
• New Straits Times100 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  supportive and constructive

• Channel NewsAsia97 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  supportive and institutionally affirming

• Straits Times94 titles

  From Singapore
• Philippine Daily Inquirer83 titles

  0ReportorialDomestic

  neutral, procedural coverage

• Nikkei Asia51 titles

  From Japan

Sources from Southeast Asia

• Straits Timesen
• Channel NewsAsiaen
• Philippine Daily Inquireren
• Bangkok Posten
• VN Expressen
• The Nation Thailanden
• New Straits Timesen
• The Staren