Asean Coverage

ST Engineering opened a S$170 million commercial aircraft maintenance facility at Changi Airport on Oct 9, expanding its Singapore network with a fourth site. The company built the Changi Creek facility to serve rising customer demand and test technologies for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Full operations are expected by the end of 2027, with the site projected to employ more than 500 people once fully ramped up.

Vietnam beat Northern Mariana Islands 20-0 on October 8 in Ho Chi Minh City, setting the country's record for its largest winning margin. The victory in Group D of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers followed their 6-0 success against Palestine. Truong Khanh Chi scored six times, completing a hat-trick in the 18th minute. Nguyen Quynh Lam supplied the pass for Chi's opening goal and also scored during the first half.

Indonesia's women's national team have announced 23 players for two FIFA Matchday friendlies in Jordan. They are scheduled to play Armenia on October 10 in Amman, followed by a match against Jordan on October 13. The selection differs from the squad that won the 2026 AFF Cup. In goal, Shesilia Putri D replaces Alleana Ayu Arrumy, while Laita Roati and Edelweiz Auradiva retain their places. Defender Nabila Divany has been included, but Allya Putri and Emily Nahon are not in the squad.

Magnolia survived a late challenge from Blackwater to win 107-101 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 9, 2026. The Hotshots extended their winning run to four games, while the Bossing fell to 3-4. KJ Buffen finished with 24 points, 20 rebounds, an assist and a block. Jerom Lastimosa also scored 24 points and contributed seven assists and three rebounds. Magnolia now holds a 5-3 record after losing three of its opening four games.

Port FC defender Manuel Tom Bihr urged his team to learn from their mistakes after losing 1-3 to Persib Bandung at Thammasat Stadium on 8 October in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) 2026/2027. The 33-year-old said Port FC should take the positives from the defeat and turn their attention to the next match. It was his second loss to Indonesian opposition in less than a week: he also played for Thailand in their defeat by Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final at GBK Stadium on 5 October.

R&I moved Vietnam’s foreign-currency issuer credit rating into investment grade on 8 October, raising it to BBB- from BB+. The outlook changed from Positive to Stable, with the agency citing economic fundamentals, planned structural changes and resilience against external shocks. The agency expects growth to remain high as Vietnam shifts towards greater productivity and innovation, increases public investment and continues to attract foreign direct investment.

Far Eastern University will try to extend its winning streak to four games when it meets Ateneo at Smart Araneta Coliseum in UAAP Season 89 men's basketball. The league-leading Tamaraws enter the 5:30 p.m. contest with a 3-1 record. FEU opened with a 56-53 defeat by Adamson before winning three consecutive games, including victories over defending champion La Salle and University of the Philippines, a five-time finalist. Ateneo, National University and La Salle share second place at 3-2.

Persik Kediri moved into fourth place in the Super League after defeating Madura United 2-0 at Brawijaya Stadium on 9 October. The fourth-round victory lifted Persik to seven points and denied the visitors a chance to take first place. Eduardo Barbosa put the hosts ahead in the ninth minute, beating defenders inside the penalty area before scoring. The 23-year-old Portuguese player added his second in the 25th minute with a close-range finish past goalkeeper Angga Saputro.

Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-ART) will be the federal government’s main approach to easing traffic congestion in Johor Bahru, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat on October 9. Presenting Budget 2027, he said the government had agreed to implement the system. Alongside e-ART, Anwar outlined plans for additional bus routes and more frequent services on buses and KTM Komuter.

Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez set a lap of 1 minute 28.725 seconds to lead practice for the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at Mandalika Circuit on 9 October. Marco Bezzecchi finished second, ahead of Jorge Martin, while Pedro Acosta took fourth and Marc Marquez fifth. Fernandez lowered his time to 1 minute 29.252 seconds before recording his session-leading lap. Marquez had held second place during that stage, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third, before Bezzecchi moved ahead of Marquez.