“Build ASEAN brands” – AirAsia CEO Fernandes

13 Sept 08:49 Key points summarised by AI

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes urged ASEAN governments to actively support the creation and strengthening of 'ASEAN brands' to unlock the region's economic potential.
Fernandes highlighted that despite ASEAN being the world's fourth-largest economy, visible and invisible barriers prevent local brands from achieving significant regional impact.
He emphasized the need for governments to dismantle existing rules that favor external investments over internal ASEAN businesses, encouraging more intra-ASEAN trade.
Citing AirAsia's success as an example, Fernandes showcased how entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and support for local SMEs can thrive within the ASEAN market.
He reiterated ASEAN's strong potential due to its large and diverse population, advocating for businesses to view the region as a unified market for brand building.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.