September 16, 2025
English News in Malaysia 2025: Top Sources, Censorship, and Alternatives
English-language news in Malaysia operates within a tightly regulated media environment where government licensing and ownership influence editorial direction. This article explores key English news outlets in Malaysia as well as independent news outlets, censorship, and more.
Currency: Vietnam central exchange rate reduced, Tuesday
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) set the central exchange rate at VND 25,208 per US dollar on 16 September, down 8 dong from the previous session.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index slips but foreign traders net-buy US$1.23 million, Tuesday
Vietnam’s VN-Index closed at 1,680.90 on 16 September, down 4 points or 0.24 percent, with trading value reaching VND 41.29 trillion or US$1.59 billion, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Iron and steel: Vietnam output up 2.2 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s crude steel production in August 2025 was estimated at 1.96 million tons, down from 2.03 million tons in July, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office. Output in August fell 6.1 percent year-on-year.
Automotive: Vietnam motor vehicle imports down 15.3 percent in August, China and Thailand top suppliers
Vietnam imported US$363.35 million of motor vehicles in August, a 15.3 percent decline from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$3.02 billion.
Cement: Vietnam output up 14.6 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s cement production in August 2025 was estimated at 16.4 million tons, up from 15.9 million tons in July. According to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, output in August rose 17.8 percent year-on-year.
Energy: Vietnam coal imports down 23.3 percent in August, Australia declines, Indonesia rises
Vietnam imported US$376.84 million of coal in August, a 23.3 percent fall from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$4.71 billion.
Economy: IMF Executive Board concludes 2025 Article IV consultation with Vietnam
The International Monetary Fund Executive Board has concluded its 2025 Article IV consultation with Vietnam, noting strong recent growth alongside rising external and domestic risks, according to a press release on the institution’s website.
Banking & finance: Vietnam C.Bank increases bank buffer requirements
Vietnamese banks are now required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 8 percent under Circular 14/2025/TT-NHNN, which took effect on September 15, Vietnam News has reported.
In today’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Airlines trading restrictions removed, Insurance payouts VSS, Car sales June, 23+ years prison term recommended counterfeit supplements, Counterfeit shoes
In today’s Vietnam news: Government to inject cash into Agribank, IMF growth forecast raised, German industrial gas plant investment, VN garment maker Amazon legal
In today’s Vietnam news: Construction labour demand impacting garment industry, ADB growth forecasts, Bloomberg survey GDP growth expectations, Starlink orders open, Seafood industry call
This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It