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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.
Currency: Black market Vietnam dong cools, central exchange rate kept steady, Monday
The State Bank of Vietnam’s central rate held steady at VND 25,216 per USD while Google Finance’s mid-market rate hovered at VND 26,385, Monday.
English News in Thailand 2025: Top Sources, Censorship, and Alternatives
English-language news in Thailand plays an important role in connecting the country with the global community. This article explores key mainstream news sites, independent news sites, censorship, and more.
Stock market: Vietnam VN-Index rises, foreign investors net sell VND 1.32 trillion
The VN-Index closed at 1,684.90 on 15 September 2025, up 17.64 points or 1.06 percent, with market liquidity reaching VND 37.63 trillion or US$1.45 billion, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Currency: Vietnam sells US$1.5 billion from ForEx reserves to stabilise dong
The State Bank of Vietnam sold around US$1.5 billion via 180-day cancellable forwards on 25–26 August to ease pressure on the dong, according to a report from MB Securities and reported by The Investor.
Footwear: Vietnam leather shoes output up 13.9 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s leather shoe and sandal production in August 2025 was estimated at 34.4 million pairs, up from 33.7 million pairs in July. According to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, output in August rose 18.7 percent year-on-year.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam casual clothes output up 14.7 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s casual clothes production in August 2025 was estimated at 563.3 million pieces, up from 557.9 million pieces in July. According to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, output in August rose 11.3 percent year-on-year.
Animal fodder: Vietnam’s August imports up 11.4 percent, led by Argentina & the US
Vietnam imported US$385.80 million of animal fodders and materials in August, rising 11.4 percent from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$3.06 billion.
Industry: Vietnam insulated wire imports down 5.3 percent in August
Vietnam imported US$389.83 million of insulated wires and cables in August, down 5.3 percent from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$2.98 billion.
Law: 28 prosecuted as bribery scandal lays bare corruption in Vietnam’s court system
Vietnam’s Supreme People’s Procuracy has charged 28 individuals in connection with a sweeping bribery scandal that spanned 20 cases across Da Nang, Dak Lak, Phu Tho, and Hue between 2022 and 2024, VN Express has reported.
Seafood: Vietnam seafood exporters seek government support after US import ruling
Vietnam’s seafood exporters’ association (VASEP) has asked ministries for support following a US decision that 12 of Vietnam’s fishing practices do not meet Marine Mammal Protection Act standards, which will restrict certain imports from 1 January 2026, Dan Tri has reported.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam natural fibre fabrics output up 9.6 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s production of fabrics woven from natural fibres reached 99.7 million square metres in August 2025, up from 94.0 million square metres in July. According to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, output in August rose 5.2 percent year-on-year.
In today’s Vietnam news: SCB to liquidate assets at 11 branches, State censorship fines Facebook comments, Still aiming for 10% growth, AI adoption in
In today’s Vietnam news: Vinhomes to stop expanding landbank, 38 percent of businesses paying informal charges, SBV governor meets USTR delegation, Fitch affirms BB+
In today’s Vietnam news: Counterfeit ice cream store, Business bank deposits falling, SBV interest rates advertised versus reality, Gold content import regulations, Foreign investors
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