Future Southeast Asia News #273

The Future Southeast Asia Newsletter features transport and urban development news in Southeast Asia, edited by James Clark.

Future Southeast Asia articles

Latest article

• Makassar should be more like Singapore before being like Dubai (Premium)

Makassar Trip Report: Makassar is the largest city in Eastern Indonesia. It's building a Dubai-inspired new urban area on artificial islands, but it should look to Singapore's example for fixing the city sidewalks first.

Recent articles

• Why are there no great coastal cities in Indonesia?

Indonesia comprises over 17,000 islands and has a population of over 280 million people. With so many islands and so many people, why are there no great coastal cities that are famous destinations?

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News

🇰🇭 Cambodia

• Historic Phnom Penh building set for demolition as preservation calls grow [CamboJA]

• Pochentong, the New Central Park of Southeast Asia? [Cambodianess]

"With the upcoming opening of its new international airport, Phnom Penh today has the historical opportunity to reinvent itself and align with the world’s biggest metropolises in terms of quality of life and sustainable development. The site of Pochentong International Airport [also known as Phnom Penh International Airport] spreading over 450 hectares right in the heart of the capital and now freed, must become the green lung that the city needs so much."

• European investment firm IM Capital Holding bets big on Koh Rong Island with luxury tourism and social impact projects [Cambodia Investment Review]

• Govt to complete FTC demarcation soon [Khmer Times]

🇮🇩 Indonesia

• Prabowo Subianto approves construction of North Bali Airport [Tempo]

• North Bali International Airport location not decided yet, Transport Ministry says [Jakarta Globe]

• Jasa Marga pours Rp 116b into Whoosh to offset losses (archive) [The Jakarta Post]

"According to KAI’s financial report, the Indonesian SOE consortium in Whoosh operation recorded Rp 4.19 trillion (US$258.97 million) in losses last year."

• Velodrome-Manggarai LRT project on track for 2026 launch [Jakarta Globe]

• Transportation system in Indonesia is yet to be integrated, says minister [Tempo]

• Regional synergy: Singapore, Johor and Riau Islands eye economic integration [Batam News Asia]

🇱🇦 Laos

• Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit service set to begin trial operations by end of August [The Laotian Times]

• Laos to upgrade national road 13 in October 2025, completion expected by 2028 [The Laotian Times]

🇲🇾 Malaysia

• ECRL project 85% completed, says govt [The Star]

• Passengers on new KLIA Aerotrain describe it as more efficient, comfortable [The Star]

• Construction of second Rantau Panjang-Sg Golok bridge on schedule [New Straits Times]

• Penang open to adjusting land reclamation project near Karpal Singh Drive [The Star]

 🇵🇭 Philippines

• Abby Binay says Makati has enough funds to settle subway project [GMA Network]

• House probe on NAIA privatization sought [The Manila Times]

"The resolution mentioned "substantial increases in airport charges related to landing and takeoff, terminal rental, tacking operations, use of counters, and parking, thus raising public concerns over the accessibility and affordability of airport services.""

• MRT-7: From a milestone project to a monument to mediocrity [Inquirer]

• Flood control projects require more funds [The Manila Times]

"The Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan-1st District Engineering Office announced on Friday that there are 10 ongoing projects for the construction of pumping stations and flood control structures worth more than P12.6 billion in the low-lying areas of Hagonoy, Calumpit and Malolos."

🇸🇬 Singapore

• 193ha of land off Changi to be reclaimed for aviation park; area reduced to save seagrass meadow [The Straits Times]

• Construction begins on 6 Cross Island Line Phase 2 stations; targeted for 2032 completion [CNA]

"The Cross Island Line will probably be Singapore’s last east-to-west MRT line, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said."

• Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses [The Straits Times]

"Four golf courses will close permanently by 2035 to make way for other uses, such as housing, leaving Singapore with 12 courses in the coming years."

• Self-driving public shuttles to hit Punggol roads by fourth quarter [The Straits Times]

• Contract to supply LTA with 660 electric buses draws 21 bids [The Straits Times]

🇹🇭 Thailand

• Bangkok caps all electric train fares at 20 baht starting Oct 2025 [By Khaosod English]

• Bangkok begins development of 47.5 km walkway and cycle path along Saen Saeb Canal to promote sustainable transport [The Nation]

• Porosity can reduce city flood effects [Bangkok Post]

🇻🇳 Vietnam

• Saigon River park and plaza design aims for green, sustainable urban development [VnExpress]

"Vietnamese conglomerate Truong Hai Group (Thaco) has proposed investing in a plaza and a 27-hectare park on the Thu Thiem Peninsula along the Saigon River."

• Viet Nam’s mega tourism project threatens langurs, livelihoods [Mekong Eye]

"Conglomerate Sun Group pushes forward with land reclamation plan on Cát Bà island that many fear will affect UNESCO-listed site."

• Major Vietnamese developer Sun Group proposes riverfront road, metro line projects in HCMC [The Investor]

• Malaysian firm proposes $3.4bn metro project in Ho Chi Minh City [Tuoi Tre]

• Enterprise proposes reclaiming land in Nha Trang Bay for $1.53bn statue, undersea complex [Tuoi Tre News]

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