

Discover more from Future Southeast Asia
New hotel projects in and around Hoi An
China-Laos rail update, India to Southeast Asia by rail, and future airlines and airports in Vietnam.
Hello from Ho Chi Minh City. This week I’ve posted the last “Future City” profile for 2020 - Future Hoi An / Quang Nam Province.
Latest Posts at Living In Asia
Future Hoi An / Quang Nam Province
Construction projects in Hoi An, Quang Nam Province - Vietnam.
Updated Posts
Laos
China-Laos railway seals roof of border gate station
Added to China-Laos railway
Vietnam
ACV to invest more than $4.3 billion in Long Thanh Int’l Airport
Added to Long Thanh International Airport
Other News
Cambodia
Cambodia’s giant life-giving Tonle Sap lake in peril
“More than a million people live on or around Tonle Sap lake, the world's largest inland fishery, but as a result of climate change and dams upstream on the Mekong, water levels are falling and fish stocks are dwindling.”
Reclaimed Mekong riverbank to become satellite city
Thailand, Cambodia road link almost complete
“A commercial road connecting Thailand’s Trat province and Cambodia’s Veal Veng district in Pursat province is 90 percent complete and expected to be ready ahead of schedule according to the Pursat provincial administration.”
China
Workers flocking to china’s tech hub can’t afford to buy homes
“Shenzhen’s boom has led to the highest property prices and lowest home ownership rates in China.”
The days of the Chinese mega skyscraper appear to be over
India
Railways linking India, Myanmar, Southeast Asia possible in future: Foreign Secy Shringla
“In his virtual address at the Northeast Festival, Shringla spoke on India’s Act East Policy and what it means for Northeast.”
Indonesia
Indonesian president inaugurates $3 billion 'strategic' port
“Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Patimban sea port in West Java on Sunday, saying the new gateway would have a “strategic” role in boosting the nation’s pandemic-hit economy.”
Laos
Hydropower vs Heritage: Will Laos lose Luang Prabang?
“Another Mekong dam project threatens to cost the former royal capital its UNESCO World Heritage status.”
Vang Vieng expressway officially opens
Myanmar
Japan to conduct survey on Dawei deep sea port project
Nepal
In remote Nepal, new roads bring opportunity—and conflict
“Asphalt paves the intersection of ecotourism and development at a famed Himalayan trekking hub.”
Philippines
Gov’t recalibrates list of infra projects
“The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is updating the list of approved infrastructure projects given the impact of the pandemic and the recent typhoons.”
Philippines orders 240 Japanese train cars for first Manila subway
“Sumitomo and JR East's $556m contract follows 2019 commuter rail deal.”
Manila’s iconic Jeepneys are one more casualty of the pandemic
Singapore
Singapore’s love affair with property resumes amid coronavirus optimism
This is how Singapore keeps its cool as the city heats up
“Building design and technology are becoming increasingly important in the city’s fight to bring temperatures down.”
Thailand
Government nudge on Chiang Rai rail link
“Thailand nudged along the proposed rail project that will link Chiang Rai province to the main rail line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, when the Cabinet, last week, approved a draft Royal Decree, designating land expropriation boundaries.”
Bangkok Gold Line peoplemover opens
Vietnam
Vietnam all set for leading SE Asia in renewable energy
Vietravel Airlines’ new plane lands in Phú Bài airport for first time
I was at SGN airport last week and I saw the new Vietravel Airlines in the wild for the first time. This proposed new airline was announced last year, in what was a boom year for Vietnam aviation. It’s a bold move to launch a new airline in these pandemic times. They may have the advantage of being based in Hue. I visited Hue last year and I remarked on how under-served the city is for flights, especially given its tourism potential.
[Vietravel Airlines spotted at SGN Airport.]
How Vietnam’s airport network will be expanded by 2030
And on the theme of Vietnam’s growing aviation market, here is a good infographic that shows current and future airports.