ASEAN Express for May 20, 2026: Vietnam's E-commerce Booms, Singapore Becomes Southeast Asia's Largest Stock Market
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This May 20 ASEAN economic brief covers multiple countries. Vietnam's e-commerce market is set to hit $37.2 billion by year-end as it deepens ties with India. Laos is holding its benchmark interest rate at 8% to combat inflation. Singapore, with a market cap of $645 billion, has surpassed Indonesia to become Southeast Asia's largest stock market. The Philippines recorded a record balance of payments deficit of $7.41 billion for January-April. In Myanmar, a company is producing eco-friendly sanitary pads from banana fiber. Malaysian AI chip firm SkyeChip's stock soared nearly 300% on its IPO debut. In Thailand, bank lending is recovering due to increased corporate borrowing. Cambodia approved $450 million in investments focused on agriculture and energy. Japan is providing $5 million in aid to Indonesia to build a fish market, strengthening its South China Sea strategy.