Race to become Asia’s top entertainment hub; Thai PM Srettha seeks closer ties with EU

This week in Asean:

• Vietnam: US$12 billion fraud trial against property queen Truong My Lan begins
• Malaysia: WTO backs EU in deforestation case against Malaysia
• Indonesia: February inflation rises to 2.75% on soaring rice prices
• Philippines: Push for companies to fund US$43 billion infrastructure projects resumes

Dear BT reader,

Pop icon Taylor Swift is in town this week but while her fans are on an adrenaline rush, certain South-east Asian countries are peeved over Singapore’s exclusive deal with the American pop star.