Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is drafting a circular on compulsory licensing for pharmaceutical patents. From the view of protecting and promoting innovation in the industry, it is worthwhile to consider whether this is the appropriate time to introduce such regulations. This circular, a draft version of which has been released for public comment, could create a slippery slope into abuse of the patent system if certain shortcomings are not addressed.

On September 1, 2016, the Cambodian Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MOLVT) launched the Foreign Labor Centralized Management System, an online portal that provides a streamlined application process for foreigners to obtain work permits in Cambodia. From September 1 onward, all companies that employ foreign workers must submit their quota requests and their applications for work permits and employment cards through the online portal.

Many people are approached by “investment consultants” selling various investment products and/or life insurance. One of the products they commonly offer is life insurance that is written to pay a benefit based on the performance of particular investments. They may refer to this as an “insurance wrapper,” or explain that the investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) are held “inside” the insurance. Whatever the informal description, it is important to understand that activities involving these types of products are subject to strict regulation under Thai law.

“Let food be your medicine” is a common mantra recited by those in the food business. In Thailand, many food products are fortified with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and are marketed as offering a range of health benefits.

In order to repay debts, many flailing companies allocate additional resources to uncover new sources of income. In turn, these companies incur more debt, and this can lead to a vicious downward spiral ending in bankruptcy.Despite this bleak outlook, these companies still have the potential to recover and become profitable. One way is through reorganization, which provides relief to debtors that allows them to survive a crisis while ensuring that their creditors receive fair repayment.

The Vietnam chapter of Data Security and Cybercrime, written by lawyers at Tilleke & Gibbins, provides an overview of data security and cybercrime in Vietnam that covers the recently adopted Law on Cyber Information Security; personal information; enforcement of data protection legislation; security obligations including management and technical measures; rules on unsolicited electronic marketing; data transfer and third parties; penalties and compensation; criminalized cyber activities including illegally collecting, storing, exchanging, trading, or publishing information abou

Thailand’s Ministry of Energy promulgated the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Plan and Estimated Cost and Security for Decommissioning of Installations Used in the Petroleum Industry B.E. 2559 (2016) earlier this year. As the specific rules and procedures governing the end of the life cycle for upstream petroleum projects had been somewhat uncertain, the decommissioning regulation adds a great deal of clarity on legal obligations for concessionaires.

In today’s digital economy, financial technology (FinTech) is a major economic driving force. FinTech has transformed the private sector, resulting in a drastic shift in the way customers use financial services. Financial institutions, in particular, have taken significant strides to implement innovative platforms to facilitate financial transactions and payment methods for goods and services.