AGP Executive Report

Myanmar–Russia Deals: President Min Aung Hlaing’s Moscow visit produced a package of agreements spanning nuclear power, LNG, a deep-water port, electronics and “digital technologies,” plus search-and-rescue satellites—signaling deeper energy and tech cooperation despite Western sanctions pressure. Cybersecurity: A China-linked espionage campaign (Operation QUICSILVER) is targeting Myanmar IT staff using a VHD disguised as a JPEG to deliver QUICAgent, exploiting blind spots in QUIC traffic inspection. Public Health: Yangon is reporting a cholera-linked severe diarrhea surge, with about 500 hospitalized and nearly 150 rapid-test positives, as health systems strain amid monsoon conditions. Heritage & Infrastructure Tech: Yangon designated a 138-year-old air compressor/blower station (built in 1888, electrified in 1961) as an ancient heritage site, preserving original coal-fired equipment for education. Climate Risk: A new study warns heat risk to older people is far worse than previously estimated, with Myanmar flagged among countries facing high exposure and limited cooling access. Disaster Support (India): India-backed small development projects include a Yangon disaster-relief warehouse and a Naypyitaw preschool facility, funded via signed MoUs. ASEAN Tech Diplomacy (Laos): Laos is pushing Boten SEZ upgrades, including plans for a data centre, alongside tighter oversight and cross-border procedures. Internet Access Pressure: SpaceX plans to end Starlink Global Roam for existing customers, raising concerns for conflict-affected Myanmar communities that rely on satellite connectivity.

Russia–Myanmar Tech & Energy Deals: During President Min Aung Hlaing’s Moscow visit, Russia and Myanmar signed a package of agreements spanning energy, oil and gas, LNG, a deep-water port, digital technologies, ICT, and even space-related cooperation, with Putin also signaling possible refinery and hydrocarbon exploration work. Nuclear Power Push: Russia also moved to advance plans for a low-power nuclear power plant in Myanmar, framing it as support for scientific and applied research. Heritage Tech in Yangon: Myanmar designated a 138-year-old air compressor (blower) station in Yangon as an ancient heritage site, highlighting late-19th-century sewage pumping tech and later electric compressor upgrades. Public Health Pressure: Yangon reported a cholera-linked severe diarrhea surge, with hundreds hospitalized and rapid tests showing confirmed cases—another strain on an already fragile health system. Heat Risk for Older People: A new Lancet Planetary Health study warns that climate-driven heat is far more dangerous for older adults than previously estimated, with Myanmar named among the high-risk countries. Cybersecurity Warning: Researchers reported a China-linked espionage campaign that abuses QUIC-based encrypted traffic to hide command-and-control activity targeting Myanmar government IT and cyber security staff. Internet Access Shock: SpaceX said it will discontinue Starlink Global Roam for existing customers, raising concerns about connectivity for conflict-affected communities in Myanmar. India–Myanmar Development Support: India-backed small development projects in Myanmar include a Yangon disaster-relief warehouse and a Naypyitaw preschool facility.

Myanmar–Russia Energy & Tech Push: President Min Aung Hlaing’s Moscow talks with Vladimir Putin produced new cooperation plans across energy, defence, space exploration and digital technology, with Russia also signaling readiness to supply LNG and other energy deals. Nuclear Power Project: Russia says it is starting implementation of a small modular nuclear power plant in Myanmar, framed as a “symbol of friendship” and linked to scientific research cooperation. Humanitarian & Academic Links: Putin also highlighted expanded humanitarian cooperation plus scientific, academic, youth and sports exchanges, including plans for a Myanmar consulate in Vladivostok and a church agreement in Yangon. Cholera Surge in Yangon: Myanmar’s health system is under strain as Yangon reports 500 hospitalized for severe diarrhoea since Aug 9, with 149 cholera-positive on rapid tests and nine confirmed by the National Health Laboratory. Cybersecurity Risk to Myanmar: Researchers warn of a China-linked espionage campaign using QUIC-based covert C2 traffic, targeting Myanmar government IT and cyber security staff. Digital Trade Portal Security: Justice for Myanmar warns a new “National Single Window” portal contracted to a sanctioned Russian IT firm could expose identity and financial data and expand state digital control. Internet Shutdowns: Myanmar tops a global list for internet shutdowns in 2025, recording 95 disruptions. Heat Threat to Elderly: A study says climate-driven heat risks for older people are worse than previously estimated, with implications for Myanmar’s ageing and vulnerable groups. EV Market Move: South Korean KG Mobility enters Myanmar via SSS Group, launching EV models and aiming for 1,000 vehicle sales this year.

Public Health Alert: Yangon has reported a fast-rising severe diarrhoea outbreak, with 500 hospitalized since Aug 9 and nearly 150 testing positive for cholera; nine cases were confirmed by the National Health Laboratory, raising urgent concerns about safe water and strained healthcare. Cyber & Platform Safety: A new investigation says Meta’s moderation changes are leaving Myanmar users more exposed to online hate, with Rohingya targeted most often and many flagged posts still visible after a month. Digital Trade Security: Myanmar’s junta is building a “National Single Window” portal with Russia’s sanctioned Astra Group, and Justice for Myanmar warns it could expose citizens’ identity and financial data and expand digital surveillance. Energy & Science Diplomacy: Russia says it has started implementing plans for a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar, framed as a boost to bilateral cooperation and scientific research. Connectivity Controls: Myanmar topped a global list of internet shutdowns in 2025, recording 95 disruptions—more than the next two countries combined—highlighting ongoing connectivity restrictions. AI & Language Access: Research highlights why machine translation struggles for “under-resourced” languages, pointing to a lack of usable digital text as the core barrier.

Public Health Alert: Yangon has reported a fast-moving severe diarrhea outbreak, with 500 hospitalized since Aug 9 and 149 rapid-test positives for cholera; nine cases were confirmed by the National Health Laboratory, and officials link the spread to rainy-season drinking water purity problems. Climate & Health Research: A US modeling study in The Lancet Planetary Health says heat risks to older adults are worse than previously estimated because earlier work focused on young, healthy people; it projects dangerous heat exposure for many older people in South Asia and highlights countries including Myanmar. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte (Mustang Panda) upgraded its CoolClient backdoor with a signed Windows kernel-mode rootkit, enabling it to hide processes, files, registry entries and selected command-and-control activity—targeting organizations including Myanmar. Digital Safety & Scams: Reports also highlight how cyber fraud networks use Myanmar-linked scam operations to trap victims abroad, showing the tech-and-human trafficking pipeline behind large-scale fraud. Agriculture & Trade: Myanmar’s GW-11 rice is fetching record prices in the Philippines, with demand pushing exports above 800,000 tonnes since April–August.

Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte/Mustang Panda upgraded the CoolClient backdoor with a signed kernel rootkit for Windows, letting it hide processes, files, registry entries and selected command-and-control activity—making investigations harder; Myanmar was among the targeted countries, following earlier PlugX footholds. Cybercrime & Labor Trafficking: A separate report highlights how victims are trapped in Myanmar-based cyber fraud centres and forced to run scams, with rescues involving Indian cybercrime coordination and Myanmar/Thailand border operations. Sanctions & Tech Procurement: Myanmar’s junta awarded a major trade software contract to a sanctioned Russian tech group, underscoring how software supply chains keep moving despite restrictions. Economy & Financial Tech Impact: World Bank-linked reporting says Myanmar’s banks are buckling under junta rule as the kyat loses roughly three-quarters of its value, squeezing deposits and cutting the sector off from global finance. Diplomacy & Tech/Infrastructure: Min Aung Hlaing heads to Moscow for talks with Putin, with Myanmar-Russia cooperation spanning economic, security and technological sectors, including Dawei SEZ infrastructure. Public Safety: Local officials warn of growing electronic scam threats, adding to the week’s focus on fraud ecosystems.

Cybercrime & Human Trafficking: Two Indian men were rescued from a Chinese-controlled cyber fraud centre in Myanmar’s border region after being forced to target people online, with officials describing the operation as a cross-border mix of coercion, deception, and tech-enabled fraud. Scam Safety in Myanmar: Local officials warn of rising electronic scams, as investigations highlight how modern tools and online networks help fraudsters scale. Malware Watch: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte/Mustang Panda upgraded its CoolClient backdoor with a signed kernel driver to better hide activity on Windows, with intrusions observed across multiple countries including Myanmar. Forced Labour Crackdown: Myanmar’s government reportedly banned a book documenting trafficking of African and Asian workers into border “cyberscam compounds,” where victims are allegedly held and forced to run online fraud. Myanmar Studies in Thailand: The 5th International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS5) concluded at Chiang Mai University, focusing on displacement, conscription, and the crisis along the Thai-Myanmar border. Energy Infrastructure: Reuters says Myanmar is preparing to restart the China-backed Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State, after protests stopped construction in 2011. AI-Generated Wildlife Misinformation: A fact-checking report warns that viral AI wildlife images can mislead the public and even encourage unsafe interactions with animals.

Myanmar Humanitarian & Rights: Myanmar’s foreign ministry says it will accept the return of about 300,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh once security improves, after claiming it verified 426,545 people and identified 308,797 as former Rakhine residents—claims Bangladesh has rejected, as camps face worsening conditions amid declining aid. Public Health in Myanmar: Yangon reports a sharp rise in acute diarrhoea, with 182 hospital admissions in four days and 93 pathogen-positive cases, as monsoon flooding and conflict strain services. Energy Infrastructure: Myanmar is preparing to restart the China-backed $3.6bn Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State, after protests halted construction in 2011; officials say an announcement is coming and completion is targeted within eight years. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky warns HoneyMyte’s CoolClient malware now uses a Windows kernel rootkit to hide processes and resist removal, with attacks reported across Asian countries including Myanmar. Tech & Mobility Training: A Myanmar delegation joined an international seminar in China on satellite navigation systems and drones for emergency response, including visits to science and tech centers in Guiyang and Shenzhen. Regional Energy Trade: Myanmar’s energy minister met Thailand’s counterpart to discuss expanding natural gas cooperation, including possible Thai investment in offshore Block A-6 (Pyitharyar Integrated Project). Governance & Safety: SMM urges tighter controls on low-quality rebar in Thailand/ASEAN, warning that improper refining in induction-furnace steel can weaken ductility—an issue highlighted after a Myanmar-linked earthquake tremor contributed to a Bangkok building collapse.

Myanmar Energy & Infrastructure: Myanmar’s junta is preparing to restart the China-backed $3.6bn Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State, with officials saying an announcement is coming and completion targeted within eight years—after construction was halted in 2011 following major public protests. Public Health in Myanmar: Yangon is seeing a sharp rise in acute diarrhoea cases, with state media reporting 182 hospital admissions over four days and many testing positive for pathogens, as flooding and conflict continue to strain services. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte’s CoolClient backdoor has been upgraded with a Windows rootkit using a signed kernel-mode driver, making it harder for defenders to detect or remove; attacks reportedly include systems in Myanmar. Drones & Emergency Tech: An international seminar in China on satellite navigation and drones for emergencies concluded with Myanmar among participating countries, alongside visits to Chinese tech centers and practical training. Science Policy & Law: Cambridge University Press published Dr. Shahd Hammouri’s book on corporate war profiteering and international law, drawing on conflicts including Myanmar. Human Mobility & Tech-Linked Crime: A report urges the African Union to coordinate rescue and repatriation of Africans trapped in Myanmar-based online scam compounds, calling it industrial-scale forced labour. Regional Clean Energy: ASEAN’s net-zero push is highlighted as crucial but difficult given fossil fuel dependence, with calls for subsidy reform and investment support.

Myanmar Health & Flood Response: Yangon saw a sharp rise in acute diarrhoea cases, with 182 patients admitted over four days and 93 testing positive for pathogens, as monsoon flooding and conflict keep straining services. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte’s CoolClient backdoor has been upgraded with a Windows kernel rootkit, making it harder to detect and remove; attacks reportedly hit systems in Myanmar and other Asian countries. Scam-Compound Human Cost: A South African rights group urges the African Union to coordinate rescue and repatriation of Africans trapped in Myanmar-linked online scam compounds, calling it industrial-scale forced labour. Construction Materials Safety: Thailand’s SMM warns low-quality induction-furnace rebar can fail refining steps, risking inconsistent ductility—an issue highlighted after a Myanmar earthquake’s tremors were linked to a Bangkok building collapse. Drones for Emergencies: An international seminar in China wrapped up on using satellite navigation and drones in disasters, with Myanmar among the participating countries. Myanmar Energy & Offshore Gas: Thailand and Myanmar discussed Thai investment in Myanmar’s ultra-deepwater offshore Block A-6 (Pyitharyar Integrated Project), involving MPRL E&P and partners like Woodside and Total.

Cybersecurity in Myanmar: Kaspersky reports HoneyMyte’s CoolClient malware has been upgraded with a Windows kernel rootkit, using a signed driver to hide processes and block removal—observed in attacks targeting Myanmar and other Asian countries. Public health in Myanmar: Myanmar’s monsoon flooding and conflict backdrop is worsening a diarrhoea surge in Yangon, with state media reporting hundreds of hospital admissions over four days. Disaster response tech: An international seminar in China wrapped up on using satellite navigation and drones for emergencies, with Myanmar among the participating countries and visits to local tech centers. Energy & regional connectivity: Thailand and Myanmar discussed Thai investment in Myanmar’s offshore Block A-6 (Pyitharyar Integrated Project), a technically challenging ultra-deepwater gas project. Drones in the region: A report highlights how drone-enabled combat is spreading in Southeast Asia, pointing to Myanmar’s conflict as a major driver of recorded drone activity. ASEAN & tech rivalry: Experts in Phnom Penh stress ASEAN unity as geopolitics and technology controls reshape trade and security. STEM/heritage links: Chinese researchers dated Yunnan rock art to about 4,220 years ago, suggesting long cultural links that may extend to present-day Myanmar. Trade & textiles: Bangladesh plans to showcase 17 companies at Texworld Paris 2026, listing Myanmar among key sourcing markets.

Myanmar public health: Yangon reports 182 diarrhoea admissions in four days, with 93 pathogen-positive cases, as monsoon flooding and conflict continue to strain services. Disaster response tech: A China-hosted seminar in Guiyang trained Myanmar and other “One Belt, One Road” delegates on satellite navigation and drones for emergencies, with visits to science and tech centers in Guiyang and Shenzhen. Cross-border energy and infrastructure: Thailand and Myanmar discussed Thai investment in Myanmar’s offshore Block A-6 (Pyitharyar Integrated Project), an ultra-deepwater gas development. Security and connectivity: Myanmar’s junta resumes administration in Khampat after recapturing it, while engineering repairs target the Kalay–Tamu highway to reopen a key India border trade corridor. Regional logistics and digitalization: Da Nang forums spotlight digital and green logistics, shared data platforms, and AI/big data/blockchain for supply-chain connectivity. Tech and governance angle: A study finds bat-borne virus genetic fragments in retail bat guano fertilizer in Thailand, raising biosecurity concerns for agricultural workers and handlers.

Myanmar Hydropower Watch: Myanmar’s junta is pushing to restart the long-suspended China-backed Myitsone Dam, with officials saying it will generate electricity and be built to withstand earthquakes, after the project was halted in 2011 over environmental and social concerns. Cross-Border Trade & Security: Regime administration has resumed in Khampat after the military recaptured the area, as engineering units repair bridges on the Kalay–Tamu highway, a key India border trade corridor. Water Quality Cooperation: Thailand and Myanmar signed a three-year TOR to set up a joint working group on transboundary river water quality, targeting pollution linked to rare earth mining in Shan State, with monitoring and data sharing planned. Cyber Scam Spillover: Reports highlight “cyber slavery” networks using Myanmar and Cambodia as scam hubs, with India saying thousands have been repatriated and more are believed trapped. Regional Tech & Logistics: Da Nang’s logistics forum put digital transformation front and center, calling for shared data platforms and AI, big data, and blockchain in greener, connected supply chains. Science & Heritage: Chinese researchers dated Yunnan rock paintings to about 4,220 years ago, pointing to early cultural links that may extend toward Southeast Asia, including present-day Myanmar.

Myanmar Energy & Infrastructure: The junta is pushing to restart the long-suspended Myitsone Dam project, saying it will resume to generate electricity, after years of public opposition and a 2011 suspension. Regional Trade & Transport: Regime administration has returned to Khampat after recapturing it, as military engineering repairs bridges on the Kalay–Tamu highway to reopen a key India-border trade corridor. Water & Environment: Thailand and Myanmar signed a 3-year terms-of-reference for a joint working group on transboundary river water quality, targeting pollution linked to rare earth mining in Shan State—though implementation is constrained by limited government control. Cybersecurity & Human Trafficking: India reports repatriations from cyber scam compounds in Myanmar and highlights “cyber slavery” networks that lure victims with job promises, with passports reportedly confiscated and fraud forced. Public Health & Biosecurity: A study found bat-borne virus genetic fragments in retail bat guano fertilizer in Thailand, raising concerns about weak biosecurity for harvesters and workers. ASEAN Tech/Policy Context: Experts in Phnom Penh argue ASEAN unity is essential as geopolitics reshapes trade, technology controls, sanctions, and supply chains. ASEAN–Myanmar Diplomacy: Min Aung Hlaing’s Thailand visit overlaps with Suu Kyi being allowed an ICRC meeting, framed as part of Myanmar’s push for political legitimacy.

Myanmar–Thailand Diplomacy: President Min Aung Hlaing’s two-day state visit to Bangkok overlaps with Naypyidaw allowing Aung San Suu Kyi to meet an ICRC official—both moves framed as efforts to rebuild political legitimacy. Transboundary Water Pollution: Thailand and Myanmar signed a three-year terms of reference to set up a joint working group on water quality for shared rivers affected by rare earth mining in Shan State, though implementation is constrained by limited government control. Women’s Conscription Denial: The military regime denies reports of forced drafting of women under the People’s Military Service Law, while defector-linked monitoring groups dispute the claim. Security & Rights: A UN investigation says Myanmar’s military has escalated aerial attacks using low-cost aircraft, worsening civilian harm, alongside documented abuses. Cyber/Scams & Finance: The SEC ordered capital market operators to subscribe to Nigeria’s NigSac alerts and freeze funds tied to terrorism financing—another sign of tightening anti-money laundering controls. Tech & Education (Myanmar): Flood warnings were issued for five townships, and a Myanmar-focused piece highlights pre-arrival teacher onboarding modules used at the International School Yangon. Conservation: Myanmar-linked elephant and wildlife coverage continues to spotlight how small populations and habitat pressures make every loss critical.

Myanmar–Thailand Diplomacy: Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing’s Thailand visit overlaps with Aung San Suu Kyi being allowed to meet an ICRC official, as Naypyidaw released the first official photos in years—both moves framed as efforts to build political legitimacy. Conflict & Civilian Harm: A UN investigation says Myanmar’s military has escalated aerial attacks that kill civilians, including use of low-cost aircraft and “double-tap” strikes, while also documenting detention, torture and sexual violence. Conscription Claims: The regime denies reports of forcibly drafting women under the People’s Military Service Law, while defector-linked monitoring groups dispute the claim. Cyber & Scams Context: Regional reporting highlights how telecom fraud and narcotics are increasingly linked in “multi-crime hubs,” with Myanmar named among key borderland areas. Flood Risk: Myanmar’s meteorology department warns of dangerous river-level rises in five townships, urging fast relocation. Education & Tech Skills: A report from Myanmar’s International School Yangon describes pre-arrival onboarding modules to better connect new teachers to school culture. Climate Finance Scrutiny: Civil society groups urge SK Telecom to stop investing in a Myanmar cookstove carbon project, citing human-rights risks and inflated emissions claims.