Most Southeast Asian stocks rose on Friday, with Indonesia hitting a five-month high, as upbeat US manufacturing activity numbers helped boost appetite for risky assets, but concerns about China's economic growth kept investors from rushing to buy some emerging market shares.

The Jakarta Composite Index rose 0.7 per cent by mid-day to its highest level since September 20, led by financial and infrastructure shares, with both sub-sectors touching five-month highs.

"We continue to suggest buy on weakness on market as we remain bullish on long-term outlook," Trimegah Securities said in a note.

Investors were upbeat after an industry report on Thursday showed manufacturing activity in the United States accelerated in February at its fastest pace in nearly four years due in part to growth in new orders.

However, concerns about China's slowing growth dented sentiment.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index rose 0.6 per cent to a one-month high and was headed for the strongest weekly gain in five months. The city-state's economy grew faster than expected in the fourth quarter of 2013.

"However, there could be a cap on the upside as the Singapore budget, to be announced this afternoon, may still have some surprises especially on the personal income tax front," Singapore-based NetResearch Asia said in research note. "We do not expect curbs on property investment to be lifted yet."

Genting Singapore Plc shares were down 3.6 per cent by 0542 GMT, after the casino operator reported a 32 per cent slump in fourth-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Vietnam's VN Index edged up 0.1 per cent as sentiment was positive after solid bargain-buying by foreign investors in the previous session.

Shares in Malaysia and Thailand were steady.

In Bangkok, shares of companies with links to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declined. Property developer SC Asset Corp lost 1.9 per cent, while telecom company M Link Asia Corp shares were down 2.6 per cent, as anti-government protesters turned to social media to attack businesses linked to her family on Thursday.

Foreign investors have sold about US$984 million worth of shares on a net basis in 19 straight sessions through Thursday, Reuters data showed.

Bucking the trend, Philippines shares fell 0.7 per cent, snapping a five-session gaining streak and down from a near 3-1/2 month closing high in the previous session.-- Reuters