Top News Headlines In Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam & Indonesia: Dec 24, 2024

SINGAPORE

1. SINGPOST’S DISMISSAL OF THREE SENIOR EXECS ‘UNPRECEDENTED’; SHAREHOLDERS SEEK MORE DETAILS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore Post’s dismissal of three senior executives, including its group chief executive and group chief financial officer, is unprecedented for a major Singapore-listed company, and highlights the importance of corporate governance, analysts said.

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2. SINGPOST SACKINGS: 'UNPRECEDENTED' FOR A SINGAPORE FIRM TO FIRE 3 TOP EXECUTIVES, SHOWS SEVERITY OF ISSUE, SAY EXPERTS -- CNA

Singapore Post's termination of its three top executives is a case rarely seen in Singapore’s corporate governance scene, experts said.

THAILAND

1. LAST QUARTER OF 2024 EXPECTED TO REVEAL POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH -- THE NATION

Government economic stimulus measures anticipated to boost purchasing power and consumption in first quarter of 2025.

2. DECREE TO RING IN TOP-UP TAX IN 2025 -- BANGKOK POST

The government says it is committed to implementing an emergency decree for the so-called Top-Up Tax in 2025, with expectations of increasing state revenue by over 10 billion baht per year.

CAMBODIA

1. EXITING LDC WILL PUSH FOR MORE DEVELOPMENT -- FRESH NEWS 

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said exiting from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category will help the country move towards more self-reliance. Cambodia will focus on developing into a middle-income nation and graduate from LDC status by 2029.

2. VACCINATION DRIVE TO PROTECT KIDS FROM MEASLES -- THE PHNOM PENH POST

The Health Ministry has launched a measles-rubella immunisation campaign to protect 1.5 million children’s health amid rising measles cases. Schools and border areas are reported to be prone to measles cases this year.

LAOS

1. USAID LITERACY PROJECT IMPROVING LAO KIDS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Learn to Read project, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has distributed over 800,000 textbooks and one million storybooks. This initiative aims to improve the quality of basic education and will benefit 1,161 pre-primary and primary schools.

2. LAO EXPANDS MACADAMIA NUT, DURIAN CULTIVATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Another 150 hectares will be planted with macadamia nuts and durians for exports. At present 170 durian farms covering 20,000 hectares yield 900 tonnes. Lao targets to harvest durians from 270,000 trees that are expected to yield 24,300 tonnes by 2029.

MYANMAR

1. BOLSTERING TRADE TIES WITH EURASIAN BLOC -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and the Eurasian Economic Commission conducted a video conference to discuss trade facilitation, upgrade customs regulations and strengthen regional economic stability. The goal is to enhance trade ties between Myanmar and the Eurasian member states.

2. CROCODILE FARM REOPENS FOR TOURISTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Yangon’s Thakayta Crocodile Farm is open for tourists after it was closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the rare species the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is bred here and 631 crocodiles have been hatched on the farm this year.

VIETNAM

1 .CYBER ATTACKS TARGETING BUSINESS ON THE RISE -- VIETNAMPLUS

The National Cybersecurity Association is urging business owners to raise awareness and invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions after over 650,000 cases were reported this year. The association is advising companies and organisations to conduct regular system vulnerability assessments as a preventive measure. 

2. NATIONAL-LEVEL FARMERS DIALOGUE ON THE CARDS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will conduct a national dialogue with farmers before the end of this year to address their concerns. The annual session will focus on issues related to cooperatives and businesses in the agricultural sector.

INDONESIA

1. RUPIAH DEPRECIATION LIKELY TO CONTINUE INTO 2025, SAYS BANK MANDIRI ECONOMIST -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia's rupiah is expected to face continued depreciation into early 2025, according to Dian Ayu Yustina, Head of Macroeconomic and Financial Market Research at Bank Mandiri.

2. TRAVELERS HIT THE ROAD FOR YEAR-END HOLIDAYS -- THE JAKARTA POST

Millions of Indonesians have begun hitting the road for the Christmas and New Year holidays, as authorities put policies in place for smooth and safe travel.

-- BERNAMA