Top News Headlines In Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam: Dec 30, 2024

SINGAPORE

1.SINGPOST BOARD OUTLINES DETAILS OF PROCEEDINGS THAT LED IT TO FIRE ITS CEO AND TWO SENIOR EXECUTIVES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

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Singapore Post (SingPost) on Dec 29 published a detailed account of the disciplinary proceedings leading to the sacking of three of its senior executives, saying that the company’s board of directors had ensured due diligence, and that the three had an opportunity to be heard before making its decision.

2.SINGPOST'S BOARD SAYS DECISION TO SACK 3 TOP EXECUTIVES WAS 'CAREFULLY CONSIDERED', RELEASES DETAILED TIMELINE -- CNA

Singapore Post's board responded late on Sunday (Dec 29) to questions from stakeholders about its decision to sack three top executives at the same time, saying it was "carefully considered".

THAILAND

1. THAILAND WELCOMES 35+ MILLION VISITORS IN 2024, PAVING THE WAY FOR 2025 -- THE NATION

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announces that international tourist arrivals have surpassed the target of 35 million visitors in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion Baht in tourism revenue.

2. NO LOBBYING IN THAKSIN PROBE: NACC -- BANGKOK POST

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) denies it has been lobbied to change a commissioner to sway an investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's police hospital detention.

LAOS 

1.AIMING TO BE MORE ECONOMIC SELF-RELIANT IN 2025 -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone wants to transform Laos into an independent and self-reliant economy by 2025. The government is mulling ways to modernise public administration, attract foreign investment and technical assistance, and manage special economic zones.

2.LAO WANTS VIETNAM'S HELP TO BUILD OIL REFINERY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos is seeking Vietnamese expertise to construct an oil refinery that will improve the country’s fuel supply and reduce imported fuel. This is part of the strategic partnership between the two nations to deepen long-standing bilateral relations.

MYANMAR

1.INVESTMENTS WORTH RM239 MILLION SANCTIONED THIS YEAR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Yangon Region Investment Committee approved 60 new investment projects this year, creating 29,290 job opportunities. Forty-three projects were foreign investments worth RM239 million (US$53 million), while the balance was from local investors.

2.TRADE EXPO TO BOLSTER SMALL-SCALE BUSINESS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

A national-level exhibition for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises is being planned to take place in Nay Pyi Taw soon. The expo aims to support small-scale businesses by promoting their products and expanding both local and international markets for future growth.

VIETNAM

1.ANTI-DUMPING ACTION TO PROTECT WIND ENERGY SECTOR -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Vietnam imposed anti-dumping measures on made-in-China wind turbine towers to protect its local industries. The Ministry of Industry and Trade said the five-year trade defence action was imposed on cheap wind turbine towers sold in the market. 

2.NEW INCENTIVE MODEL TO PROMOTE USE OF TECHNOLOGY -- VIETNAM NEWS  

Ho Chi Minh City plans to implement a new incentive model to encourage businesses to utilise science and technology development funds for research. It will simplify the application process for these funds, making it easier for business operators to access funding and accelerate innovation.

-- BERNAMA