Top News Headlines In Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam & Indonesia: Jan 23, 2025

SINGAPORE

1. EBRC FORMATION: WHEN COULD GE2025 BE HELD AND HOW MIGHT ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES BE REDRAWN? -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The formation of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) on Jan 22 kicked off the election process for Singapore.

bootstrap slideshow

2. NEW GRC, SMC LIKELY IN NEXT GENERAL ELECTION, CONTEST AS EARLY AS APRIL: ANALYSTS -- CNA

The terms of reference laid out for the body reviewing Singapore’s electoral boundaries indicate the possible creation of a new Group Representative Constituency (GRC) and a Single Member Constituency (SMC), political observers told CNA.

CAMBODIA

1. CAMBODIA TRADE WITH RCEP HITS RM155 BILLION -- FRESH NEWS 

The Ministry of Commerce said Cambodia's total trade with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members touched RM155 billion (US$34.5 billion) last year. RCEP was enforced on January 1, 2021, paving the way for regional trade in goods, services and investment. 

2. RAILWAY FREIGHT GROWS TO OVER ONE MILLION -- FRESH NEWS

The transportation of goods along the two major railway lines reached 1.16 million tonnes last year. The two main lines are —the northern line (Phnom Penh to Poipet) and the southern line (Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville).

LAOS

1. LAOS-JAPAN SHIFT TO COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and Japan renewed bilateral ties by upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bolstering their 70th diplomatic ties. Plans to introduce direct flights and extend the visa waiver for Japanese from 15 to 30 days are in place.  

2. YOUTH ENGAGED TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Climate Exchange Campaign was launched to empower youths to tackle environmental woes through sustainable consumption and production practices. The campaign aims to help the next generation protect the environment by reducing single-use plastics and fostering environmental awareness.

MYANMAR

1. FORCES TO MASTER MODERN MILITARY SCIENCE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing urged the armed forces to research and develop military strategies, weaponry and military sciences to keep pace with changing times. This is vital in an era driven by technology and artificial intelligence.

2. MINISTRY TO EXPLORE NEW OIL, GAS FIELDS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Ministry of Energy will explore new oil and gas fields to meet its  “2025, the Year of Myanmar Energy” vision. The government and universities will conduct the research and develop the needed human capital to support the sector.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM MAINTAINS ITS REGIONAL ECONOMIC STATUS -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam is forecast to achieve 6.5 per cent growth this year, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN Plus Three region. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office said Vietnam maintained a robust export sector despite global trade tensions.

2. ASEAN NEEDS PROGRESSIVE MINDSET TO SUCCEED -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said ASEAN needs to embrace a smart era with a mindset of being ready to “think deep and do big". Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are key driving forces for breakthroughs.

INDONESIA

1. TITIEK, NAVY CHIEF TAKE LEAD IN REMOVING SEA FENCE -- THE JAKARTA POST

Navy chief of staff Adm. Muhammad Ali and the chair of House of Representatives Commission IV overseeing maritime affairs, Siti Hedijati “Titiek” Soeharto, led a flotilla of Navy and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry personnel on Wednesday to dismantle a section of an unlicensed sea fence off the coast of Tangerang, Banten.

2. PRABOWO SAYS INDONESIA TO ACHIEVE FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY THIS YEAR -- JAKARTA GLOBE

President Prabowo Subianto announced on Wednesday that Indonesia will no longer rely on imports for key food commodities, including rice, corn, and salt, by the end of 2025.

-- BERNAMA