Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Feb 10, 2025

INDONESIA

1. GOV’T TO MAINTAIN SUBSIDISED LPG PRICE AT RP 19,000, AIMS TO PREVENT RP 26 TRILLION IN LOSSES -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Indonesian government is working to improve the distribution system for subsidised 3-kilogramme cooking gas canisters to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries and prevent an estimated Rp 26 trillion (US$1.6 billion) in annual subsidy losses, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said recently.

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2. CONCERN AS PRABOWO DEPENDS ON MILITARY -- THE JAKARTA POST

President Prabowo Subianto has, once again, shown reliance on the Indonesian Military (TNI) to make his administration’s priority programmes a success, stoking concerns of military overreach into civilian affairs that could regress the country’s democracy and human rights.

LAOS

1. LAO PM WANTS PATRIOTIC MEDIA TO BUILD UNITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone wants the media to play an important role in national development, especially in promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. The media can help national development efforts and counter fake news that can undermine unity.

2. UN-HABITAT SUPPORTS LOA’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and the UN-Habitat continue strengthening their commitment to sustainable urban development, climate change, infrastructure resilience and improved public services. They want to ensure that urban and rural communities benefit from long-term and inclusive development strategies in the country. 

MYANMAR

1. ARTISTES URGED TO PROMOTE NATIONAL HARMONY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Local artistes were advised to support national and ethnic interests to promote nation-building through their work. They should play a critical role in eliminating false news that could harm religion, and culture, mislead young people and stifle national unity.

2. SMALL BUSINESSES ADVISED TO EXPLORE OVERSEAS MARKETS --  THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) are urged to develop high-quality products for exports and not just rely on local demand. The MSME Product Exhibition and Competition is being held from February 10 to 14 to promote their role in the economy. 

SINGAPORE

1. TRAIN SERVICES ON NEL DELAYED DURING MORNING PEAK HOUR DUE TO SIGNALLING FAULT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Those travelling on the North East Line (NEL) can expect longer travelling time due to a signalling fault in Buangkok on the morning of Feb 10, train operator SBS Transit said.

2. CATHAY CINEPLEXES OPERATOR SAYS IT WON'T GIVE UP DESPITE FINANCIAL STRUGGLES -- CNA

Despite its financial struggles, the owner and operator of Cathay Cineplexes is not giving up on the silver screen. 

THAILAND

1. TEARS OF JOY: FIVE FORMER HAMAS HOSTAGES RETURN HOME -- THE NATION

Five Thai nationals held captive by Hamas for over a year returned to Thailand on Sunday, reuniting with their tearful families at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

2. SCAMMER FIGHT ‘NOT YET OVER’ -- BANGKOK POST

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has urged communities in Myanmar to support efforts to crack down on call-centre scammers along the border, saying Thailand will resume the supply of power and internet to the neighbouring country once criminal networks are rooted out of the areas concerned.

VIETNAM

1. CHINA-VIETNAM FREIGHT MOVEMENT JUMP 760 PER CENT -- VIETNAMPLUS

China Railway Group Nanning Branch Co Ltd said Guangxi province exported 3,062 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of goods to Vietnam in January — an increase of 760 per cent over the same period last year. Diesel engines, fibreboard and LCD screens were transported. 

2. ONLINE SPENDING HIT RM155 MILLION A DAY -- VNEXPRESS 

Consumers spent an average RM155 million (US$35 million) a day last year on online shopping across five e-commerce platforms. Many Vietnamese spend on beauty products, home, lifestyle, fashion, grocery and food using Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Tiki, and Sendo platforms.

-- BERNAMA