INDONESIA
1. INDONESIA NEEDS RP300 TRILLION FOR TOTAL WASTE MANAGEMENT BY 2029 -- ANTARA
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq revealed that the investment required to achieve a total waste management by 2029 will reach approximately Rp300 trillion, including the transformation of open dumping landfills.
2. CLEAN ENERGY PLEDGE RINGS HOLLOW AMID COAL SUBSIDIES -- THE JAKARTA POST
Despite pledges of a swift transition to renewable sources of energy, the planned 2026 budget pours more into fuel and coal subsidies than into clean energy, casting doubt on the government’s commitment.
LAOS
1. CENTRAL BANK SLASHES INTEREST RATE -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Bank of Lao has lowered its seven-day basic interest rate to nine per cent per year to increase liquidity in the market. The previous interest rate was between 10.5 per cent and 10 per cent.
2. LUANG PRABANG WOOS OVER TWO MILLION VISITORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Popular tourist destination Luang Prabang welcomed over 2.1 million visitors, both domestic and foreign, in the first seven months of this year. The former royal capital is known for river cruises, traditional markets and cultural performances.
MYANMAR
1. HOTELS RETURN TO BUSINESS AFTER EARTHQUAKE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Over 40 per cent of hotels damaged by the Mandalay earthquake in the capital Nay Pyi Taw have resumed operations. About 60 damaged hotels and guesthouses have been repaired. Three hotels collapsed during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in March.
2. MINOR EARTHQUAKES FELT IN YANGON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Four earthquakes were reported in the southeast of Yangon on August 20-21. Authorities are advising people in tall and old buildings to be extra alert as several smaller earthquakes have been experienced in the last few days.
PHILIPPINES
1. RAINS TO PREVAIL ACROSS PH ON FRIDAY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
A huge part of the country will continue to experience rains caused by a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or "habagat", the weather bureau said on Friday.
2. PREEMPTIVE EVACUATIONS START IN ALBAY AS LPA, 'HABAGAT' AFFECT PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Local disaster councils were ordered to carry out preemptive evacuations of residents in several areas of Guinobatan, Albay, on Friday amid expected rains brought by a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon or "habagat."
SINGAPORE
1. NEW ACS SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL TO TAKE IN 100 PUPILS WITH AUTISM IN JANUARY 2026 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
A new special education (Sped) school for children with autism will take in 100 pupils across Primary 1 and 2 when it opens in January 2026.
2. THE REALITIES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS IN A FLAT IN SINGAPORE, AND HOW SOME PEOPLE MAKE IT WORK -- CNA
The aroma of grilled meat wafts through the air as diners troop in to Ng Tiong Jin’s home. And for a few hours each time, his Ang Mo Kio four-room flat transforms into a restaurant, filled with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. Wagyu tomahawk steak is often the main draw of his private dining experience, TJBBQ.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND TO HOST GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT 2026, SET TO DRIVE WELLNESS ECONOMY -- THE NATION
Thailand has been selected to host the prestigious Global Wellness Summit 2026 (GWS 2026). The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine said this marks a golden opportunity to promote Thai health and beauty products worldwide.
2. COURT WRAPS UP HEARING IN PM'S PHONE CALL CASE -- BANGKOK POST
The Constitutional Court on Thursday finished hearing testimony from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra about her leaked phone call with Cambodian strongman Hun Sen, and confirmed it would announce its ruling on Aug 29 as scheduled.
VIETNAM
1. TRADITIONAL CRAFT A BOOST TO RURAL ECONOMY -- VIETNAMPLUS
Hanoi’s One Commune One Product strategy is adding a new dimension to its rural economy. About 100 craft villages are generating significant revenue and creating jobs for rural workers.
2. HANOI PUSHES MARITIME DIPLOMACY WITH JAKARTA -- VIETNAM NEWS
The Vietnam Coast Guard vessel CSB 8001 departed on Thursday for an official visit to Indonesia. The visit is to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam National Day.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
