Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore And Thailand: Aug 27, 2025

INDONESIA

1. BORDER CLASH HIGHLIGHTS DECADES-OLD RIFT BETWEEN INDONESIAN AND TIMOR-LESTE COMMUNITIES -- Jakarta Globe

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An Indonesian villager was injured on Monday after Timor-Leste border patrol officers opened fire during an altercation in a contested frontier area, underscoring the unresolved land disputes that continue to strain relations between communities on both sides of the border.

2 . REVAMP OF LOCAL CONTENT RULES RILES BUSINESSES -- The Jakarta Post

The government plans to cut local content requirement scores for goods made through contract manufacturers, a move business groups say will dent investment and competitiveness more than it will help the country to woo foreign capital.

PHILIPPINES

1. LPA TO BRING ‘SIGNIFICANT’ RAINS, ANOTHER LPA SPOTTED OFF PANGASINAN -- Philippine News Agency

A low-pressure area (LPA) in the vicinity of Patnanungan, Quezon, will continue to bring “significant and widespread rains” over large parts of Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wednesday.

SINGAPORE

1. SAF, HOME TEAM STEP UP CHECKS FOR VAPES IN MILITARY CAMPS, TRAINING SCHOOLS -- The Straits Times

The Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team have stepped up their enforcement against e-vaporisers in military camps, bases and training schools.

2. SINGAPORE BIOTECH FIRM TO DEVELOP AI PLATFORM FOR DRUG DISCOVERY WITH HELP OF TECH FIRMS -- The Straits Times

Singapore biotech firm Nanyang Biologics is expanding and diversifying its revenue stream beyond discovering cancer and neurodegenerative disorder drugs by supercharging its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drug discovery platform.

3. NUS SCIENTIST WANTS TO EXPAND RESEARCH TO HELP VULNERABLE GROUPS IN S’PORE, S-E ASIA BEAT THE HEAT -- The Straits Times

Years of record-breaking temperatures and severe heatwaves have made heat an issue that governments around the world are increasingly paying attention to.

THAILAND

1. KAJIKI BATTERS PHRAE: MULTIPLE FLOODS FORCE ROAD CLOSURES -- The Nation

Tropical storm Kajiki causes severe flooding in Phrae, submerging homes and farmland. Authorities warn residents to stay alert and follow safety updates.

2. PAETONGTARN CONFIDENT OF RETURN AS PM -- Bangkok Post

Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed optimism about resuming her duties during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, voicing her determination to return to work later this week.

-- BERNAMA