Top News Headlines In Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam: Nov 12, 2024

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE AND CHINA STEP UP COOPERATION, REFRESH TIES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore and China took steps to refresh their relationship and deepen collaboration in areas such as trade and finance at the apex bilateral cooperation meeting between the two countries on Nov 11.

2.MONUMENTS BOARD TO MAKE INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF EARLIER FINDINGS IN PRESERVATION STUDY OF OXLEY ROAD -- CNA

Another study on 38 Oxley Road is needed as the findings of previous research of the property were not presented to the Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board (PSM AB), which will use the information as part of its independent assessment, said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong on Monday (Nov 11).

THAILAND

1. 2 KEY BANGKOK MOTORWAYS TO BE TOLL-FREE DURING NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS -- THE NATION 

Toll waiver on Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya and outer ring road to be effective from December 26 to January 2 in a bid to ease congestion.

2. BMA CALLS FOR 'FOAM-FREE' FESTIVAL -- BANGKOK POST

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is asking city residents to go "zero-foam" for this year's Loy Krathong festival, urging those who want to take part in the ceremony to look into biodegradable floats to help protect the environment.

INDONESIA

1.PRABOWO TOUCHES DOWN IN US WITH OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AHEAD -- THE JAKARTA POST

President Prabowo Subianto arrived in the United States on Monday amid hopes for a steadier Indonesia-US relationship, as US president-elect Donald Trump's victory looks set to present both challenges and opportunities on the international stage.

2.BNI SECURES US$600 MLN LOAN FACILITY FROM SIX INTERNATIONAL BANKS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has secured a US$600 million (Rp 9.5 trillion) loan facility from six international banks to support its refinancing needs and general funding requirements. BNI's Director of Wholesale and International Banking, Agung Prabowo, explained that this loan facility will positively impact the company's financial condition.

LAOS

1.LAOS PARTNERS WITH CHINESE FIRMS TO DEVELOP HUMAN CAPITAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos is engaging with Chinese companies to develop its human capital by providing skills and professional training to support investments and businesses. It wants to attract high-quality foreign companies and create jobs in the construction, insurance, financial services and logistics sectors. 

2.TAPPING INTO LARGE-SCALE FRUIT PLANTATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos has ventured into a major fruit plantation project covering 1,703 hectares in four villages in Borikhamxay province that will begin operations next year. Avocado, coconut, jackfruit and mango will be cultivated for local and export markets.

MYANMAR

1.CALENDAR PRINTERS PUBLISHING WRONG PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WARNED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Ministry of Information has warned printers who publish incorrect public holidays in next year’s calendars. The ministry, which supervises printing and publishing activities, discovered that some calendars contained wrong dates of public holidays in the country.

2. MYANMAR-CHINA MEDIA COOPERATION IN THE PIPELINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A 48-member delegation will attend the 2024 China-Myanmar Cultural Exchange Week and the fourth Twin City Mediahu Forum in Kunming, Yunnan Province, to enhance media cooperation. This event is a           prelude to the 2024 China-ASEAN Cultural Exchange Year.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM SIGNED 17 TRADE PACTS TO PROPEL ITS ECONOMY -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Vietnam has signed 17 Free Trade Agreements and is negotiating two more as of October this year. This reflects the government’s seriousness about promoting economic integration and connecting to global supply chains to boost exports and drive the nation’s economic growth. 

2.GOVT MULLS BANNING E-CIGARETTES -- VIETNAMPLUS

The National Assembly is debating on banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as they pose potential health and safety risks. The move is to curb the usage of such products that are rising among           the young population, especially women and girls. 

-- BERNAMA