Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar & Vietnam: Nov 17, 2024

INDONESIA

1.ASPEBINDO: INDONESIA SHOULD LEVERAGE ITS POSITION TO SHAPE GLOBAL COAL PRICES -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia, as the world’s largest coal exporter, has the potential to play a bigger role in determining global coal prices, the Indonesian Energy, Mineral, and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo) said on Friday. The group urged President Prabowo Subianto's administration to take strategic steps to strengthen the country’s influence in the global market.

2.LEWOTOBI ERUPTION: MINISTRY PROVIDES AID WORTH RP6.2 BLN TO VICTIMS -- ANTARA

The Ministry of Social Affairs has sent assistance worth Rp6.2 billion (US$390,000) in total for residents affected by the eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. An official at the ministry's Directorate of Social Protection of Natural Disaster Victims, Taufik Syaera, informed that the ministry has sent disaster relief aid in four batches, with the most recent one arriving in East Flores from Kupang on Friday.

THAILAND

1. MICHELIN GUIDE THAILAND ADDS 10 NEW EATERIES IN OCTOBER -- The Nation

Michelin Guide Thailand recently added 10 new establishments in the October 2024 edition of the restaurant guide, covering recommended spots to dine in several cities in Thailand.

2. IMMIGRATION SPEED AND SECURITY TO THE FORE -- Bangkok Post

The Immigration Bureau (IB) aims to improve its work at Suvarnabhumi airport by implementing new technology, including the Thailand Immigration System (TIS).

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE TO HOST APEC SUMMIT IN 2030 -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore has offered to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in 2030, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 16.

2.DESPITE THE BAD RAP, TELEMEDICINE IS THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE -- CNA

For the past 14 months, the telemedicine hotline operated by Mr Sivachandran Murugasu’s company has been getting 60 to 90 calls daily.

MYANMAR

1.INDONESIA TOP MYANMAR RICE IMPORTER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Rice Federation said Indonesia is the top importer of Myanmar’s rice, with over 360,000 tonnes in the past seven mont s. China was the second largest importer, followed by Belgium and the           Philippines. The Federation aims to achieve 2.5 million tonnes of rice exports during the same period. 

2.CHINA’S SOLAR POWER LIGHTS UP LOCAL VILLAGE - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

China’s State Power Investment Corporation is installing solar power in villages to eliminate poverty among the local community in Kachin state. The company has successfully installed solar power in Rijo village, a project that is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM CALLS FOR AGILE APEC TO PROTECT GLOBAL TRADE -- VIETNAMPLUS

While addressing the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Peru, Vietnam President Luong Cuong said the trade forum needs structural reforms and must be agile, adaptive and a forward-              thinking institution to protect the global economy that faces multiple challenges. 

2.VIETNAM STEPS UP MARITIME SECURITY AHEAD OF NEW YEAR -- VIETNAM NEWS

Coast guards are strengthening maritime security ahead of the Lunar New Year by combating crime in the high seas. They are targeting human traffickers, smuggling of narcotics and counterfeit goods via sea. The operation that started this month ends in February next year.

-- BERNAMA