Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand And Vietnam: Dec 25, 2024

CAMBODIA

1. REFORMS INTENSIFIED AHEAD OF EXITING LDC -- THE PHNOM PENH POST 

As Cambodia prepares to shed its Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2029, reforms are escalated to woo foreign direct investments and promote locally made products. Promoting diverse investment opportunities and developing a strong human capital are top priorities.

2. KOREAN FUNDS TO DEVELOP AGRI SECTOR -- FRESH NEWS 

The Korean International Cooperation Agency confirmed its RM54 million (US$12 million) grant to improve the capacity and quality of agricultural extension services in Cambodia from 2025 to 2030. This five-year programme aims to improve local farmers’ livelihoods.

INDONESIA

1. BALI SET TO PUNISH TRAVELERS WHO DO NOT PAY TOURISM TAX LEVY IN 2025 -- THE BALI SUN

The Bali Provincial Government has confirmed that they will be implementing stricter rules regarding the Bali Tourism Tax Levy. The mandatory tourism tax was introduced on the 14th of February, 2024, but with over 60% of tourists failing to pay their way, leaders want to crack down on tourists dodging the IDR 150,000 fee.

2. PDI-P CLAIMS CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST HASTO KRISTIYANTO ARE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) alleged on Tuesday that political motives were behind the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) decision to name its secretary-general, Hasto Kristiyanto, as a corruption suspect.

MYANMAR

1. SUBMARINE DESTROYERS TO PROTECT MARITIME ZONE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The government commissioned two locally built submarine destroyers yesterday to transform its navy capabilities into a regional force protecting Myanmar’s exclusive economic zone. The warships were commissioned during the 77th Anniversary Tatmadaw (Navy) Day ceremony in Yangon. 

2. SOARING CORN EXPORTS AS PRICES REMAIN HIGH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanmar Corn Industrial Association said it has exported over 1.7 million tonnes of maize this year. Maize prices have remained high due to foreign demand. Myanmar’s maize is currently sold to India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. 

SINGAPORE

1. BANGLADESH PROBES SINGAPOREAN TYCOON FOR FINANCIAL CRIMES; HIS LAWYERS CALL IT A SMEAR CAMPAIGN -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A Singaporean billionaire is being investigated by the authorities in Bangladesh over a range of financial crimes, including money laundering, allegations that his lawyers say are part of a smear campaign.

2. MORE OF THE WORLD’S MEDICINES COULD GET MADE IN INDIA, IF IT CAN CURE ITS PHARMA ILLS -- CNA

Amid a rash of drug-related recalls and deaths, India’s pharmaceutical sector is racing to improve its quality and safety standards as it eyes a greater share of the global market.

THAILAND

1. FINANCE MINISTRY SET TO SELECT NEW CHAIRMAN OF BOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- The Nation

The Ministry of Finance is preparing to select a new chairman of the Bank of Thailand's board of directors to replace Kittiratt Na-Ranong after the Office of the Council of State disqualified him for the role. The disqualification was based on the interpretation that his position as an adviser to the prime minister qualifies as holding a political office.

 2. THAKSIN URGES COALITION UNITY -- Bangkok Post

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called for unity among coalition parties to ensure the government gets to complete its full term in office.

VIETNAM

1. JOINT MARITIME PATROLLING TO STOP CRIME AT HIGH SEAS -- THE VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and Chinese coast guards conducted the fourth joint patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and Dongxing City in China's Guangxi province. The patrolling was to curb crimes and legal violations at sea, especially during the festival period.

2. TRANSFORMING AGRI SECTOR TO BE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY -- THE VIETNAMPLUS 

Vietnam is modernising its agricultural production to focus on ecological, organic, circular and low-emission methods to achieve its net-zero emission goal by 2050. The sector is exposed to climate change impacts and also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

-- BERNAMA