Top News Headline In Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Vietnam: Jan 5, 2025

SINGAPORE

1.MUM DIDN’T KNOW SON WAS MARRIED: MORE SHAM MARRIAGES IN S’PORE IN 2024 -- THE STRAITS TIMES

According to marriage documents, a man living in a Bukit Batok flat had been married to a Vietnamese woman for several years and was living with her there.

2.SINGAPORE ADULTS' ABILITY TO READ OR WRITE IN ENGLISH IS BELOW OECD AVERAGE. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? -- CNA

At work, Mr Ng Jing Feng has had to spend hours rewriting poorly worded reports produced by his colleagues.

THAILAND

1. THAI ORGANISATION QUESTIONED OVER POLICE TRAINING COURSE FOR FOREIGNERS -- The Nation

Interior Ministry acts on post by MP alleging training for Chinese nationals and issuance of ID cards.

2. BMA EXPLORES NEW WAYS TO CURB HARMFUL DUST PARTICLES IN CITY -- Bangkok Post The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is stepping up efforts to solve the dust problem in the capital, which is expected to stay at present high levels until next month.

CAMBODIA

1.ATHLETES ON TRACK FOR TWO MAJOR GAMES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia said athletes are ready for the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain and the 33rd SEA Games 2025 in Thailand. The Asian Youth Games Organising Committee will be established this year to host the event in 2029.  

2.PROTECTING NATION’S NATIVE ORCHIDS -- FRESH NEWS

The Kesor Kol Sok An Phnom Kulen Research and Conservation Center in Siem Reap preserves, researches and promotes over 500 species of orchids. The centre estimates that Cambodia may be home to about 500 to 1,000 species of orchids.

MYANMAR

1.NEARLY 6,000 PRISONERS RELEASED FROM JAIL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government granted amnesty to 5,864 local and 180 foreign prisoners from jails nationwide to mark the 77th Independence Day and on humanitarian grounds. Authorities released 1,009 prisoners from the main Insein Prison, located in the old capital, Yangon.

2.PEACE KEY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said peace and stability without armed conflicts are key to development. The construction of infrastructure and the economy will boom, helping to deliver education, health and other social needs for the people.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM EYES TO BE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government’s plan is to transform Vietnam into a major regional and international financial centre. Two cities, Ho Chi Minh City and the central city of Da Nang, have been earmarked as key players to become financial centres that will drive the national economy.

2.FLOWER FAIRS TO WELCOME LUNAR NEW YEAR -- VIETNAM NEWS

Ho Chi Minh City will host flower fairs at Binh Dong Wharf from January 14 to 28 to attract visitors. The fair will feature 700 stalls and boats displaying various flowers and fruits from the Mekong Delta provinces and Dalat City.

-- BERNAMA