Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : Feb 13, 2025

INDONESIA

1.AMID GLOBAL TRADE UPHEAVAL, JAKARTA STICKS TO CHINA+1 STRATEGY -- THE JAKARTA POST

Indonesia continues to pitch itself as an alternative location for export-focused factories as the United States piles pressure on China with increased tariffs, but experts say the benefits of the so-called China+1 strategy are waning as global trade undergoes a seismic shift.

2.NEW ACEH GOVERNOR VOWS TO REPEAL PERTAMINA’S FUEL RESTRICTIONS ON INAUGURATION DAY -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Newly inaugurated Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf vowed on Wednesday to repeal restrictions on the purchase of subsidised vehicle fuels imposed by state-owned energy company Pertamina.

LAOS 

1.PM INVITES ARAB INVESTORS TO TAP ENERGY SECTOR -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone is encourage the United Arab Emirates companies to tap business opportunities in Laos that can boost trade and investment between the two countries. He said Laos has vast potential to develop hydropower, solar and wind energy.

2.LAOS-VIETNAM TO UPHOLD ROBUST BILATERAL TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES.

Laos and Vietnam vowed to continue their commitment to building strong economic, trade and investment ties. Vietnam has assisted Laos in maintaining macroeconomic stability and building an independent and self-reliant economy. Last year’s bilateral trade amounted to RM10 billion (US$2.25 billion).

MYANMAR

1.SINGAPORE TOP INVESTOR IN MYANMAR’S ECONOMY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Singapore is the top investor during the April-January, the current financial year 2024-2025, with nearly RM2 billion (US$446.65 million) in investments. Singapore companies invested in urban development, real estate, transport and communication, oil and gas, power and manufacturing sectors.

2.ANCIENT TOWER DISCOVERED IN BAGO EXCAVATION SITE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Archaeologists discovered a buried turret (tower) during an excavation work at the ancient city of Toungoo Ketumati in the Bago Region. The city of Ketumati was established by King Mingyi Nyo in AD 1510.  Excavations have so far reached about 15 metres.

SINGAPORE

1.RECENT GEOPOLITICAL MOVES COULD LEAD TO FURTHER TRADE DISRUPTIONS, WARNS CHEE HONG TAT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore must expect more disruptions to global trade on the horizon in the wake of recent geopolitical developments, including the latest trade policies from the US and other countries, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat on Feb 12.

2.BEYOND ACADEMICS, SUBJECT-BASED BANDING CULTIVATES RESPECT FOR DIVERSE ABILITIES: CHAN CHUN SING -- CNA

One year after subject-based banding was fully implemented, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said the initiative has helped students learn at their own pace while instilling respect for diverse abilities. 

THAILAND

1.  260 CALL-CENTRE SCAM VICTIMS FROM MYANMAR ARRIVE IN THAILAND -- The Nation Myanmar sends 260 victims of call-centre gangs to Thailand. The victims, rescued from KK Park and Shwe Kokko border towns, will be investigated and returned to their home countries with coordination from embassies.

2. EFFORT TO EASE DIGITAL WALLET MERCHANT RULES -- Bangkok Post The Finance Ministry is looking into easing the cash out requirements for merchants participating in the digital wallet scheme to enhance accessibility and boost its appeal.

VIETNAM

1.ASEAN STRIVE TO CURB CROSS-BORDER HAZE -- VIETNAMPLUS

ASEAN members are collaborating to address transboundary haze in the region. All member states will share information on air quality and provide updates on technologies and measures to combat the pollutants generated by the open burning of crops and bushfires.

2.RM3.5 BILLION AQUATIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers said the country exported RM3.5 billion (US$774.3 million) worth of aquatic products in January. Shrimp was the main export product that generated about RM1.3 billion  (US$300 million) in revenue.

-- BERNAMA