Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Thailand: Feb 14, 2025

INDONESIA

1. OVER 4,200 INDONESIANS MARKED FOR DEPORTATION FROM THE US -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Over 4,000 Indonesians are among the millions of foreigners who have received final deportation orders in the US which is currently witnessing mass arrests against undocumented immigrants.

2. POLICE, DEFENCE TO FACE BUDGET CUTS -- THE JAKARTA POST

The government has decided to expand President Prabowo Subianto’s efficiency policy to include previously exempt institutions in a bid to spread out the burden and ease belt tightening for some ministries and agencies.

LAOS

1. UK ASSISTING LAOS FOSTER SUSTAINABLE FUTURE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The United Kingdom outlined plans to support Laos in achieving its climate transition. Efforts include climate finance and technology, promoting equity in energy transition, climate adaptation and resilience, sustainable finance, urban planning and green transport.

2. STERN TELECO RULES TO COMBAT CYBERCRIME -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

To improve cyber security, local telecommunication companies need to get government approval before connecting their services to foreign countries. Individuals, legal entities, telecommunications companies, and internet service providers are prohibited from establishing international connections without approval from the authorities. 

MYANMAR

1. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE TOURISM -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism will host the Myanmar Tourism Fair 2025 to attract more foreign visitors by leveraging local tourism destinations. The private sector and the government are also jointly drafting up the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan 2026-2030. 

2. MANDATORY LICENCES FOR GOLD TRADERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has directed gold shop owners to obtain trading licences before the February 17 deadline. Those operating gold trading without the ministry’s licences could face legal action.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE ECONOMY GROWS BETTER-THAN-ESTIMATED 4.4 PCT IN 2024 BUT 2025 FORECAST KEPT TO 1-3 PC -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore’s economy expanded at a faster pace of 4.4 per cent in 2024 compared to an earlier estimate of 4 per cent, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Feb 14.

2. SINGAPORE'S ECONOMY GREW 4.4 PCT IN 2024, BEATING FORECASTS AND ADVANCE ESTIMATES -- CNA

Singapore's economy grew 4.4 per cent in 2024, beating forecasts and an earlier estimate, the Ministry of Trade and Industry said in updated data released on Friday (Feb 14).

THAILAND

1. THOUSANDS OF CALL CENTRE VICTIMS IN MYANMAR TO BE RELEASED -- THE NATION

Officials say Border Guard Force has committed to cracking down on scammers and extraditing them to China to face prosecution

2. BANK: TRUMP POLICIES REV UP EXPORT GAINS -- BANGKOK POST

Thai export growth this year should accelerate because of the policies implemented by US President Donald Trump, according to the chief of the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Exim Bank). 

-- BERNAMA