Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam & Singapore : Feb 15, 2025

INDONESIA

1. PRABOWO TO RUN AGAIN IN 2029 -- THE JAKARTA POST

President Prabowo Subianto has accepted a request by his Gerindra Party to run for reelection in the next presidential race, a move that sets early the playing field for the 2029 poll and puts a greater demand for loyalty from his supporting political parties.

2. SRI MULYANI: 2026 STATE BUDGET TO FOLLOW 2025 AUSTERITY MEASURES -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has indicated that Indonesia’s 2026 state budget (APBN) will follow the efficiency measures implemented in 2025, with significant spending cuts across ministries and government agencies.

CAMBODIA 

1. INDIAN NAVY VESSELS DOCK AT SIHANOUKVILLE  PORT -- FRESH NEWS

An Indian navy vessel and coast guard ship berthed at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for an official four-day visit from February 14 to 17. The offshore patrol vessels INS Sujata and CGS Veer with 350 crew members docked at the port yesterday. 

2. JANUARY RICE EXPORTS REACH 680,000 TONNES -- FRESH NEWS 

Cambodian Rice Federation announced that 59,086 tonnes of milled rice were exported last month earning RM213 (US$48.03 million). Rice varieties include fragrant, white, parboiled and organic grains. Growers also exported nearly 620,000 wet rice in January.

MYANMAR

1. MYANMAR-CHINA WAGE WAR AGAINST CYBER CRIMES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and China are discussing joint operations to combat transnational crimes like online gambling and scams. They exchanged views on taking appropriate measures to tackle online crimes, rescue operations, transfer Chinese nationals and expulsion of foreigners who enter the country illegally. 

2. ARMED FORCES BAND COMPETITION BEGINS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The 31st Competition of the Tatmadaw (army, navy and air) Military Band marking the 80th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day, was held in the capital Nay Pyi Taw Transit yesterday. The competition involving 26 bands will take place until February 24.

VIETNAM

1. VAT ON GOODS IMPORTED VIA DELIVERY SERVICES -- VIETNAMPLUS

The General Department of Customs will impose the value-added tax (VAT) on low-value imported goods sent via express delivery services from February 18. The tax exemption was earlier implemented to facilitate international trade and promote the development of express delivery services.

2. MORE TRAFFIC CAMERAS TO CHECK OFFENCES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Hanoi Traffic Police Department has installed more another 600 surveillance cameras to curb traffic incidents since February 13. The cameras operating around the clock will record violations on the roads and transmit the data directly to the Traffic Command Center.

THAILAND

1. BGF TO RETURN 'HUNDREDS' OF TRAFFICKING VICTIMS AFTER THAI SUPPLY CUT -- THE NATION

Karen state’s Border Guard Force (BGF) has asked Thai authorities for help in repatriating human trafficking victims in Myanmar.

2. MINISTER PROMOTES NEW WAY TO CUT POWER BILLS -- BANGKOK POST

Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has floated the idea of reducing electricity bills by nearly 0.40 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit) by adjusting the gas usage of Pool Gas, leading to lower power generation costs.

SINGAPORE

1. MINI-BUS TRIAL AT CHANGI AIRPORT SUSPENDED AFTER DRIVERS OF PREMIUM CABS VOICE UNHAPPINESS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has suspended a trial of new mini-bus services for large groups of passengers at the airport until further notice, after simmering unhappiness among drivers of premium cabs reached a tipping point on Feb 13.

2. TRUMP 2.0 VS GLOBAL TRADE: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SINGAPORE AND THE WORLD -- CNA

Staying true to his campaign promises, United States President Donald Trump has spent his first few weeks in office firing an opening salvo in a potential trade war, which has sparked market jitters and caused a stir in world capitals. 

-- BERNAMA