Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Oct 31, 2025

INDONESIA

1.GOVT, SOME UNIONS SEEK TO NARROW WAGE DISPARITIES -- THE JAKARTA POST

The government aims to reduce income disparities across the country through a regulation on the 2026 minimum wage, which is set to be issued on Nov 21, before regional administrations are to announce their respective minimum wages a week later.

2.HEAVY RAIN FLOODS SOUTH JAKARTA, PARALYSING TRAFFIC IN KEMANG AREA -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Torrential rain that lashed Jakarta on Thursday afternoon caused flooding across several parts of the capital, including the upscale Kemang Raya area in South Jakarta, disrupting traffic and daily activities for hours.

LAOS 

1.EASY FINANCING FOR SMALL BUSINESS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will make access to financing easy for micro, small and medium enterprises to ensure they remain a pillar of the Loa economy. It will simplify business procedures and ensure transparency to support small business operators.

2.LAO-CHINA TO IMPROVE BORDER TRADE --  VIENTIANE TIMES 

During the 10th Laos-China Trade Cooperation Exchange meeting, both sides agreed to promote trade, investment and economic development in the northern region of Lao. The focus is to uplift the living standards of people living along the borders.

PHILIPPINES

1.MARCOS JOINS APEC LEADERS IN SOKOR; TO PUSH DIGITAL TRADE, MSME GROWTH - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined fellow Asia-Pacific leaders Friday for the official welcome ceremony of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, South Korea.

2.PDLS LIGHT CANDLES, OFFER PRAYERS FOR LOVED ONES DURING UNDAS --  PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY    

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Roxas District Jail observed Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day) on Thursday night by lighting candles and offering prayers for their departed loved ones.

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE, CHILE AND NEW ZEALAND LAUNCH NEGOTIATIONS FOR A NEW GREEN TRADE PACT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore, Chile and New Zealand have launched negotiations for a green trade pact which could include cooperation in areas like sustainable aviation fuel, carbon credits and renewable energy certificates.

2.'VERY, VERY UNFAIR': TWELVE CUPCAKES STAFF BLINDSIDED BY ABRUPT CLOSURE -- CNA

When liquidators walked into the Twelve Cupcakes office at 5pm on Wednesday (Oct 29), employees were still at their desks, wrapping up what they thought was just another workday. Within an hour, they would learn their jobs were gone.

THAILAND 

1. VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2025 MOVED TO NOV 9-DEC 23, NO FIREWORK SHOWS PLANNED -- THE NATION

Thailand’s Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 festival will now take place from November 9 to December 23, with drone shows replacing fireworks to honour the Queen Mother.  

2. ANUTIN UPBEAT US TALKS -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed confidence that trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States are progressing positively, citing his personal discussion with US President Donald Trump as a key turning point.

VIETNAM

1.ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAKES PRIORITY IN SCHOOLS -- VIETNAMPLUS

English will be introduced as the second language in schools in Vietnam to enhance international integration. The project, aimed at implementing English as a key subject in the education system from 2025 to 2035, seeks to improve overall language skills.

2.NEW SALARY SCHEME MAY START IN JANUARY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced that the government will aim to implement the new base salary starting January 1, instead of the previously scheduled date of July 2026. This new timeline requires approval from the National Assembly.

-- BERNAMA