Top News Headlines Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Nov 20, 2025

INDONESIA

1. MINISTER’S CLAIM ON POLICE DOUBLE JOBS RULING RAISES ALARM -- THE JAKARTA POST

A minister’s claim against a recent Constitutional Court ruling barring active police officers from holding civilian posts has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to push reform on the National Police, as pressure mounts on the force to comply with the ruling without delay.

2. INDONESIA’S US$7.4 BLN BALIKPAPAN REFINERY TO START FULL OPERATIONS IN DEC -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia’s largest oil refinery project in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan -- a US$7.4 billion investment -- is targeted to be completed and fully operational by mid-December 2025, a senior official said on Wednesday. Once in operation, the refinery is expected to supply 22 to 25 per cent of Indonesia’s national fuel demand.

LAOS

1. JAPAN-LAO TIES BLOOM DURING PRINCESS’ VISIT -- VIENTIANE TIMES  

Japan's Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, visit to Laos this week adds another milestone in the diplomatic ties between Japan and Laos. This year, both nations commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations. 

2. CITY ROADS REDESIGNED FOR BETEER TRAFFIC FLOW -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Authorities plan to introduce changes in the direction of traffic flow on nine main roads in the city to ease traffic congestion. Major roads are being resurfaced and road signs and new traffic lights will be installed.

MYANMAR

1. REGIONAL BANKERS DISCUSS EMERGING CHALLENGES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The 24th ASEAN Banking Conference and 53rd ASEAN Banking Council Meeting were held in Yangon yesterday. The advancement of digital technology, improved cross-border payment systems and cybersecurity risks were discussed. 

2. MEDICAL RUBBER GLOVE FACTORY IN MON STATE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

There are plans to establish a medical rubber glove factory in Mon State. The plant costing RM208 million (US$50 million) will be built on 20 hectares of land in the state widely known for rubber production. 

PHILIPPINES

1. MUSEUM, UPGRADED FACILITIES UNVEILED AT PHILSPORTS REOPENING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The unveiling of the modernised National Sports Museum was a highlight of the reopening of the newly refurbished facilities of PhilSports Complex in Pasig City on Wednesday.  

2. 3 WEATHER SYSTEMS TO BRING RAIN ACROSS PH THURSDAY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Three weather systems will bring rain in most parts of the country on Thursday, as the weather bureau issues a heavy rainfall outlook in Apayao and Cagayan provinces..

SINGAPORE

1. CHINA’S TOP INVESTMENT BANK CICC PLANS THREE-WAY MERGER TO COMPETE WITH GLOBAL GIANTS  -- THE STRAITS TIMES

China International Capital Corp (CICC), the nation’s top investment bank, plans to combine with two smaller brokerages in a restructuring aimed at reshaping China’s securities industry and strengthening its ability to compete with global banking giants.

2. TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE TRIED TO SLOW-WALK A VOTE ON THE EPSTEIN FILES. IT FAILED -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The White House quietly lobbied senators to slow-walk a vote to force the release of investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein even as President Donald Trump publicly insisted his administration had nothing to hide and urged Congress to act, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

THAILAND

1. NATTAPHON ORDERS TOP-LEVEL MILITARY READINESS AND SETS MID-DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR TEMPORARY MARKERS AT BAN NONG CHAN -- THE NATION

Defence Minister Nattaphon orders maximum readiness and confirms temporary markers at Ban Nong Chan will be finished by mid-December, with 200 Cambodian families to be relocated.

2. PM 'CAN STILL DISSOLVE HOUSE' -- BANGKOK POST The prime minister retains full power to dissolve the House despite a no-confidence motion being filed, as there are steps to be followed before the motion can take effect, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno said.

VIETNAM

1. IPO-DRIVEN CAPITAL MARKET ON GROWTH TRAJECTORY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam’s capital market is performing strongly in 2025, fuelled by initial public offerings (IPOs). The government is simplifying listing procedures to create a more efficient and investor-friendly environment that attracts capital.

2. HANOI AUTUMN FESTIVAL MAJOR TOURISM BOOST -- VIETNAMPLUS

The third Hanoi Autumn Festival will provide a diverse array of cultural, artistic and tourism experiences. It will take place at Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street and Thong Nhat Park from November 21 to 23, featuring 150 booths.

-- BERNAMA