Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore & Vietnam: Jan 17 2026

CAMBODIA

1.BORDER BARRIERS THWART FAMILIES RETURN -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

After the border conflict with Thailand, about 4,000 Cambodian families are still unable to return home. Barbed-wire fences and shipping containers are blocking their return.

2.FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR SUFFERING SOLDIERS  -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The Cambodia Microfinance Association announced its members will waive interest on loans to help soldiers and families affected by the border conflict with Thailand. The institution has implemented financial relief and humanitarian assistance to ease their burden.

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA EYES RP74 TRILLION EXTRA FUNDS FOR SUMATRA RECOVERY -- ANTARA

Indonesia's Public Works Ministry has proposed up to Rp74 trillion in additional funding to restore disaster-hit infrastructure across three Sumatra provinces, citing expanded mitigation projects aimed at reducing future risks.  

2.INDONESIA SEEKS $284 MILLION IN DAMAGES FROM FIRMS LINKED TO SUMATRA DISASTERS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment has filed civil lawsuits against six companies accused of causing environmental damage linked to severe flooding and landslides in Sumatra, seeking compensation of Rp 4.8 trillion ($283.9 million), the government said.

PHILIPPINES

1.PBBM SEEKS STRONGER TIES, CLOSER COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism that the Philippines will sustain and further strengthen its ties and cooperation with its foreign allies and partners.

2.ICC CALLS FOR WITNESSES IN PH ‘WAR ON DRUGS’ PROBE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a call for individuals who had witnessed the alleged killings and abuses linked to the war on drugs in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019.

SINGAPORE

1.WOMAN ORDERED TO PAY $975K IN COSTS TO 2 HOSPITALS AFTER LOSING SUIT OVER AMPUTATION OF MUM’S LEG -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A woman who sued two hospitals for negligence over the amputation of her mother’s leg has been ordered to pay costs totalling over $975,000 to the defendants. The case was dismissed by the High Court.

2.HEALTHCARE MANPOWER WILL BE KEY AGENDA IN COMING YEARS: ONG YE KUNG -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Healthcare manpower will be a key agenda in the coming years as Singapore expands and transforms its workforce to meet the needs of a growing, ageing population, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung on Jan 16.

VIETNAM

1.NATION’S RAPIDLY AGEING POPULATION --  VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam is experiencing one of the fastest-growing ageing populations in the world. By 2050, about 25 per cent of its population is expected to be aged 60 or older due to low fertility rates and rising life expectancy.

2.OVERSEAS INVESTMENT TOUCH RM6 BILLION -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam’s outbound investment last year crossed RM6 billion (US$1.4 billion) with investments in 36 countries. Investments were mostly in manufacturing, electricity generation and wholesale and retail trade.

-- BERNAMA