SINGAPORE
1.S’PORE FIRMS BRACED FOR TURBULENT 2025 AFTER A YEAR HUNKERING DOWN ON TRANSFORMATION -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Companies here are bracing themselves for turbulence in 2025 after weathering a year of business re-engineering in 2024.
2.FAR FROM HOME: WHY DO SOUTHEAST ASIA’S MIGRANT WORKERS STRUGGLE TO GET BY FINANCIALLY DESPITE HIGHER WAGES? -- CNA
Every night, a loud husky voice pierces through the hustle and bustle of Malaysia’s downtown Penang.
LAOS
1.MODERNISING GOLDEN TRIANGLE FOR FUTURE GROWTH - - VIENTIANE TIMES
The operators of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo province have spent over RM22.5 billion (US$5 billion) on modernising the infrastructure and other facilities. The zone has 2,459 business units with more than RM63 billion(US$1.4 billion) in investments.
2.LAO-THAILAND COMBATING NARCOTICS TRADE- - VIENTIANE TIMES
Anti-narcotics officials mapping ways to curb the rising drug smuggling across their borders at the 20th Lao-Thai meeting in Vientiane yesterday. Cooperation on effective investigations, disrupting financial networks and stemming drug trade through legal frameworks topped their agenda.
MYANMAR
1.PROTECTING MANGROVES TO SAVE ENVIRONMENT - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The United Nations-Habitat has planted 150,000 mangrove trees in the Ayeyarwady Region to stop forest degradation. Mangroves help develop fish resources, support livelihoods and mitigate natural disasters. To protect the forest, villagers are advised not to expand farms, cut firewood or burn charcoal.
2.MYANMAR WOMEN CAN APPLY FOR JOBS IN SOUTH KOREA - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Women can now apply for manufacturing and services jobs in South Korea through the Public Overseas Employment Agency. Recruitment for the first batch has started but workers need to pass an exam to apply. About 3,400 applicants have passed the exam.
VIETNAM
1.RISING FOOD POISONING ALARMS HEALTH OFFICIALS - - VIETNAM NEWS
Food poisoning has affected 4,796 people and caused 21 deaths as of November. Authorities recorded 131 cases this year. The Health Ministry said poisonings were caused by harmful toxins found in toads, wild mushrooms and pufferfish, as well as crabs.
2.VIETNAM AIRLINES TO LAUNCH BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL - - VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam Airlines will launch premium economy class on its entire domestic flight network starting 14 January next year. The move will give passengers the choice between business and economy class options on its flights.
THAILAND
1. EXCISE DEPARTMENT MAY ENFORCE SODIUM EXCISE TAX ON SNACKS NEXT YEAR -- THE NATION The Excise Department may begin collecting sodium excise tax on foods next year, starting with snacks, which are considered non-essential items, the department chief said on Wednesday.
2. EXPORTS POISED TO HIT $300BN HIGH -- BANGKOK POST Exports are on track to achieve a historic high of US$300 billion this year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
-- BERNAMA
