SINGAPORE
1. LIGHTS, LANTERNS, AND LEGENDARY SPIRIT: SLITHER INTO YEAR OF THE SNAKE WITH FUN FESTIVITIES -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities are in full swing to welcome the Year of the Snake that starts on Jan 29, with events ongoing and more to come until February.
2. AS MALAYSIA RESTARTS NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMME, CAN IT AVOID ITS 'ON-AGAIN, OFF-AGAIN' HISTORY? -- CNA
Almost two decades ago, when Sue Haizal received the call-up to serve in Malaysia’s national service, the now 38-year-old housewife recalled being terrified as she was about to venture into the unknown.
CAMBODIA
1. CAMBODIA’S GLOBAL TRADE HIT RM248 BILLION -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE
Cambodia’s international trade rose to RM248 billion (US$55 billion) last year from RM212 billion (US$47 billion) in 2023. The Kingdom’s Free Trade Agreements with China and South Korea, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have contributed to the growth.
2. CLEAN ENVIRONMENT DRIVE ON THE RIGHT TRACK -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE
A campaign, “National Roads With No Plastic Wastes,” to clear garbage along the national roads is yielding results as more citizens become involved. The Minister of Environment wants a clean and plastic-free environment in the next five years.
MYANMAR
1. TAPPING BLUE ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar, with large coastal regions and marine ecosystems, will develop its Blue Economy to use ocean resources for sustainable development. The focus will be on fishing, breeding marine resources, offshore oil and natural gas, and renewable energies.
2. MYANMAR-BELARUS TO STRENGTHEN FOOD, AGRI SECTOR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar and Belarus are discussing the development of food and agriculture trade. Officials are exploring the exchange of expertise, information and modern technologies for controlling livestock, plant pests, and diseases, and increasing investments in the agricultural sector.
VIETNAM
1. HANOI FREEZES AS MORNING TEMPERATURE DIPS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The national capital is experiencing severe cold this morning with temperatures dipping to eight degrees Celsius triggered by strong winds from the Gulf of Tonkin. Cold weather is expected to envelop Hanoi and the northern provinces until 13 January.
2. TAX DEPT REBUTS SOCIAL MEDIA FALSE RUMOURS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The tax department dismissed claims on social media that it has the authority to access personal accounts for collecting e-commerce taxes. The department clarified that it is entitled to request information on transactions from e-commerce operators, commercial banks, and shipping agencies.
INDONESIA
1. MEGAWATI DISMISSES POLITICAL FEUD WITH PRABOWO, PREPARES FOR PDI-P’S LEADERSHIP BATTLE -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Megawati Soekarnoputri, the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), dismissed rumors of a political feud with President Prabowo Subianto, despite their rivalry in the 2024 presidential election.
2. INDONESIA SET TO MISS 2025 WASTE MANAGEMENT TARGET BY WIDE MARGIN -- THE JAKARTA POST
Indonesia is poised to fall far short of its ambitious target of being able to manage 100 per cent of its waste by the end of 2025, with experts citing a lack of political will and insufficient fiscal capacity as key obstacles.
THAILAND
1. JAPANESE RESTAURANTS FLOURISH IN THAILAND, NEARING 6,000 NATIONWIDE -- THE NATION
The popularity of Japanese food in Thailand continues to soar, with the number of Japanese restaurants approaching 6,000 nationwide in 2024, according to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
2. WAGE HIKE UNLIKELY TO SPUR INFLATION -- BANGKOK POST
The recent minimum wage hike should have a mild impact on inflation, according to the Commerce Ministry.
-- BERNAMA
