Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 24, 2025
1.GOVERNMENT RACES AGAINST TIME TO LAUNCH SEKOLAH RAKYAT -- THE JAKARTA POST
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia dismissed claims that Shell's sale of its entire fuel retail network in Indonesia reflects a worsening investment climate in the country's energy sector. Shell confirmed the sale of about 200 gas stations, including 160 company-owned sites, to a joint venture between Citadel Pacific Limited and Indonesia's Sefas Group.
2.SHELL'S EXIT FROM INDONESIA FUEL RETAIL NOT A SIGN OF ENERGY SECTOR DECLINE, SAYS MINISTER -- JAKARTA GLOBE
1.ELECTRONIC VOTING FOR ERROR-FREE POLLS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Electronic voting machines will be deployed to reduce electoral errors during the planned election at the end of this year. Electronic voting is necessary to hold a multiparty democratic general election. After the elections, regional and state legislative bodies will be elected.
2.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ON BIOSECURITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Russia-Myanmar held talks on biosecurity cooperation in Moscow. Officials discussed global and Asia-Pacific regional efforts to lessen biological threats and infectious diseases rising from humans, animals, plants, genetically modified crops and biological products.
SINGAPORE
1.NEW GOVT'S TOP PRIORITY IS TO SECURE FOR SINGAPORE AN ASSURED PLACE IN A CHANGED WORLD: PM WONG -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The new Government's first priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
2.PM WONG'S NEW GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE SECURING SINGAPORE'S PLACE IN A 'CHANGED WORLD' -- CNA
Securing Singapore an assured place in a 'changed world' is a key priority for the country's next term of government, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (May 23) as his new Cabinet was sworn in.
THAILAND
1. DTAM APPROVES LIMITS ON CANNABIS FLOWER SALES TO PRESCRIPTIONS -- THE NATION
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has approved revised cannabis regulations, permitting the sale of cannabis flowers strictly for medical use with a valid prescription.
2. CASINO BILL SEEN AS 'TOP PRIORITY' -- BANGKOK POST
The government's casino-entertainment complex bill will top the agenda when parliament convenes in July, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said.
VIETNAM
1.AIR TRANSPORT SECTOR SEES STRONG GROWTH -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam's air transport segment has grown significantly over the past decade. The International Air Transport Association said Vietnam rose from the 11th largest air passenger market in the Asia-Pacific region in 2014 to the eighth largest in 2024.
2.PEPPER EXPORTERS TOLD TO PENETRATE GLOBAL MARKET -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam's pepper exporters have been told to tap into the global market as there is a shortage and rising demand for high-quality farm products. Increasing volume, strengthening brand identity and offering value-added products are important to capture global market share.
-- BERNAMA
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