Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand And Vietnam: July 19, 2025
Despite Indonesia's recent success at scoring a significantly lower tariff rate with the United States and finalising a long-awaited free trade pact with the European Union, experts have warned that the strategic implications behind these rushed decisions made under pressure may lead to future instability.
2. INDONESIA NOT OUT OF WOODS DESPITE US, EU DEALS -- THE JAKARTA POST
1. MAKING HEALTHCARE MORE PEOPLE-FRIENDLY --THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Authorities are trying to make public healthcare more accessible to the masses by upgrading around-the-clock emergency patient care and minimising medical costs. It wants to ensure that the public can receive quality medical treatment in a peaceful environment.
2. AFFORDABLE LOANS FOR OIL MILLERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government is offering low-interest working capital to oil millers. The move is to assist millers in expanding their business and upgrading facilities with new equipment. An interest rate of five per cent will be charged for the loans.
SINGAPORE
1. A DEADLY COCKTAIL: EASY ACCESS, LAX ATTITUDES DRIVING KPOD SCOURGE IN S'PORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES
When Joe (not his real name) wanted a vaping fix, the 15-year-old would whip out his phone, scan through a series of Telegram groups and pick a seller based on price.
2. AS SHOPPING CENTRES IN BANGKOK AND KL MORPH INTO LIFESTYLE DESTINATIONS, CAN SINGAPORE'S MALLS KEEP UP? -- CNA
On a recent trip to Bangkok, Ms Yinn Ong, a Singaporean, was captivated by something she would not expect to see in a mall – an indoor floating market.
THAILAND
1. POLICE TO PROBE SENIOR MONKS INVOLVED IN LARGE-SCALE FRAUD, EXTORTING FUNDS FOR TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION -- THE NATION
Thai police investigate senior monks in connection with extorting hundreds of millions for temple projects. The case is unrelated to the 'Femme Fatale Golf' scandal but raises concerns over corruption.
2. NATION EDGY AS DECISION DAY LOOMS -- BANGKOK POST
The new US tariffs are set to have global repercussions and impact various countries unless negotiations for more favourable rates can be achieved prior to Aug 1.
VIETNAM
1. TYPHOON WIPHA TO HIT NORTHERN VIETNAM SOON -- VIETNAM NEWS
Local authorities have warned that Typhoon Wipha could arrive in northern Vietnam by July 22, which may trigger heavy rain and strong winds. This typhoon could be the third tropical cyclone to enter Vietnamese waters this year.
2. SHAPING NATION'S FRUIT BASKET -- VIETNAMPLUS
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will focus on developing the northern and mountainous region of Vietnam as the nation's fruit basket. Key production clusters include lychee, orange, pomelo, plum and custard apple
-- BERNAMA
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Daily Express
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