Latest news with #WONG
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: June 26, 2025
The central government is not yet ready to fully reopen Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, despite repeated calls from Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan to restore the airport's operations to pre-pandemic levels. The government is rushing to roll out the Red-White Cooperatives programme by July 19, even as the Cooperatives Law revision is still being deliberated at the House of Representatives. Japan will provide scholarships worth RM11 million (US$2.6 million) to strengthen Laos' human resource development. Academic studies cover agriculture, environmental science, public administration, economics and international relations. More than 500 government staff have benefited from Japanese assistance. 2. COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING WITH US SUPPORT -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and the United States of America (US) pledged to combat human trafficking. About RM7 million (US$1.58 million) will be used to assist vulnerable groups in accessing education, vocational skills and to create awareness to reduce the risk of human smuggling. MYANMAR 1. ELIGIBLE VOTERS WILL BE GIVEN CHANCE TO VOTE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government has assured that all eligible voters have the chance to cast their votes in the election in December this year. Free and fair elections will be held and all ethnic rights and political demands will be addressed accordingly. 2. FORUM TO STRENGTHEN PEACE IN MYANMAR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Peace Forum 2025 began in Nay Pyi Taw where local and international participants are debating ways to promote peace. The forum will focus on enhancing peace dialogues, building trust and cooperation, addressing humanitarian assistance and strengthening international collaboration for development. SINGAPORE 1. MULTILATERALISM CAN EVOLVE TO BE MORE 'FLEXIBLE', SAYS PM WONG AT WEF EVENT -- THE STRAITS TIMES With global rules weakening and economic nationalism on the rise, Singapore is proposing a workaround of getting like-minded countries to cooperate on specific issues, while leaving the door open for others to join in the future. 2. MORE ATTEMPTS BY COUNTRIES TO 'WEAPONISE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCIES': PM WONG -- CNA Amid current geopolitical contests and rivalries, there have been "more and more attempts" by countries to "weaponise economic interdependencies", Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (Jun 25). THAILAND 1. GOVT DELAYS ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX BILL AMID PUBLIC CONFUSION OVER CASINO CONTENT -- THE NATION The government has postponed the entertainment complex bill, clarifying that casinos form only 10% of its content, while most provisions focus on economic promotion. 2. DON'T RUSH CENSURE BID, BJT TOLD -- BANGKOK POST The opposition People's Party (PP) appears reluctant to join the Bhumjaithai Party's swift move in seeking a no-confidence debate against embattled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra immediately after parliament reconvenes on July 3. VIETNAM 1. DEATH PENALTY FOR EIGHT CRIMINAL CASES ABOLISHED -- VIETNAM NEWS The government has abolished the death penalty for eight criminal offences, including embezzlement and bribery. The new legislation that takes effect on July 1 is part of the government's efforts to reform Vietnam's criminal legal system. 2. ALARMING RISE IN OBESITY AMONG KIDS -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam is experiencing a 38 per cent rise in overweight and obesity rates. The National Institute of Nutrition reported that such cases among school-aged children five to 19 years old have more than doubled in one decade. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: June 25, 2025
PLANS FIRST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT BY 2034, EYES PARTNERSHIPS WITH RUSSIA AND CANADA -- JAKARTA GLOBE STILL ON ALERT DESPITE ISRAEL-IRAN CEASEFIRE -- THE JAKARTA POST Indonesia aims to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2034 as part of a broader push to diversify its energy mix and strengthen long-term energy security, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced Tuesday. Fears of an escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel persist despite claims of a ceasefire between the two countries, with the government expediting contingency planning as it finishes its first round of the evacuation of Indonesian nationals from the affected region. LAOS TO CLEAR UXO IN KHAMMUAN PROVINCE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The British-based Mines Advisory Group has received about RM6 million (US$1.4 million) funding to conduct three unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance operations in Khammuan province. The funds are to clear UXO, conduct surveys and provide risk education. PER CENT TAX FOR SMALL BUSINESS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government has proposed a five per cent profit tax for micro-enterprises under the new scheme and those not making any profits will be exempted from tax. This new policy aims to support micro-enterprises in reducing their financial burden. MYANMAR MYANMAR-THAILAND BORDER CROSSING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR A new border crossing at the Kawthoung International Land Border Checkpoint, located between Myanmar and Thailand, is now operational. The crossing will facilitate border trade and tourism, enhance the socio-economy of the local communities and ensure systematic border crossing. FAIR TO PROMOTE AGRI SECTOR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The ninth Agri Tech Myanmar to be held at the Yangon Convention Centre from June 27 to 29 provides a platform to traders and farmers to exhibit their products. It will showcase farm machinery and food processing technology. SINGAPORE TIES MORE VITAL THAN EVER AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY, SAYS PM WONG -- THE STRAITS TIMES Amid a turbulent and uncertain world, the relationship between Singapore and China is more important than before, visiting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told Chinese President Xi Jinping. CEASEFIRE APPEARS TO HOLD UNDER PRESSURE FROM TRUMP -- CNA/REUTERS A shaky ceasefire began to take hold between Israel and Iran on Tuesday (Jun 24) under pressure from US President Donald Trump, raising hopes for an end to the biggest ever military confrontation between the Middle East arch-foes. THAILAND 1. THAI STOCK MARKET FACES VOLATILITY AS SEVEN STOCKS HIT FLOOR; FORCED SELLING SUSPECTED -- THE NATION SET Index drops 4.85 points as seven stocks plunge to floor levels, driven by high-margin accounts and forced selling, analysts say. 2. PREMIER URGES RELIEF FOR PUBLIC IN LIGHT OF THE THAI-CAMBODIAN BORDER TENSIONS -- BANGKOK POST Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday that all ministers should find relief measures to aid the public in light of the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, and that government stability and national unity is paramount. VIETNAM TO HOST GLOBAL LOGISTICS CONGRESS -- VIETNAMPLUS The 2025 International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations World Congress will be held in Hanoi from October 6-10. About 1,200 delegates from nearly 150 countries are expected to attend the conference themed 'green logistics and rapid adaptation'. 2. ROSY OUTLOOK FOR AVIATION SECTOR -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam's aviation sector recorded a robust performance in the first half of 2025 — driven by strong passenger and cargo segments in the international markets. Passenger volume reached 41.3 million during the six months and cargo transportation was 695,700 metric tonnes. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
20-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Tops News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : May 20
President Prabowo Subianto on Monday welcomed the launch of new flight routes connecting Bangkok and Phuket to Surabaya and Medan saying the increased air connectivity would help strengthen economic ties and boost two-way tourism. Rights activists and historians gathered at the House of Representatives complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday to demand lawmakers reject the government's controversial bid to rewrite Indonesian history, warning it could whitewash the nation's darkest chapters and serve the political interests of President Prabowo Subianto and past regimes. LAOS FOR NEW LAO PARTY LEADERSHIP -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Lao People's Revolutionary Party held a meeting on Monday to prepare for the 12th National Party Congress, which will take place next year to elect a new party leadership to lead the country from 2026 to 2030. FIRM TO DEVELOP SKILLED GAMING WORKERS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos is teaming up with a United States-based gaming firm, AA Slots, to develop skilled technicians for the gaming industry. The partnership aims to transform Laos into a production and distribution centre of electronic gaming equipment in Southeast Asia. MYANMAR HONEY EXPORTS HIT OVER 200,000 METRIC TONNES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar exported 236.9 metric tonnes of honey worth RM1.5 million (US$355,000) in April. Domestic honey production is estimated at about 4,000 metric tonnes annually, with 60 percent being exported while the remainder is for local consumption. MAJOR IMPORTER OF MYANMAR RICE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR China imported over 61,500 metric tonnes of rice and broken rice in April, making it the major rice importer from Myanmar. The country exported 2.48 million metric tonnes of the commodity, earning RM4.73 billion (US$1.1 billion) in the last financial year. SINGAPORE WONG SET TO UNVEIL MAJOR CABINET CHANGES AS 4G TEAM, NEW FACES STEP UP -- THE STRAITS TIMES Fourth-generation (4G) ministers are expected to take over hefty portfolios held by the 3G in the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle, which is also set to bring new blood into the ranks of government. MALONE LAM CHARGED IN US WITH HEADING UP CRYPTOCURRENCY CRIME RING THAT STOLE MILLIONS -- CNA US authorities have charged Singaporean Malone Lam with heading up a 13-member crime ring that allegedly stole hundreds of millions of dollars of cryptocurrency. THAILAND 1. THAILAND DEFENDS CASINO PLAN, EYES LAS VEGAS-STYLE RESORTS DESPITE "GREY" NATION FEARS -- THE NATION Deputy Finance Minister dismisses criticism as global entertainment giants express interest in ambitious project. 2. BOI APPROVES RAFT OF NEW INCENTIVES TO SUPPORT SMEs -- BANGKOK POS The Board of Investment (BoI) has approved new measures to better support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are facing tough competition and the impact of US President Donald Trump's stiff tariffs. VIETNAM RANKED NINTH BEST ART, CULTURE CITY -- VIETNAMPLUS Time Out magazine, based in the United Kingdom, has ranked Hanoi ninth among the world's 20 greatest cities for art and culture in 2025. Paris, Florence, and Edinburgh took the top three spots. Hanoi has been recognised as the most affordable city for art and culture. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TAKING SHAPE IN HO CHI MINH -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam's KOGI Group, Japan's Mazda Oil Corporation, and several investors from the Middle East have signed a deal worth RM26 billion (US$6 billion) to develop green energy infrastructure. This project will include an oil refinery, a storage complex, and a plant for green engine components, all located in Ho Chi Minh City. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 15, 2025
Cambodia National Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that two Cambodian military personnel were killed during a peacekeeping mission in the city of Malakal in South Sudan. They were deployed under the Royal Cambodian Military Police. The United Kingdom's (UK) HALO Trust is confident that Cambodia can be mine-free by 2023. Since 2014, its experts have cleared over 151 million square metres of contaminated land across the country and delivered risk education to 481,440 people. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Wednesday defended his recent remark suggesting that people with a pant size of 33 inches or more are more likely to 'meet their maker sooner,' saying the comment was meant to convey a serious health message in simple terms. 2. KADIN VOWS TO ADDRESS EXTORTION ALLEGATIONS -- THE JAKARTA POST The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) will investigate alleged extortion practices involving people who claim to represent its regional branch in Cilegon, Banten, against a contractor of a giant petrochemical project in the area. LAOS 1. LAO MODERNISES ITS TAX ADMINISTRATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Lao government and the Asian Development Bank launched the Domestic Resource Mobilisation Modernisation Project. It will reform tax administration and the domestic revenue collection process by enhancing the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of tax systems. 2. NEW CLIMATE INITIATIVE TO REDUCE GAS EMISSIONS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Ministry of Energy and Mines launched a new initiative to reaffirm its Paris Agreement commitment on climate change. Laos wants to mitigate greenhouse gas emission amid high energy demand during the dry season and reliance on imported fossil fuels. MYANMAR 1. NEARLY 2,000 BUILDINGS NEED REPAIRS POST EARTHQUAKE -- THE GOBALE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Earthquake Committee disclosed that 1,954 buildings in Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw need major repairs and reinforcement to resist future shocks after the Mandalay's earthquake in late March. The committee has surveyed about 20,000 buildings across the affected regions. 2. HIGH CHANCES OF CYCLONE IN BAY OF BENGAL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in parts of Myanmar due to high likelihood of a cyclone in the east-central Bay of Bengal on May 17 morning. Experts predict there will be 70 per cent changes in cyclone formation. SINGAPORE 1. PM WONG BREAKS GROUND ON CHANGI AIRPORT T5; ALL SIA, SCOOT FLIGHTS TO MOVE THERE WHEN IT OPENS -- THE STRAITS TIMES Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has broken ground on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), an expansion project more than a decade in the making that will position the airport to ride an expected surge in air travel within the Asia-Pacific and beyond. 2. CHANGI AIRPORT'S T5 TO CREATE JOBS, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGAPOREANS, SAYS PM WONG AT GROUNDBREAKING -- CNA Changi Airport's Terminal 5 (T5) is a "significant engineering undertaking" that will benefit both local businesses and jobseekers, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the groundbreaking ceremony of the mega project on Wednesday (May 14). THAILAND 1. RAINY SEASON TO BEGIN WITB ABOVE-AVERAGE RAINFALL IN UPPER THAILAND -- THE NATION The rainy season will officially begin on May 15, with rainfall in upper Thailand is expected to exceed the average by 5–10% until mid-July, the Thai Meteorological Department said. 2. CHINA EV FIRM TO RAMP UP ITS PRSENCE -- BANGKOK POST China's state-owned Changan Automobile is looking to establish a research and development centre for right-hand-drive electric vehicles (EVs) and a regional office in Thailand. VIETNAM 1. SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO CLEAN UP ECONOMIC CRIMES -- VIETNAMPLUS Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the formation of a special task force to eliminate smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, low-quality products, items with unverified origins, and goods that violate on intellectual property rights. 2. VIETNAM TO EXHIBIT SEMICONDUCTOR PROWESS IN SINGAPORE EXPO -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam will participate in the SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 Expo in Singapore, scheduled from May 20 to 22. Vietnam will showcase its role in the global semiconductor supply chain, highlight its talented human resources, technological infrastructure and potential to attract high-tech investments. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, & Thailand: April 26, 2025
The National Bank of Cambodia and the Payments Japan Association signed an agreement to promote cross-border QR payments. This will support digital payments, enhance transaction security and facilitate seamless cross-border payments. Thailand will purchase 300,000 metric tonnes of cassava and 100,000 metric tonnes of red corn annually from Cambodia. Both countries also discussed market access and the supply chain of processed agricultural products. GETS US 'ATTENTION' IN BILATERAL TALKS ON TARIFFS -- THE JAKARTA POST The government says the United States has expressed appreciation for Indonesia's position on bilateral trade and lauded Jakarta's decision to get into negotiations early, as a high-ranking delegation wraps up talks in Washington, DC. DEREGULATION PLAN NOT ONLY MEANT FOR US COMPANIES: GOV'T -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia's plan to simplify state restrictions for a better business climate is not only intended to cater to US companies, but the entire private sector, regardless of where they come from, according to Finance Minister Sri Mulyani. MYANMAR SUPPLIES TO BE EXPEDITED FOR VICTIMS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government has instructed domestic and international relief supplies to be quickly distributed directly to victims affected by the earthquake. The March 28 earthquake damaged houses, schools, monasteries, nunneries, pagodas and other religious buildings. EYES MYANMAR MANGOES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Trade Promotion Organisation said Russia has expressed interest in purchasing Myanmar's fresh and dried mangoes. Myanmar produces over a hundred varieties of mangoes and its annual production is over two million metric tonnes. SINGAPORE HOW ARE HUSTINGS SHAPING UP WITH A WEEK TO POLLING DAY? -- THE STRAITS TIMES Where will the battle lines be drawn in the May 3 general election With more than half of the nine-day campaign to go, it is perhaps too early to say which issues will catch fire, and which will fall flat. PM WONG WARNS OF STORM AHEAD IN PAP POLITICAL BROADCAST, PLEDGES TO FOCUS ON ISSUES THAT 'MATTER MOST' -- CNA The People's Action Party (PAP) will continue to focus on issues that matter the most to Singaporeans even as the election plays out amid an incoming 'storm', Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (Apr 25). THAILAND 1. 3-CAR PILE-UP ON SAMUT PRAKAN MOTORWAY LEAVES 8 DEAD -- THE NATION A car reportedly stopped on the motorway to change a baby's diaper and was rear-ended by a truck. 2. CASH HANDOUT FACES LEGAL HURDLE -- BANGKOK POST The government faces a new legal challenge after a petition was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), asking it to investigate a 35-billion-baht sum used to finance its 10,000-baht cash handout. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
