TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN INDONESIA, MYANMAR, SINGAPORE, THAILAND & VIETNAM: NOV 16, 2024

INDONESIA

1. PRAMONO’S LEAD GROWS IN JAKARTA ELECTION -- THE JAKARTA POST

The Pramono Anung-Rano Karno Jakarta gubernatorial candidate pair, backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), appears on course to sweep the Jakarta race in a single round, a new poll suggests, with the duo widening their lead over the rival Ridwan Kamil-Suswono ticket, backed by President Prabowo Subianto’s big-tent Onward Indonesia Coalition (KIM).

2. BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS CALL FOR POSTPONEMENT OF 12% VAT INCREASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) is urging the government to delay the planned increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 12 percent on January 1, 2025, fearing it could lead to higher prices for goods and impact public purchasing power. The association warned that the move could hinder economic growth.

MYANMAR

1. GOVT TO FIX NEW SUGARCANE PRICES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is studying to fix next year’s floor price for sugarcane during the new season.  Myanmar’s annual sugar production is at 450,000 tonnes and at present it only exports the commodity to Vietnam, where it enjoys special tax exemption.

2. JAPAN TO HIRE OVER 1,000 MYANMAR WORKERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo announced that Japan has approved the employment of 1,400 workers from Myanmar, both male and female, for positions in Japanese factories. Over 400 Japanese companies are set to recruit these workers.

SINGAPORE

1. 150 PARCEL LOCKERS TO BE INSTALLED IN NEW ESTATES LIKE BIDADARI, SENGKANG IN NEXT 3 YEARS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Residents in some new housing estates, such as Alkaff Oasis in Bidadari Park, Fernvale Glades in Sengkang West and Tampines GreenCourt in Tampines North, may soon benefit from 150 parcel lockers that will be installed in their neighbourhoods over the next three years.

2. SINGAPORE HIGH COMMISSION OFFICER MENTIONED IN UK PARLIAMENT OVER ALLEGED CHILD NEGLECT GIVEN WARNING: MFA -- CNA

A public officer attached to the Singapore High Commission in London has been warned following an alleged child neglect incident, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Friday (Nov 15).

THAILAND

1. BAN CHIANG ARTEFACTS RETURNED TO NATIONAL MUSEUM -- The Nation

The earthenware pieces had been gifted to the US Embassy in Bangkok in the 1960s by an American soldier.

2. BAM WANTS TO BE CAREFUL WITH BAD ASSET PURCHASES -- Bangkok Post

SET-listed Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM) expects non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector to increase next year, though the company will remain cautious with bad debt purchases given ongoing economic uncertainties.

VIETNAM

1. VIETNAM EYES MORE INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN’S KANAGAWA PREFECTURE-- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam is encouraging Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, known for its heavy industries, high-tech agriculture, and healthcare, to increase its investments in its economy. Currently, nearly 40 businesses from Kanagawa are investing in Vietnam, while 20 Vietnamese companies are established in the prefecture.

2. UNCLOS VITAL TO PROTECT REGIONAL WATERS SAYS VIETNAM -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnamese emphasised the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in managing maritime affairs in the region. Vietnam said it has effectively resolved issues with China, Indonesia, and Thailand based on the principles outlined in UNCLOS.

-- BERNAMA