LAOS
1.WORLD BANK UPBEAT ON LAO ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The World Bank said Laos’ economy is stabilising in 2025 due to lower inflation, a stable exchange rate and economic growth at 4.2 per cent. Key drivers are tourism, transport, energy, mining and manufacturing.
2.ADDRESSING DISASTERS EFFICIENTLY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government highlighted the need to strengthen disaster prevention, emergency response and post-disaster recovery efforts. Since 2023, authorities have successfully implemented disaster response and recovery measures in affected areas during natural disasters.
MYANMAR
1.ADDING POWER TO NATIONAL GRID -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Thanlyin and Thakayta power plants will add another 500 megawatts to meet the Yangon Region’s electricity demand. The projects will generate sufficient electricity for public use and industrial zones.
2.MICROFINANCE LIFELINE FOR SMALL BUSINESS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Microfinance institutions have offered financial services to 2.8 million clients as of October 2025, for poverty eradication and rural development. They support small-scale agriculture, livestock and manufacturing sectors.
PHILIPPINES
1.BULACAN BACKS COOPERATIVES FOR SMALL PYROTECHNIC MAKERS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), with the help of the Philippine National Police and the Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board, is pushing for the formation of cooperatives among small-scale pyrotechnics entrepreneurs.
2.EASTERLIES, ‘AMIHAN’ TO BRING RAINS OVER PARTS OF PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Easterlies and the northeast monsoon (amihan) will continue to bring rains over parts of the country, the weather bureau said Tuesday.
SINGAPORE
1.'THIS FAMILY MEANS A LOT TO ME': THE NIGHT CAFE THAT OFFERS ROUGH SLEEPERS MORE THAN A MEAL -- CHANNEL NEWS ASIA
Bernie remembers the year she saw four supermoons in the night sky while rough sleeping on the streets of Singapore.
2.POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON MISSING MAN, 74, LAST SEEN IN BUKIT PANJANG -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The police on Dec 22 issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of Mr Chan Tuck Chew.
VIETNAM
1.ROSY GROWTH FOR INSURANCE INDUSTRY -- VIETNAM NEWS
Vietnam’s insurance industry assets are expected to reach RM176 billion (US$43.3 billion) by year's end. The sector employs over one million workers and offers over 2,100 insurance products in the market.
2.SOCIAL HOUSING VISION ON TRACK -- VIETNAMPLUS
The development of social housing witnessed major improvements this year, with the construction of 102,146 units. The government removed bureaucratic bottlenecks to accelerate the sector, which helped to increase supply.
-- BERNAMA
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