INDONESIA
1.STATE BUDGET FACES MAJOR SHORTFALL AS SOE DIVIDENDS SHIFT TO DANANTARA -- JAKARTA GLOBE
The Indonesian government has begun to experience a sharp decline in dividend revenue from state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the Finance Ministry confirming on Thursday that tens of trillions of rupiah in expected payouts are now being redirected to the newly established sovereign wealth fund, Danantara.
2.SOES LAW RAISES GRAFT OVERSIGHT CONCERNS -- THE JAKARTA POST
The revision of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Law has recently been under spotlight after several articles were found to potentially limit the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) authority to launch graft investigations into state-owned businesses and their managements.
LAOS
1.SWISS ASSISTANCE TO ENHANCE DAM SAFETY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos and Switzerland endorsed a work plan to improve dam safety in Laos. The Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance project will bolster dam safety standards, institutional effectiveness and technical resilience.
2.ALLOWANCE TO KEEP TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Education Ministry is planning to provide teachers with monthly allowances to improve their income and prevent them from leaving the profession. The move is expected to solve the teacher shortage in schools nationwide.
MYANMAR
1.MERCY MALAYSIA OFFERS FREE MEDICAL SERVICES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
About 120 people injured by the March 28 earthquake are receiving treatment daily from Mercy Malaysia. The Malaysian organisation, comprising mental health specialists and physical rehabilitation experts, is providing free medical treatment to victims in the Mandalay Region from April 30 to May 9.
2.APRIL RICE EXPORTS HIT 140,000 METRIC TONNES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Myanmar Rice Federation said the country exported over 140,000 metric tonnes of rice and broken rice to international markets in April this year. Its exports comprised over 69,000 metric tonnes of rice and 73,000 metric tonnes of broken rice.
SINGAPORE
1.‘HABEMUS PAPAM’: SINGAPORE’S CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE CELEBRATES ELECTION OF NEW POPE, LEO XIV -- THE STRAITSTIMES
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said it rejoices at the election of the new pope, and called on Catholics to pray for the newly-elected pontiff.
2.THEY WEREN'T DIAGNOSED WITH DYSLEXIA. BUT THESE CHILDREN STILL NEED HELP WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES -- CNA
After her elder son was diagnosed with dyslexia, Ms Elmy Sulaiha Nasre thought her daughter, who was displaying similar symptoms, also had the learning disorder.
THAILAND
1. PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERT WARNS OF RESURGENCE OF COVID-19 IN THAILAND -- THE NATION
A public health expert has recently warned of a resurgence of COVID-19 in Thailand, with 8,446 cases requiring hospital visits reported between April 27 and May 3.
2. PUSHBACK ON VAT SCHEME FOR SMEs -- BANGKOK POST
Even though Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has decided not to impose the value-added tax (VAT) on businesses earning less than 1.8 million baht annually to increase state revenue and reduce the budget deficit, the business community and especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are concerned that any expansion of VAT would exacerbate their struggles.
VIETNAM
1.HANOI HOSTS VIETNAM-US DEFENCE POLICY TALKS -- VIETNAM NEWS
The 13th Vietnam-US Defence Policy Dialogue took place in Hanoi on Thursday, as both nations mark the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Participants from Vietnam and the United States discussed current regional and global issues at the dialogue.
2.RUSSIA VIEWS VIETNAM AS MAJOR REGIONAL PARTNER -- VIETNAMPLUS
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that Vietnam is one of its key partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Both governments agreed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to enhance their traditional bilateral ties.
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