TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN SINGAPORE, LAOS, MYANMAR, INDONESIA & THAILAND: JAN 14, 2025

SINGAPORE

1.HR PROFESSIONALS PREPARE FOR CHANGES DUE TO WORKPLACE FAIRNESS BILL -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Human resources (HR) groups have given their thumbs-up for the landmark Bill tackling workplace discrimination that was passed in Parliament on Jan 8, giving workers greater protection against biases on grounds like age, race and nationality.

2.CHEAP BUT COSTLY: AS CHINESE EXPORTS ENTER SOUTHEAST ASIA, COUNTRIES PAY AN UNEVEN PRICE -- CNA

China’s export engines are fired up with Southeast Asia firmly in the front view, a focus which analysts say is only set to heighten as Chinese products lose their lustre in the West amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and a Trump 2.0 presidency in the United States.

LAOS 

1.SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING TO MEASURE CARBON STOCKS — VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos will deploy satellite remote sensing technology to capture carbon stocks in nine forest areas covering 170,556 hectares. The technology will help promote sustainable forest management, accurate carbon accounting and local community engagement in conservation efforts.

2.VIETJET TO DEVELOP LAOS AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE  - - VIENTIANE TIMES

Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet Airline and the Lao Public Works and Transport Ministry will jointly develop a master plan for the Lao airport network. The project aims to modernise Loa's aviation infrastructure and create 2,500 new jobs in the aviation sector.

MYANMAR

1.NEARLY 17,600 EVs REGISTERED NATIONWIDE - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

As of December last year, 17,597 different electric vehicles (EVs) were registered in Myanmar as of last year. Currently, 6,166 private EVs, three public electric buses, 22 electric light trucks, 10,861 two-wheel electric vehicles and 548 electric three-wheel are registered.

2.FLORAL FESTIVAL IN MANDALAY EXTENDED TO VISITORS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The 17th Floral Fantasia 2024, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Kandawgyi Garden in Mandalay Region, which began last December has been extended to January 19, 2025. Organisers have extended the flower festival due to overwhelming local and foreign visitors.

INDONESIA

1.INDONESIA CONSIDERS SOCIAL MEDIA AGE LIMIT TO PROTECT CHILDREN -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia is preparing to follow in Australia’s footsteps in restricting social media access for children. Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced that the government is drafting regulations to set a minimum age limit for accessing social media.

2.KPK GRILLS HASTO, NO ARREST YET -- THE JAKARTA POST

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) interrogated Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto on Monday for the first time since he was named a bribery suspect, as the party prepares to go on the offensive in a pretrial hearing later this month.

THAILAND

1. ‘HOMES FOR THAIS’ PROJECT TO BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THIS WEEK -- THE NATION

The new government initiative will help lower-income Thais have a home to call their own without having to find a down payment

2. CHINESE CANCEL THAI TRIPS AMID SAFETY FEARS -- BANGKOK POST

Hotels and airlines have started to see mass cancellations from Chinese tour groups during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, while new bookings from independent tourists are also slower due to concerns over safety in Thailand. 

-- BERNAMA