SINGAPORE
1. SINGAPORE BUDGET OPERATES WITHIN WELL-DEFINED FRAMEWORK, GUIDED BY CLEAR FISCAL RULES: OECD REPORT -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Singapore’s Government operates within a well-defined Budget framework, guided by clear fiscal objectives, and this has contributed to the country’s international reputation for fiscal discipline over a sustained period, as well as for policies that are financially sustainable, said a report by the OECD.
2. 'SET ASIDE PERSONAL FEELINGS' TO PROTECT THE MAJORITY, SAYS SHANMUGAM ON THE DEATH PENALTY -- CNA
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said on Sunday (Jan 19) that personal feelings are "set aside" to protect the majority of people in Singapore when it comes to the death penalty.
INDONESIA
1. ROCK FALL KILLS FOUR WORSHIPPERS IN BALI -- JAKARTA GLOBE
A rock fall triggered by heavy rain collapsed onto a shrine in Klungkung Regency, Bali, on Sunday, killing at least four worshippers and injuring several others. Police reported that the incident occurred around 6 pm local time in Pikat Village, located on a highland.
2. NAVY REMOVING ‘MYSTERIOUS’ SEA FENCE -- THE JAKARTA POST
The Indonesian Navy is taking down a sea fence of unexplained origin installed in the coastal waters of Tangerang, Banten, that has sparked a debate about the issue of unlicensed land reclamation.
LAOS
1. NURTURING FOOTBALL TALENTS AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Lao Football Federation, under its 2025 national development plan, is reaching out to the grassroots to nurture talented players. The federation is encouraging youngsters in provinces to play football through schools, training for girls and improving the capacity of trainers.
2. DRONES TO ASSIST IN SUSTAINABLE RICE FARMING -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Lao Brewery Company is helping farmers to deploy drones to spray organic foliar fertiliser. This sustainable rice farming project aims to improve organic rice yield and quality. A pilot project was launched on a 15-hectare organic rice plantation in Vientiane.
MYANMAR
1. PROMOTING “THANAKA” TO BE PART OF UNESCO’S LIST -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Efforts are being made to include Myanmar’s “Thanaka” in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Women in Myanmar have been using Thanaka, a traditional yellowish paste from wood barks, on their cheeks as a skin care for generations.
2. ASEAN EFFORT NEEDED TO TACKLE ONLINE SCAMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
At the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting held in Bangkok last week, Myanmar proposed more concerted efforts to curb the scourge of online scamming. Greater cooperation is vital to enhance users’ trust in digital services, especially in digital financial services.
VIETNAM
1. VIETNAM THIRD IN SOUTHEAST ASIA FIFA-ACCREDITED REFEREES -- VIETNAMPLUS
The ASEAN Football Federation ranked Vietnam third in Southeast Asia FIFA-accredited referees after Thailand and Malaysia. Vietnam has four FIFA referees, seven male assistant referees, three female referees, and two female assistant referees.
2. METRO LINE TO RUN LONGER HOURS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR -- VIETNAMPLUS
Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line will extend its operating hours during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays to accommodate the festival rush. On January 1 over 275,000 passengers commuted on the metro that was launched last December.
THAILAND
1. PRIME MINISTER TO ANNOUNCE THAILAND'S DIGITAL AGE READINESS AT WEF -- THE NATION
Prime Minister to attend World Economic Forum (Jan 20-25, 2025) to discuss maximizing the use of advanced technology for trade and investment.
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