Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 19, 2025
Two Chinese companies — Long Wo Agriculture (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. and Zhongbao (Cambodia) Food Co., Ltd. — are planning to scale up their production capacity in fruits and agriculture. The initiative will help Cambodian farmers diversify their exports and improve global competitiveness.
1. GENERAL ELECTIONS BEGIN ON DECEMBER 28 -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government announced that the multiparty democratic general election will begin on December 28 and will be conducted in stages. All the necessary measures will be implemented to prevent any irregularities during the voting period.
2. BAGAN WOOS VISITORS DURING FULL MOON FESTIVAL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The ancient city of Bagan is preparing to welcome tourists for the full moon festival 'Tawthalin,' a major Buddhist celebration. A surge in tourist arrivals starts in August and continues until the festival in September, which helps boost the local economy.
PHILIPPINES
1. COMELEC IN 'FINAL STAGE' OF PREPARATIONS FOR BARMM POLLS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now in the final stages of preparations for the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on Oct. 13.
2. MARCOS FORMS EDUCATION-WORKFORCE COUNCIL TO FIX SYSTEMIC GAPS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created the Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) as the government's main coordinating body to address persistent problems in the country's education sector, including weak teacher support, fragmented programs and inconsistent policies.
SINGAPORE
1. 'WE DON'T WANT YOUTH TO ENTER DARKER PLACES': COUNSELLORS SAY SUPPORT KEY TO KICKING VAPING HABIT -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Amid a wave of tougher enforcement action and public criticism of young vapers, some social workers are calling for more compassion for these addicts.
2. VAPING IN THE WORKPLACE: SINGAPORE EMPLOYERS URGED TO CLARIFY RULES, TAKE ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS -- CNA
When Ms Su's managers are not around, some of her colleagues take the opportunity to vape in the office.
THAILAND
1. NESDC REVISED 2025 GDP GROWTH TO 2 PCT, Q2 EXPANDS 2.28 PCT -- THE NATION
NESDC revises Thailand's 2025 GDP forecast to 2 per cent after Trump tariffs clarity, with Q2 growth at 2.8 per cent
2. HEALTH MINISTER DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM BID TO DISMISS RURAL DOCTOR CHIEF -- BANGKOK POST
Public Health Minister Somsak Theptusin said on Monday he was unaware of an attempt to axe Supat Hasuwannakit, the Rural Doctor Club president, from the bureaucracy as a probe into his alleged wrongdoing took place before his tenure.
VIETNAM
1. LAUNCHING 250 MEGA PROJECTS SIMULTANEOUSLY -- VIETNAM NEWS
Vietnam will showcase its industrial prowess today with the simultaneous launch of 250 major infrastructure projects nationwide. These projects, valued at RM207 billion (US$49 billion), will promote economic growth and enhance connectivity.
2. FUNDRAISING TO ASSIST CUBAN PEOPLE -- VIETNAMPLUS
The government and the Vietnam News Agency have initiated a fundraising campaign to assist Cuba, aiming to raise RM11 million (US$2.5 million) under the theme '65 Years of Vietnam–Cuba Solidarity.'
-- BERNAMA
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The Star
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Cambodia's border conflict with Thailand poses growing economic risks, analyst warns
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New Straits Times
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PM: Defence procurement, spending up due to political uncertainties
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