Latest news with #VIENTIANETIMES

Barnama
3 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 30
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urged the public to remain calm and trust the government and the armed forces to resolve the recent border clash through negotiation. He also warned of fake news that could incite tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia will host the 2nd Badminton Asia Southeast Asia Regional Championships 2025 from July 7 to 12. The tournament includes double and single categories in the U15, U17 and U23 age groups. It will be held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium. The government has pushed back against reports that Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio has backed out of an advisory role at Indonesia's state asset fund Danantara and said it remained in contact with the United States hedge fund titan's team. 2. NORTH SUMATRA TAKES ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF FOUR ISLANDS FORMERLY UNDER ACEH -- JAKARTA GLOBE The central government has officially reassigned four islands previously under Aceh's jurisdiction to the administrative authority of North Sumatra Province, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution confirmed on Thursday. LAOS 1. HARSH PENALTY TO CURB ILLEGAL SURROGACY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Anyone involved in surrogacy in Loa will be punished with a 19-year prison sentence and fined up to 400 million kip (RM79,000). The warning comes after advertisements promoting illegal surrogacy were discovered. Hiring a surrogate mother needs a government doctor's approval. 2. PNEUMONIA TOPS LIST OF ILLNESS THREATENING KIDS -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Children's Hospital in Vientiane is strengthening paediatricians' skills to improve the health and mortality rate of newborns and infants. Pneumonia remains a leading illness at the hospital, followed by diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections and malaria. MYANMAR 1. ETHNIC ARMED GROUPS TOLD TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government has urged all ethnic armed organisations and relevant parties to respect the temporary ceasefire to ensure rehabilitation works are carried out smoothly. Besides, addressing the current risks being faced by the nation, it is imperative to consider potential future dangers. 2. TAPPING OIL, GAS, SOLAR TO POWER THE NATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Ministry of Energy is launching new offshore oil and gas projects to strengthen the energy sector. The government is also considering the import and installation of solar panels as they are key for power production for the country. SINGAPORE 1. 47 COUNTRIES TO ATTEND 22ND SHANGRI-LA DIALOGUE IN SINGAPORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES Forty-seven countries, including 40 minister-level delegates, will attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), which takes place at the Shangri-La Hotel from May 30 to June 1. UNDERREPORTED PROBLEM? SURVEY FINDS 30% OF SINGAPORE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS CLAIM THEY HAVE BEEN BULLIED -- CNA A survey by CNA's Talking Point programme has found that student bullying could be more pervasive than official figures suggest, with about 30 per cent of secondary school students in Singapore claiming they have been bullied. THAILAND 1. SOMSAK VETOES MEDICAL COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION ON DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST -- DOCTORS THE NATION Public Health Minister Somsak vetoes Medical Council's disciplinary action against three doctors over Thaksin's hospital stay opinion. 2. FLOOD THREAT GROWS ALONG CHAO PHRAYA -- BANGKOK POST Bangkok is on heightened alert for potential flooding as high sea levels threaten low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River through to Sunday, with temporary and permanent flood protection measures underway. VIETNAM 1. PROPOSAL TO BUILD RM2 BILLION CASINO IN QUANG NINH -- VIETNAM NEWS The Ministry of Finance is seeking the government's approval to build a tourism complex in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh province, including a luxury RM8.5 billion (US$2 billion) casino. The casino will be built on 244 hectares of land. 2. TRADE FAIR IN SOUTHERN CITY EYING GLOBAL SUPPLIERS -- VIETNAMPLUS Ho Chi Minh City will host the Vietnam International Hardware Expo 2025 and the Home Show Vietnam 2025 from June 4-6. The business-to-business trade fair, aimed at connecting global suppliers, will showcase hardware, household products and gifts. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 27, 2025
Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen congratulated Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana GUSMíO as the country prepares to join ASEAN. A milestone for the Timorese people and a testament to ASEAN's solidarity, centrality and commitment to regional integration Child rights organisations conducted a workshop for journalists and editors on reporting child-sensitive issues to protect children and vulnerable communities. Journalists were taught how to report on sensitive issues without jeopardising the children's safety and dignity and ensuring rights were not violated. LOSING PATIENCE WITH INPEX OVER 26-YEAR MASELA GAS BLOCK DELAY -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia is losing patience with Japan's Inpex Corporation over the long-delayed Masela gas project, warning that the government may revoke its license if development continues to stall. Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia on Monday said the country is serious about reclaiming its energy independence and will take firm action against underperforming oil and gas contractors. BANKS ON CONSUMERS FOR 5 PCT GROWTH -- THE JAKARTA POST The government has announced a new stimulus package to support consumer spending in the second quarter and lift gross domestic product growth to five percent after a disappointing first quarter. The initiative, unveiled by Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto on Friday, is to become effective on June 5 and last to the end of July, with some of the measures applying just during the school holidays. LAOS ROAD TO BOOST REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES A major road development to improve east-west connectivity is underway. The project financed by Thailand's Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency will help improve trade between the neighbouring nations and enhance transport links with Vietnam and China. READY TO EXPAND TRADE SECTORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and Malaysia's bilateral trade rose to over RM181 million (US$43 million) last year. Both governments agreed to expand joint initiatives across multiple sectors. Cooperation in energy, defence, security, finance, transport and agriculture sectors is in the pipeline. MYANMAR CEMENT TO SUPPORT EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR India donated 225 metric tonnes of cement to assist Myanmar with its reconstruction following the March 28 earthquake. The cargo arrived at the country's largest Thilawa Port in Yangon and the cement will be distributed to earthquake-hit areas for reconstruction. TO STEM ILLICIT TRADE WITH NEIGHBOURS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government plans to conduct a multi-agency campaign to stop illegal trade with neighbouring countries. The sectors often exposed to illegal trade are agricultural products, chemicals and pesticides, alcohol, counterfeit goods, forest products, illegal fishing, petroleum products and wildlife trafficking. SINGAPORE TO EXPLORE EXPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY FROM VIETNAM TO SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA INKED AT ASEAN SUMMIT -- THE STRAITS TIMES Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam will jointly explore the export of renewable energy following an agreement signed by their government-linked firms on May 26 to collaborate on developing a new electricity link. PLOUGHS INTO FANS AT LIVERPOOL PARADE, INJURING DOZENS; POLICE RULE OUT TERRORISM -- CNA/AGENCIES A car ploughed into large crowds of Liverpool fans during a parade celebrating their side's Premier League title on Monday (May 26), hospitalising 27 people, with two seriously injured, but police said they did not believe the incident was terrorism-related. THAILAND EYES SWIFT TARIFF DEAL WITH US, SIGNALLING AIRCRAFT PURCHASES -- THE NATION Finance Minister anticipates resolution on customs duties within weeks, hints at major aviation procurement amid ongoing trade dialogue. MEASURES SET TO REVIVE STOCKS -- BANGKOK POST Business executives have expressed optimism that the underperforming Thai stock market could see a significant improvement in the second half of 2025, based on their hopes that the government's stimulus measures have been effectively implemented to address the country's economic weakness. VIETNAM TECHNOLOGY TO SPUR GROWTH – VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam is seeking France's support to expand its aerospace, biotechnology, digital technology, semiconductors, quantum technology and the digital economy sectors. Talks surfaced during French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day state visit to Vietnam starting yesterday. CAPITAL INFLUX REFLECTS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam's foreign direct investment reached RM58 billion (US$13.82 billion) since the beginning of this year, a 40 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2024. The investments were registered across diverse sectors — from renewable energy, and logistics to advanced materials. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, & Thailand: May 26, 2025
National flag carrier, Air Cambodia, will complete the delivery of three ATR 72-600 aircraft this year. The first aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport today. The carrier operates domestic and international flights to China, Thailand and Vietnam. The government initiated a street food hygiene pilot project in Kampong Thom province to raise traders' awareness of food safety. As part of a national campaign, the project aims to promote public health and engage the informal economy. CHINA INK DEALS TO BOOST LOCAL CURRENCY USE AND EXPAND BILATERAL COOPERATION -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia and China on Sunday agreed to promote the use of their respective national currencies in bilateral trade, marking a significant step toward reducing dependency on the US dollar. The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed by Bank Indonesia and the People's Bank of China during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Jakarta. HERBAL DRINK AS NATION'S HEALTH SYMBOL: BPOM -- ANTARA The National Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) emphasised that traditional herbal drink jamu is not merely a legacy of the past but a symbol of Indonesia's future health sector. The agency's Deputy for Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics Supervision stated that jamu represents local wisdom supported by strong scientific research and evidence. LAOS PAYMENT WITH VISA SUPPORT -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Agricultural Promotion Bank Co Ltd has partnered with VISA to promote cross-border digital payments. The launch of APB World-Remit with the support of VISA B2B Connect will help Lao businesses link up with international markets. OFFICIALS IRON OUT BILATERAL ISSUES -- VIENTIANE TIMES Traditional partners Laos and Thailand held talks on a wide range of issues from political and security cooperation to trade and investment. Foreign Ministry officials also discussed protecting Lao migrant workers' rights in neighbouring Thailand. MYANMAR KEY TO NATION'S STABILITY AND PROGRESS, SAYS LEADER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar is a union nation based on genuine multiparty democracy and a federal system. All parties have to unite to promote peace and stability in the country. EDIBLE FROG FARMING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Rising demand and lucrative prices for edible frogs in the local market are encouraging more farmers to venture into the business. Called the 'Thai frog', it takes about three months to breed the frogs, which feed on bran and floating fish feed. SINGAPORE HAS REACHED 'CONSENSUS' ON TRADE, US TARIFFS AND POWER GRID AHEAD OF SUMMIT: ANWAR -- THE STRAITS TIMES Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is bullish that 'very constructive' outcomes will result from the Asean Summit and related meetings that Malaysia is hosting as regional leaders began meeting on May 23, citing progress on a regional power grid and the Myanmar civil war. TO SIGN IMPROVED CHINA, INTERNAL TRADE DEALS AS BLOC WEIGHS 'BOLDER' MOVES TO TACKLE US TARIFFS -- CNA Easier trade among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as with the regional bloc's top economic partner, China, is on the horizon as the grouping pushes ahead with 'bolder' moves to stave off the threat of steep US tariffs. THAILAND MINISTRY CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL TOURS TO RESTORE TRUST -- THE NATION Natreeya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has outlined the government's comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of tourists in Thailand, an issue that remains a top priority. SPENDING TIGHTENS -- BANGKOK POST Quiet tourist attractions with fewer guests and complaints from local merchants about stagnant purchasing power have become more pronounced, as the Thai economy braces for another slump in the second quarter, which is typically a low season for spending. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 23, 2025
GROWS OVER TNI, POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIL GOVERNANCE -- THE JAKARTA POST SEIZES MILLIONS OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED TOOLS FROM CHINA TRACKED THROUGH TIKTOK ADS -- JAKARTA GLOBE The growing presence of active police and military officers in executive and legislative posts under President Prabowo Subianto has sparked concerns among analysts, who warn that the trend signals a shift away from Indonesia's post-Reform commitment to civilian supremacy in governance. Indonesian authorities have seized millions of illegally imported tools and hardware products from China, with an estimated value of Rp 18 billion (approx. US$1.1 million), following a tip-off triggered by TikTok advertisements, Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced on Thursday. ASIA'S LARGEST WIND FARM OPERATIONAL SOON -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos will launch its first RM3.9 billion (US$930 million) wind farm by year-end. All 133 turbines are now fully installed. The 600-MW power project is spread across 68,000 hectares of Xekong and Attapeu provinces. TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO TRAIN LAO YOUTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and Switzerland vocational education experts are jointly working to strengthen curriculum development for technical training institutions and enterprises in Laos. The project aims to provide knowledge and skills for unemployed youth. MYANMAR EXPORT STRATEGY BEING FINE-TUNED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government, along with the Private Trade Promotion Council are working on the National Export Strategy 2026-2030 draft that will propel the domestic trading sector. Both parties held the second council meeting yesterday. GROWERS ADVISED TO TARGET SOUTH KOREA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Local associations advise growers and suppliers to export dry coconut shells to South Korea. There is a growing demand for dried and fresh coconut that is widely used in the cosmetic and Asian food industries. They are currently exported to Bangladesh, China and Thailand. SINGAPORE OF NEW OFFICE-HOLDERS LARGEST SINCE 2001; RESHUFFLE PROVIDES FOR MINORITY SUCCESSION IN CABINET -- THE STRAITS TIMES In 2001, seven new MPs took political office in a fresh injection of talent by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. BUILDINGS COULD BE ALLOWED NEAR SINGAPORE AIRPORTS WITH HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS REVIEW: CHEE HONG TAT -- CNA Height restrictions on buildings near airports could be revised later this year, potentially paving the way for taller residential and commercial developments, said Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 22). THAILAND 1. SUPREME ADMIN COURT ORDERS YINGLUCK TO PAY 10BN BAHT FOR G-TO-G RICE DEAL DAMAGE -- THE NATION Supreme Admin Court orders Yingluck to pay 10bn baht for rice pledging scheme damage, overturning lower court ruling and adjusting asset freezes. 2. COUP RISK REMAINS, WARNS PHUMTHAM -- BANGKOK POST Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has refrained from ruling out the possibility of a future coup and asked all sides to learn from history to strengthen democratic institutions. VIETNAM EDITION OF 'HAPPY VIETNAM' LAUNCHED -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam launched the third edition of its 'Happy Vietnam' media award, which will capture the true meaning of happiness and how it connects to national identity. The campaign is a nationwide move to celebrate national pride and promote human rights. 2. RELIEF FOR VIETNAMESE DURIAN EXPORTERS TO CHINA -- VIETNAM NEWS The General Administration of Customs of China has recognised 829 growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes for Vietnamese durians. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment considers this is a positive move to address the decline in durian exports to China recently. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial

Barnama
22-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 22, 2025
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it will continue to support the development of a highly skilled workforce through the skills development programmes. ADB will assist to mobilise financing to build a quality education system and develop human capital. Cambodian reaffirmed its independent, neutral and non-aligned foreign policy in the international arena. The Kingdom will continue to contribute to international peace-building initiatives, strengthen partnerships with other nations based on international law and the nation's interests. GENERAL APPOINTED TO LEAD CUSTOMS -- THE JAKARTA POST President Prabowo Subianto will reportedly appoint Lt Gen Djaka Budi Utama, a military officer and former member of a special forces team implicated in the abduction of activists, to lead the country's customs office. This move is seen as part of the President's growing reliance on military figures to fill key civilian posts. SRITEX BOSS ACCUSED OF EMBEZZLING RP 692 BLN IN STATE BANK LOANS -- JAKARTA GLOBE Former CEO of textile giant Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex), Iwan Setiawan Lukminto, has been named a corruption suspect in a major credit fraud case involving multiple regional and state-owned banks, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) announced Wednesday evening. LAOS TO ATTEND ASEAN SUMMIT IN MALAYSIA -- VIENTIANE TIMES Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will lead a Lao delegation to Malaysia on May 25 to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit. This year's ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, is hosting the summit and related meetings under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. WORKING TOWARDS GLOBAL FOOD CODE -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organisation to improve national food safety standards and public health. The partnership is to enhance food safety awareness and encourage global food safety guidelines. MYANMAR TRANSPORT POLICY MAKERS MEET IN YANGON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar hosted the 59th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting and the 4th ASEAN-United States Senior Transport Officials Meeting in Yangon yesterday. The host supported ASEAN's strategies in line with the bloc's vision to improve its multimodal transport infrastructure. STEEL MILL TO BEGIN OPERATIONS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The No 2 Steel Mill in Taunggyi Township, Shan State — a joint venture between Myanmar Economic Cooperation and Russian state-owned TPE Co Ltd will begin its operations soon. The mill can produce 200,000 metric tonnes of raw steel and 720,000 tonnes of iron ore. SINGAPORE 1.S'PORE KEEPS 2025 GROWTH FORECAST AT 0% TO 2%, THOUGH OUTLOOK 'IMPROVED SLIGHTLY' FROM TRADE TRUCES -- THE STRAITS TIMES The Government is keeping Singapore's economic growth forecast for 2025 at zero per cent to 2 per cent, though it said the external demand outlook for the rest of the year has 'improved slightly', given the tariff truces that have de-escalated global trade tensions. MAINTAINS 2025 GROWTH FORECAST AT 0-2%; ECONOMY GREW 3.9% IN Q1 -- CNA Singapore has maintained its growth forecast for the year at a range of 0 to 2 per cent, even as data on Thursday (May 22) showed the economy grew slightly faster than expected in the first quarter of 2025. THAILAND 1. BMA GEARS UP TO FIGHT FLOODS DURING RAINY SEASON -- THE NATION The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Drainage and Sewerage Department announced on Wednesday that it has fully prepared measures to prevent or mitigate flooding in the capital during this rainy season. 2. CANNABIS USERS IN THAILAND 'WILL NEED MEDICAL CERTIFICATES' -- BANGKOK POST Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin says cannabis users in Thailand will be required to have medical certificates to make sure that the plant is used for medical purposes only. VIETNAM BANKING LAWS TO WOO FOREIGN CAPITAL -- VIETNAMPLUS The State Bank is simplifying the process to open indirect investment accounts in Vietnam from June 16. The new move is to streamline administrative procedures, remove barriers and ease foreign capital flow into Vietnam's stock market. 2. TRUMP BRAND SWEEPS ACROSS VIETNAM -- VIETNAMPLUS The Trump International Hung Yen project is expected to promote sustainable development for the northern province of Hung Yen and Vietnam. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the luxury residential and tourism complex yesterday. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial