Tag: PHILIPPINES

Meta launches enhanced safety features for minors in the Philippines

MANILA: Meta on Thursday officially launched enhanced safety features for minors on its social media platform and held a Screen Smart digital literacy program to help educate the public about the features, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. At the launch event at Fairmont Makati, Meta Asia Pacific Head of Security Policy Malina Enlund said […]

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : May 29, 2026

INDONESIA 1.INDONESIA, FRANCE BACK TWO-STATE SOLUTION FOR PALESTINIAN INDEPENDENCE -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and France share similar views on Middle East stability, backing a two-state solution as essential for Palestinian independence and regional peace. 2.PRABOWO BACKS NEW FRANCE-INDONESIA BUSINESS COUNCIL -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level Business Council as a strategic step to strengthen economic and investment ties between the two countries. MYANMAR 1.PRESIDENT PLANS INDIA VISIT TO WARM UP TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will pay an official visit to India to bolster bilateral ties and expand business cooperation. He is making the visit at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 2.PREPARATION FOR MONSOON RICE CULTIVATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Rice Federation briefed industry players on the implementation of the rice export zone this monsoon season. Financing, the use of high-quality pure seeds and organic fertilisers were also discussed. PHILIPPINES 1.JAPAN COMMITS TO DEFENCE EQUIPMENT TRANSFER TO BOOST PHILIPPINES’ CAPABILITIES- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY Japan has pledged to beef up its defence cooperation with the Philippines through the provision of military equipment and technology aimed at enhancing the Philippine forces’ capabilities. 2.PHILIPPINES, JAPAN VOW TO DEVELOP ‘WORLD-CLASS’ LUZON ECONOMIC CORRIDOR -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub,” recognising its strategic role in strengthening regional economic architecture and global supply chain resilience. SINGAPORE 1.NEW PMA RULES KICK IN JUN 1, BUT SOME USERS SAY THEY WILL NOT COMPLY - CNA Some personal mobility aid (PMA) users have told CNA that they will continue riding devices that breach tightened rules taking effect on Jun 1, despite the risk of enforcement action. 2.VIETNAMESE PRESIDENT TO LAM IN SINGAPORE FOR FOUR-DAY STATE VISIT -- THE STRAITS TIMES Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Singapore on May 28 for a state visit as part of his first tour of Asean countries since becoming head of state. THAILAND 1.THAI NAVY BUYS AIRBUS C295 AIRCRAFT TO BOOST SEA OPERATIONS -- THE NATION The Royal Thai Navy will acquire two Airbus C295 aircraft to strengthen maritime transport, patrol, rescue and Medevac operations. 2.RISING INFLATION FEARS PRESSURE BULLION PRICE -- BANGKOK POST Global gold prices could drop to US$4,200 an ounce in this cycle, translating to a domestic price of around 66,000 baht, as the market has begun pricing in the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in the second half of the year amid rising US inflation, says the Gold Traders Association (GTA). VIETNAM 1.DONG THAP STRIVING TO BANISH “YELLOW CARD” -- VIETNAMPLUS The Dong Thap province has not recorded any illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing case since 2024 as the government tightens regulations. Vietnam is trying to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted soon. 2.DIRECT FLIGHT CONNECTING HO CHI MINH, PHUKET -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam Airlines on Thursday announced a new direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket starting July 2. There will be four round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. -- BERNAMA

INDONESIA 1.INDONESIA, FRANCE BACK TWO-STATE SOLUTION FOR PALESTINIAN INDEPENDENCE — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and France share similar views on Middle East stability, backing a two-state solution as essential for Palestinian independence and regional peace. 2.PRABOWO BACKS NEW FRANCE-INDONESIA BUSINESS COUNCIL — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the establishment of the France-Indonesia High-Level […]

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 21, 2026

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA'S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES -- ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters of several natural resource commodities, including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys. 2. ASEAN DIGITAL PACT COULD LIFT INDONESIA'S ECONOMY TO US$600 BLN: AIRLANGGA -- ANTARA Indonesia’s digital economy could expand to US$600 billion through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said on Wednesday. LAOS 1. VIETNAM-LAO EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION STARTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Vietnam broke ground on a 60-kilometre expressway costing US$910 million (RM3.6 billion) that connects the Lao border. The corridor will improve overland links to Vietnamese seaports that will expand trade and tourism. 2. PREPARING FOR LDC GRADUATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao is preparing to exit the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by focusing on rural development to improve living standards. Poverty reduction, strengthening governance and combating corruption will be given top priorities. MYANMAR 1. IMPROVING RURAL WOMEN’S ECONOMIC STATUS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Small-Scale Industries Department will implement the rural family income improvement project in 214 villages. Sewing and food production courses will be conducted to uplift the economic well-being of rural women. 2. SOLAR-POWERED STREETLIGHTS FOR VILLAGES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government will provide solar streetlights to 41 villages in Shan state. The initiative aims to enhance the socioeconomic status of rural residents and narrow the urban-rural development gap. PHILIPPINES 1. BILL EXTENDING PRC ID VALIDITY TO 5 YEARS APPROVED ON FINAL READING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY In a major win for millions of Filipino professionals, the House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on third and final reading a measure extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years, easing renewal burdens and cutting red tape in government transactions. 2. HOUSE OKS KALINGA BILL, EYES FASTER RESPONSE TO FUEL CRISES, INFLATION -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the Kalinga Act, a proposed national emergency response and resiliency framework that would allow the Marcos administration to move faster against fuel-driven inflation, energy supply risks and shocks that threaten food, transport, livelihood, and essential services. SINGAPORE 1. SINGTEL LOGS 12 PCT RISE IN ANNUAL EARNINGS HELPED BY REGIONAL ASSOCIATES - CNA Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) reported a 12 per cent rise in annual underlying profit on Thursday, driven by strong contributions from India's Bharti Airtel and other regional associates. 2. BABY FOOD FROM IRELAND RECALLED DUE TO POTENTIAL MOULD GROWTH AND SPOILAGE: SFA -- THE STRAITS TIMES A recall for a baby food product from Ireland is ongoing due to potential mould growth and spoilage, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said. THAILAND 1. THAILAND REVEALS 93 COUNTRIES LOSING 60-DAY VISA-FREE ENTRY -- THE NATION Thailand’s Cabinet has approved ending 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, with most set to return to 30-day stays. 2. GOVT TO PURGE STATE SECRETS -- BANGKOK POST Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all state agencies to fully disclose public information and eliminate unnecessary secrecy as part of a nationwide anti-corruption campaign launched in cooperation with the private sector. VIETNAM 1. SMART FISHING PORT AT GIA LAI -- VIETNAMPLUS Gia Lai province will build a smart fishing port at Tam Quan to modernise its seafood industry and improve export standards. The port will deploy digital tools, automation and data analytics to manage fleets and track marine catch. 2. ASIAN HACKATHON ATTRACTS OVER 400 TEAMS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has attracted 439 teams, with about 1,440 contestants from 22 countries. The 36-hour in-person hackathon is scheduled from July 2 to 5 at VinUni University in Hanoi. -- BERNAMA

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA’S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES — ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters of several natural resource commodities, including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys. 2. ASEAN DIGITAL PACT COULD LIFT INDONESIA’S ECONOMY TO US$600 BLN: AIRLANGGA — ANTARA […]

Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam

CAMBODIA 1. MANAGING WASTEWATER EFFICIENTLY — FRESH NEWS The Environment Ministry said that more factories are managing wastewater properly by installing wastewater treatment plants. They are also complying with environmental regulations to protect natural resources and caring for the environment. 2. FUEL SHORTAGE CRIPPLES OVER 400 STATIONS — AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE The Commerce Ministry said […]