Southeast Asia News Roundup
Cambodia
Promoting Crane Rice to Protect Sarus Cranes
Crane Rice, named after the vulnerable Sarus Crane, is being promoted nationwide to protect the birds. There are only about 180 Sarus Cranes left in Cambodia and their numbers have reduced due to deteriorating habitat conditions and agricultural chemical pesticides poisoning.
Cambodia to Woo More Russian Tourists
Cambodia and Russia are exploring ways to attract more Russian tourists to the Kingdom. Both parties discussed strengthening tourism cooperation by organising a technical working group to draft a memorandum of understanding to further promote tourism between the two countries.
Laos
Lao-Vietnam Gearing for Deeper Bilateral Ties
The 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee committed to deeper cooperation in various fields for 2025. Key areas of focus include politics, foreign affairs, national defense, and cultural exchanges. Vietnam will provide 1,160 scholarships for Lao students in 2025.
Punishing Gold Miners Harming Environment
The government will issue an order to halt the approval of gold mining operations nationwide. The contracts for projects that have caused environmental harm will be suspended and not renewed. Companies that continue to violate regulations will face legal action.
Myanmar
Two Political Visions to Bring Stability
The State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the government is initiating two political visions to promote durable peace and stability — exercising a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and building a Union based on democracy and federalism.
Pineapple Exports to China Resume After Pause
Myanmar’s pineapple exporters will continue to sell their products to China this year but need to adhere to strict phytosanitary regulations. Pineapple exports ended after the Chinese government halted a cross-border trade plan in 2019 that severely affected local growers.
Vietnam
Manageable Inflationary Pressure in 2025
Vietnam’s inflation rate is expected to stay between three and 4.5 per cent this year due to stable monetary policy. Inflation could be influenced by increases in commodity prices, global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
"Homeland Spring" to Showcase Nation’s Ambition
The "Homeland Spring" — a major cultural-political event will be held to promote "Vietnam — Rising in a New Era" to showcase the nation’s aspirations and also to woo Vietnamese living abroad. It will be held from 18 to 20 January in Hanoi.
Indonesia
Indonesia Builds World’s Largest Refuse-Derived Fuel Facility
The Indonesian government is nearing completion of a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant in the Rorotan area of North Jakarta, designed to address the city’s mounting waste problem.
Jakarta, Regions Declare New Elected Leaders
The regional offices of the General Elections Commission (KPU) have officially certified the winners of the 2024 simultaneous regional elections in some regions, including some opposition-backed candidates who analysts say may complicate President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to implement his program.
Singapore
Degrees of Danger: Beating the Heat in South-East Asia
South-east Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to rising temperatures caused by climate change and rapid urbanisation. What will it take to heat-proof the region?
Court Decision on Nomination of Indonesia Presidential Candidates Could Reshape Future Elections but Potential Pitfalls Lurk
When Indonesia stages its next general elections in 2029, Southeast Asia’s biggest economy could see fresh faces armed with new and exciting ideas vying for the presidency.
Thailand
Bitcoin Mine in Chonburi Shut Down for Massive Electricity Theft
Thai authorities seized nearly 1,000 Bitcoin mining machines after discovering a Chonburi operation had tampered with its power meter to steal electricity worth hundreds of millions of baht.
‘Premium’ Upgrade for Phuket
Phuket will be upgraded to a premium tourism destination as efforts are being made to address several problems in the island province, says Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Conclusion
The Southeast Asian region is witnessing various developments in politics, economy, tourism, and environment. From promoting Crane Rice to protect Sarus Cranes to punishing gold miners harming the environment, the region is taking steps towards a sustainable future. Countries are also exploring ways to attract more tourists and promote their cultures.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation of Sarus Cranes in Cambodia?
A: There are only about 180 Sarus Cranes left in Cambodia.
Q: What is the focus of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee?
A: Key areas of focus include politics, foreign affairs, national defense, and cultural exchanges.
Q: What is the expected inflation rate in Vietnam in 2025?
A: Vietnam’s inflation rate is expected to stay between three and 4.5 per cent this year.