Asia News Roundup
Singapore
Employers Should Keep Open Mind About Flexi-Work: Panellists
Being more open to flexible work arrangements (FWAs) can help companies be more productive, said panellists at a recent roundtable moderated by The Straits Times.
A Flexible Support Line? Parents Welcome Home-Based Childminding Pilot But Worry About Safety and Structure
Stay-at-home mother Victoria Ng has set her mind to return to work when her eight-month-old son turns at least 18 months old.
Indonesia
Three Lawmakers Summoned by Ethics Council Over Misconduct Allegations
The ethics council of the House of Representatives has scheduled separate hearings on Tuesday with three lawmakers accused of misconduct. The lawmakers, identified as Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) members Yulius Setiarto and Haryanto, as well as Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) member Nuroji, face allegations ranging from inappropriate behavior to slander and racism.
Govt to Go Ahead with Its Revenue Body Plans
President Prabowo Subianto is expected to proceed with his plan to establish the country’s state revenue agency, despite having opted to keep the Finance Ministry intact on the day he announced his cabinet.
Cambodia
Nearly One Million Tourists Visit Angkor Wat
Foreign tourist arrivals at the Angkor Archaeological Park reached 898,339 in the first eleven months of this year, generating RM180.6 million from ticket sales. About RM7.7 million was donated to the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation which supports children’s hospitals.
New Law to Protect Wastewater System
The government has introduced a new Law on Wastewater Systems to protect the environment and improve public health in the Kingdom. Those violating the law can be punished severely and even sentenced to jail.
Laos
Laos Confident Exiting Least Developed Status in 2026
The government assured the foreign diplomatic corps at its 49th National Day celebration that Laos is on a steady growth trajectory and preparing to graduate from the Least Developed Country category in 2026. Its 2024 achievements included economic growth, political stability and social security.
ASEAN Commitment to Handle Hazardous Materials
Participants at the 6th annual meeting of ASEAN Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defence (CBR) vowed to improve safety standards and promote proper workplace practices. Delegates focused on handling CBR materials and building regional capabilities to tackle hazardous incidents.
Vietnam
Vietnam-Japan Focus on Parliamentary Ties
Vietnam and Japan strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by making parliamentary cooperation more vital. Both countries upgraded their relationship in 2023 to “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” to deepen political trust.
Chargeable Priority Lane at Da Nang Airport
Da Nang International Airport will introduce a priority lane starting 1 January, 2025 to optimise efficiency. Passengers will be charged RM17.2 (US$4) for using the lane at Terminal T1. It will be the first airport in Vietnam to introduce the service.
Thailand
Floods Devastate Rubber Plantations in South of Thailand
The massive floods that hit five provinces in the South last week would have caused damages worth 20 billion baht, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAT) said.
Phumtham Downplays MP’s House Dissolution Warning
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed a Pheu Thai MP’s warning that disagreements over a charter referendum could result in a House dissolution as a matter of personal opinion.
Conclusion
The news roundup highlights key developments in Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. From flexible work arrangements to parliamentary ties, the countries are making progress in various areas.
FAQs
Q: What are the key takeaways from the Singapore news?
A: Employers should be more open to flexible work arrangements to improve productivity, and parents welcome a home-based childminding pilot but worry about safety and structure.
Q: What is the situation with Indonesian lawmakers?
A: Three lawmakers have been summoned by the ethics council over misconduct allegations, including inappropriate behavior and slander.
Q: What is the latest news from Cambodia?
A: Foreign tourist arrivals at Angkor Wat reached 898,339 in the first eleven months of this year, generating RM180.6 million from ticket sales.
Q: What is the progress in Laos?
A: The government is confident about exiting the Least Developed Country category in 2026, with achievements including economic growth, political stability, and social security.
Q: What is the latest news from Vietnam?
A: Vietnam and Japan strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and Da Nang International Airport will introduce a priority lane starting 1 January, 2025.
Q: What is the situation in Thailand?
A: The country is dealing with massive floods that hit five provinces in the South, causing damages worth 20 billion baht.