Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Thailand : Feb 26, 2025

Asia-Pacific News Update

Cambodia

1. MINISTRY GIVES E-COMMERCE A BIG PUSH
   The Ministry of Commerce has launched the “2024 E-Commerce in Cambodia Report” for policymakers, businesses and development partners seeking to advance the e-commerce agenda. The ministry aims to develop Cambodia’s e-commerce and digital trade sectors.

2. ISLAM-BUDDHISM SUMMIT TO PROMOTE HARMONY
   The Muslim World League will host the Islam-Buddhism Summit in Cambodia on February 27, focusing on sharing knowledge and experience in building a peaceful and religious harmonious society. About 200 foreign delegates from 35 countries will attend the event.

Indonesia

1. DANANTARA MAY CROWD OUT PRIVATE INVESTMENT
   Danantara, the nation’s newly established sovereign wealth fund, could end up stifling growth instead of fueling it, analysts have warned, pointing out that the way the government has structured the fund appears to make it a direct competitor of private companies, which could discourage them from making new investments.

2. PERTAMINA VOWS COOPERATION AS EXECUTIVES NAMED IN US$11.9 BLN CORRUPTION SCANDAL
   State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina has pledged full cooperation with authorities following the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) decision to name seven suspects in a corruption case involving its subsidiaries and contractors. The scandal, which allegedly took place between 2018 and 2023, is estimated to have cost the state Rp 193.7 trillion (US$11.9 billion).

Laos

1. JAPAN’S RM36 MILLION FUND TO BUILD TRAINING FACILITIES
   Japan granted RM36 million (US$8.2 million) to establish centres for teachers’ development in nine provinces. The funds will be used to establish an in-service training system by building centres in provinces with no teacher training colleges and completed by 2028.

2. AFRICAN SWINE FLU THREATENS PIG FARMING
   Authorities classified Vanghai village in Xaysomboun province as a red zone following an outbreak of African swine fever. Authorities have banned the processing and selling of infected pork to prevent further spread. The disease poses a serious risk to pig farming.

Myanmar

1. MADE-IN JAPAN TRAINS TO CONNECT THREE KEY CITIES
   Myanmar Railways will launch a new service connecting major cities Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw on February 28. Modern air-conditioned diesel multiple-unit trains imported from Japan will ply these routes and be able to transport about 650 passengers.

2. FINANCIAL AID FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS, TWO-YEAR-OLDS
   The government is planning to provide financial support for pregnant mothers and their children who are under the age of two. The aid will be channelled through Myanmar Economic Bank branches and the campaign is part of the nation’s social protection scheme.

Singapore

1. HARI RAYA LIGHT-UP KICKS OFF IN GEYLANG; RAMADAN BAZAAR WILL HAVE 500 STALLS
   Parts of Geylang Road and Sims Avenue were awash with festive lights on February 25 as the Hari Raya light-up kicked off with a show at Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS).

2. SINGPOST TO SEEK SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL FOR SALE OF AUSTRALIA BUSINESS
   Singapore Post will move forward with the sale of its Australia business by holding an extraordinary general meeting on March 13 to seek shareholders’ approval for the divestment.

Thailand

1. PHUMTHAM WARNS NEARLY 7,000 FOREIGNERS COULD FLEE MYANMAR INTO THAILAND
   Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai urges foreign governments to repatriate nearly 7,000 detained foreigners in Myanmar after call-centre scam crackdowns, warning of a potential mass exodus if swift action is not taken.

2. CABINET DEMANDS BOT RATE CUT TODAY
   The cabinet has sent a letter to the Bank of Thailand urging a cut in interest rates to help ensure inflation stays within the targeted range.

Conclusion
The article provides an overview of the latest news and developments in the region, covering topics such as e-commerce, Islam-Buddhism summit, sovereign wealth fund, corruption scandal, and more. The article highlights the importance of cooperation and collaboration between governments, businesses, and development partners to drive growth and development in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the “2024 E-Commerce in Cambodia Report”?
A: The report aims to advance the e-commerce agenda and develop Cambodia’s e-commerce and digital trade sectors.

Q: What is the focus of the Islam-Buddhism Summit?
A: The summit focuses on sharing knowledge and experience in building a peaceful and religious harmonious society.

Q: What is the impact of the corruption scandal on Pertamina?
A: The scandal is estimated to have cost the state Rp 193.7 trillion (US$11.9 billion).

Q: What is the purpose of the financial aid for pregnant mothers and their children in Myanmar?
A: The aid is part of the nation’s social protection scheme to support pregnant mothers and their children under the age of two.