Asia News Roundup
Indonesia
Presidential Leadership Style Diverges from Jokowi’s Legacy
President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership style, with his knack for powerful speeches and fondness for the military, has set him apart from his predecessor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in his first 100 days in office.
Prisoner Pardon Expected for 44,000 Inmates
President Prabowo Subianto is expected to pardon 44,000 inmates convicted of non-violent crimes with drug offenders making up a vast majority of them, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Laos
More Girls Fall Victim to Human Trafficking
The National Anti-trafficking Committee Police registered 46 human trafficking cases last year, involving 85 victims and 95 suspects arrested. Brokers and syndicates duped Lao girls into cyber-scam operations and underage girls were forced to marry foreigners illegally.
Kapok Blossom Festival Attracts Tourists
The Kapok Blossom Festival is held in Bokeo province. During January and February, Kapok trees produce red blossoms. The festival takes place on about 40 hectares in the Bokeo forest area and attracted nearly 250,000 tourists last year.
Myanmar
Maize Exports Reach Nearly RM2 Billion
Myanmar earned about RM2 billion (US$447 million) from exporting over 1.88 million tonnes of maize from April to November last year. Maize is in high demand among feed processing factories. Thailand is the top importer, followed by China, India, the Philippines and Bangladesh.
Workshop Provides Child-Friendly Space
Myanmar Red Cross Society and Denmark Red Cross jointly organised a Child-Friendly Spaces workshop for social workers. Volunteers were taught how to establish safe spaces for children during emergencies, and childcare and respond to their psychological needs during crisis.
Singapore
Businesses Must Stay Resilient Amid Challenges in 2025
Businesses here must remain agile, nimble and resilient in the face of challenges that are likely to impact growth outlook in 2025.
From Foster Care to Forever Home: Meet 3 Youths Whose Families Changed Their Lives for Good
When he was in his teens, Eugene Francesco Ong-Nonis used to dodge his friends’ questions about why he looked nothing like his dad and mum.
Conclusion
The articles highlight the various developments in Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Singapore, covering topics such as presidential leadership, prisoner pardon, human trafficking, and business resilience. These news snippets provide a glimpse into the current events and issues affecting these countries.
FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between Prabowo’s leadership style and Jokowi’s?
A: Prabowo’s leadership style is marked by his powerful speeches and fondness for the military, differing from Jokowi’s more moderate approach.
Q: How many prisoners are expected to be pardoned by President Prabowo?
A: 44,000 inmates are expected to be pardoned, with drug offenders making up a vast majority of them.