Regional News Update
Health Ministry Alerts Rabies Threats
Laos’ Health Ministry is reviewing community surveillance operations and plans to create awareness about rabies. Between 2012 and 2021, 298 rabies cases were reported in Laos due to animal bites, resulting in the deaths of 55 people.
Crackdown on Scam Centres
In the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, authorities have cracked down on fraudulent call centres, shutting down over 250 illegal call centres involved in scamming people and deporting foreign nationals operating cyber crime activities.
Myanmar
- Upgrading Port Facilities to Push Exports
New jetties will be built for loading and unloading processed crops and oil products at the Thilawa Port Terminal, and a sheltered conveying system will be installed at Sule Jetty to promote productivity and increase exports. - Myanmar Exports 1.7 Million Tonnes of Rice
Myanmar Rice Federation reported rice and broken rice exports reached 1.7 million tonnes during April-November last year, valued at RM3.6 billion (US$804 million). Indonesia was the largest importer with 480,000 tonnes and China procured 355,000 tonnes.
Vietnam
- Historical Hanoi Flag Tower Opens to Visitors
The Hanoi Flag Tower, a World Heritage Site and a symbol of the capital, is open to visitors for the first time on 1 January. The 33-meter-old tower was recognised as a national monument in 1989. - Ho Chi Minh’s Four Key Projects Completed in 2024
Four infrastructure projects worth RM278 million (US$62 million) were opened in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of 2024, including the Phuoc Long Bridge, HC1 underpass, and expansion of National Highway 50 and Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, which will ease traffic congestion.
Singapore
- Do Gen Zers and Millennials Have a Problem Dressing Professionally at the Workplace?
Civil servant Jessica Xu was shocked when her colleague walked into the office one day with a pair of Birkenstocks on her feet. - As Trump’s Shadow Looms, Southeast Asian Economies Face ‘Hard Challenges’ in 2025
From a potential tariff war, economic slowdown to political turmoil affecting key trading partners, 2025 is set to be a challenging year for Southeast Asian countries looking to boost their economic growth.
Thailand
- Cholera Situation in Tak Under Control
No further cases of the diarrhoeal disease have been reported in Tak province, but authorities continue to be on alert. - Thailand Targets More Free Trade Deals This Year
Thailand will continue to pursue free trade agreements (FTAs) this year as part of its strategy to accelerate economic recovery.
Conclusion
The Southeast Asian region has seen a mix of positive and challenging news, from the Thai government’s efforts to promote free trade agreements to the threat of rabies in Laos. As the region looks to the future, it is essential to address these challenges and opportunities to drive economic growth and development.
FAQs
Q: What is the situation with rabies in Laos?
A: The Health Ministry is reviewing community surveillance operations and plans to create awareness about rabies, with 298 cases reported between 2012 and 2021 resulting in 55 deaths.
Q: How many scam centres were shut down in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone?
A: Over 250 illegal call centres involved in scamming people were shut down, and foreign nationals operating cyber crime activities were deported.
Q: What are the key infrastructure projects completed in Ho Chi Minh City?
A: Four projects worth RM278 million (US$62 million) were opened, including the Phuoc Long Bridge, HC1 underpass, and expansion of National Highway 50 and Tan Ky Tan Quy Street, which will ease traffic congestion.