Singapore
Community Initiatives
Punnets of cherry tomatoes, bundles of chye sim and vacuum-sealed salmon fillets – these are among the fresh food that residents of rental flats in Kampong Glam can pick up every Saturday from a market in Jalan Besar, for free.
Election Rallies
Physical election rallies are expected to make a comeback this year, a decade since Singapore last held them. But new sites may need to be identified, after CNA found that almost half of those used in the 2015 General Election no longer exist, with housing and other infrastructure developments now in their place.
Indonesia
Cooking Gas Shortage
Residents across Greater Jakarta were left frustrated over the weekend as the subsidised 3-kilogram cooking gas canisters became unavailable at many convenience stores. Most Indonesian households rely on the 3-kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) canisters, commonly known as "melon canisters", which are sold at around Rp 20,000 (US$1.22) per unit under government subsidies.
Foreign Policy
Through 10 state visits he embarked upon during the first 100 days of his presidency, President Prabowo Subianto appears to send a clear message to the world. As viewed by analysts, the former Army general was telling the world that he was a foreign policy president with a strong nationalist foundation.
Laos
Mobile Phone Vaccination Alerts
Health authorities have introduced a one-year pilot scheme to send text message reminders to parents to vaccinate their infants once the child is one year old. This is to protect babies from preventable diseases and some 50,000 mothers will be covered under the project.
EU Funding
The European Union (EU) will provide RM207 million (45 million euros) to support Laos’ socio-economic development, focusing on economic growth, education and governance until 2027. Priorities include promoting a green and inclusive economy, enhancing education and vocational training and strengthening governance.
Myanmar
Indawgyi Lake Biodiversity
The Department of Fisheries said over 80 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 90 species of fish inhabit the Indawgyi Lake in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State. The third largest lake in Southeast Asia is endowed with a rich biodiversity.
Fashion Awards
The 2024 Myanmar Film Academy Awards will include the Myanmar Academy Fashion Award which will take place in Nay Pyi Taw on February 9. The selection panel has reviewed 49 films and shortlisted 18 finalists, and 12 awards will be presented.
Vietnam
Airports Congestion
Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport welcomed about 100,000 passengers and 590 flights on the last day of the nine-day Lunar New Year. Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City received 150,500 passengers and managed 979 flights.
Hanoi Development Plans
Hanoi sets three growth scenarios for this year – 6.5 per cent, 8 per cent and 10 per cent growth targets – to drive its economy. The capital city will focus on a digital economy, green and circular economy to achieve its development goals.
Conclusion
This article highlights various news and developments from Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. From community initiatives to foreign policy, cooking gas shortages to airport congestion, and fashion awards to development plans, these countries are making progress in their respective fields.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the free fresh produce market in Singapore?
A: The market aims to tackle cost-of-living concerns among residents of rental flats in Kampong Glam.
Q: Why did CNA find that almost half of Singapore’s 2015 election rally sites no longer exist?
A: Housing and other infrastructure developments have taken place in their place.
Q: What is the EU providing to support Laos’ socio-economic development?
A: The European Union will provide RM207 million (45 million euros) to support Laos’ socio-economic development until 2027.