INDONESIA
1. LUHUT STANDS BY WHOOSH PROJECT AS DANANTARA FACES PRESSURE TO REPAY CHINA DEBT -- JAKARTA GLOBE
National Economic Council (DEN) chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has come to the defence of Indonesia’s US$7.3 billion (Rp 121.16 trillion) Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project, saying the financially strained venture remains vital public infrastructure despite mounting debt concerns.
2. JAKARTA PICKS UP BIG TRASH FOR FREE -- THE JAKARTA POST
The Jakarta Environment Agency has launched a pickup service for heavy and oversized household waste to support recycling initiatives in the capital, where limited waste banks and recycling facilities struggle to handle the city’s 8,000 tonnes of daily waste.
LAOS
1. LAOS-CAMBODIA VOW STRONG NEIGHBOURLY TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos and Cambodia pledged to maintain their strong ties as they mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations. Both governments will cooperate to eliminate narcotic threats, border demarcation, and maintain peace in the border areas.
2. LAOS SEEKING MORE JAPANESE VOLUNTEERS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos has appealed to Japan to provide more volunteers who can share technical expertise and cultural knowledge. Japan has been sending volunteers for nearly six decades who have helped in education, sports, health, agriculture and community development.
MYANMAR
1. CHASING PEACE FOR NATIONAL PROSPERITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
At a workshop themed “Building a Peaceful Future of Myanmar” held to mark the 10th anniversary ceremony of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, experts deliberated on the role of peace in nation-building. They discussed ways to promote national reconciliation and regional cooperation.
2. MYANMAR-VIETNAM SHAPING NEW TRADE AGENDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar and Vietnam leaders held talks to promote cooperation in agriculture and livestock, production and tourism sectors, which will help to raise trade and investment between the two friendly countries. These efforts are aimed at bolstering their longstanding bilateral ties.
THE PHILIPPINES
1. LPA INSIDE PAR DEVELOPS INTO TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TCWS NO. 1 UP -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into Tropical Depression (TD) Ramil, the country’s 18th storm this year, the weather bureau said Friday.
2. COMELEC PROBES CONTRACTORS’ CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS IN 2025 POLLS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking at nine contractors that have supposedly contributed to the campaign funds of candidates who ran in the May 2025.
SINGAPORE
1. SINGAPORE CHESS GRANDMASTER SIDDHARTH JAGADEESH RISES FROM SLUMP TO WIN WORLD YOUTH TITLE -- THE STRAITS TIMES
After the high of attaining his grandmaster title in 2024, Siddharth Jagadeesh found himself in a slump.
2. MARINE PARADE SENIORS LAMENT END OF 'SHORT-LIVED' SHUTTLE; MP SAYS EFFORT WASN’T WASTED -- CNA
Two to three times a week, Mountbatten resident Madam Mak, 80, would take a free shuttle bus service to buy groceries at the market, have lunch nearby, and most importantly, to get to a polyclinic for health checkups.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND WORK 3RD LONGEST HOURS WORLDWIDE, FEEL GUILTY TAKING LEAVE OR SICK DAYS -- THE NATION
According to a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Thailand ranks third globally for the longest working hours. Nearly 46.7% of Thai workers work more than 48 hours per week, compared with the global average of 40 hours, making Thai working hours significantly higher than the world average.
2. GOLD CARD SCHEME RUNNING LARGE DEFICITS, MINISTRY SAYS -- BANGKOK POST
The Ministry of Public Health has acknowledged that the universal healthcare system is facing a deepening financial crisis, citing mounting losses under the National Health Security Fund.
VIETNAM
1. ENGAGING SPORTS TO BUILD ASEAN COMMUNITY -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam has pledged to work with Southeast Asian nations to promote sports as a unifying platform to build a strong ASEAN Community. The pledge came at the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports in Hanoi on October 16.
2. CLEAN WATER FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMING -- VIETNAM NEWS
Experts are calling for a clean water and sanitation policy that is essential to create a safe environment in rural areas and promoting sustainable agriculture. Clean water is vital for agricultural production, ecological, circular agriculture and community health.
-- BERNAMA
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