Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Jan 28, 2026

CAMBODIA

1. BAKONG SYSTEM DRIVES DIGITAL BANKING -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

Cambodia’s Bakong Payment Service recorded a robust growth in both riel and US dollar transactions last year. The Bakong system provides businesses and consumers with faster, safer and more efficient payment options.

2. STEPPING UP ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION -- FRESH NEWS 

Cambodia is cooperating with International partners to tackle haze and improve sustainable land management. The framework will guide future investments that protect the environment, support communities and address haze and land degradation issues.

INDONESIA 

1. DANANTARA TO MANAGE LAND SEIZED FROM 28 FIRMS LINKED TO SUMATRA FLOODS -- THE JAKARTA POST

Sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia will take over the management of land seized from 28 firms linked to floods and landslides in Sumatra, a spokesperson from the country's forestry task force told reporters on Tuesday.  

2. GOVT SETS 100,000-PARTICIPANT QUOTA FOR 2026 NATIONAL INTERNSHIP -- ANTARA

The government will provide more than 100,000 internship placements under its National Internship Program in 2026, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said on Tuesday.  

LAOS

 1. MOVING TOWARDS GREEN ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Asian Development Bank has approved RM589 million (US$149 million) to support inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth in Laos. The funds will cover agriculture, health, education and forestry.

2. LAOTIAN CUISINE ON DISPLAY AT FESTIVAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The 21st edition of Lao Food Festival is being organised under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste” from January 26 to 30. An array of fresh and processed food products is being showcased in Vientiane's Chanthabouly district.

MYANMAR 

1. ILLEGAL TRADE, NARCOTICS THREATENING SECURITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The government warned that illegal trade, and the production and distribution of narcotic drugs pose a serious threat to national security. It said these nefarious activities must be eliminated to maintain peace and stability. 

2. ICRC ROLLS OUT TRAINING FOR FARMERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing long-term assistance to rural farmers. The community-based programme focuses on practical training on sustainable farming methods, soil conservation and fertiliser usage. 

PHILIPPINES

1. ASEAN URGES UNSC FOR ‘EFFICIENT, NON-SELECTIVE’ UPHOLDING OF INT'L LAW -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY  The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must act in an “efficient” and “non-selective” manner in the upholding and application of international law, said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2. ASEAN FMS TO TACKLE MYANMAR PEACE PLAN, ELECTIONS IN CEBU RETREAT -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY  The peace plan and the recently concluded elections in Myanmar are among the pressing subjects foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will discuss in their first major meeting under the Philippine ASEAN chairship this week, a ranking official said Tuesday.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE AMONG SLOWEST-GROWING FOOD DELIVERY MARKETS IN ASEAN DESPITE REGIONAL SURGE -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore’s food delivery market is among the slowest-growing in the region, a new study has found, even as South-east Asia’s food delivery sector expanded at its fastest pace in years on the back of more deals and higher order frequency.

2. NESTLE S’PORE RECALLS BATCHES OF BABY BISCUITS DUE TO POTENTIAL PRESENCE OF PLASTIC, PAPER PIECES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Nestle Singapore has recalled three batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits products for babies because of the potential presence of foreign matter like pieces of soft plastic or paper.

THAILAND

1. THAILAND STEPS UP AIRPORT SCEENING, SAYS NO NIPAH VIRUS DETECTED -- THE NATION

Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said on Monday (January 26) that Thailand has not detected any incursion of the Nipah virus into the country and has enforced strict prevention and screening measures for international travellers.

2. PM MULLS SSO RESTRUCTURING -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the Social Security Office (SSO) to clarify recent controversies surrounding its operations and has floated the idea of a long-term reform modelled on the Government Pension Fund (GPF).

VIETNAM

1. DIGITAL PAYMENTS EXPANDING FINANCIAL INCLUSION -- VIETNAMPLUS

The State Bank of Vietnam has issued a guideline to extend digital financial services to remote and disadvantaged areas. The move is another step to promote financial inclusion across the country. 

2. NEW POLICY TO PUSH CLIMATE STRATEGY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam has introduced a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for its domestic carbon market. It is to boost transparency, efficiency and expand carbon trading market.

-- BERNAMA