MYANMAR
1.NATION’S 2026 DEVELOPMENT VISION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing vowed to rebuild a modern, developed and democratic new nation. The government will focus on achieving a durable and stable peace among all ethnic communities this year.
2.MORE SCAM HUBS DEMOLISHED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Security authorities demolished 538 out of 635 illegal buildings at the KK Park area that housed online scams and illegal gambling operations. The government will ensure such activities will not function again.
PHILIPPINES
1.MARCOS URGES DISCIPLINE, EMPATHY AS FILIPINOS WELCOME 2026 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embrace discipline, empathy, and shared responsibility as the country welcomed the New Year 2026.
2.OPAPRU TO EXPEDITE MARCOS ADMIN PEACE PROCESS PLAN IN 2026-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday said it will spare no effort in accelerating the Marcos administration's peace process plan for 2026.
SINGAPORE
1.SINGAPORE WELCOMES 2026 WITH DAZZLING FIREWORKS, HEARTLAND CHEER -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Singapore ushered in the new year in dazzling splendour, with a final hurrah to the Republic’s 60th birthday and an eye towards an even brighter 2026.
2.SINGAPORE'S FUNFAIRS FIGHT RISING COSTS TO KEEP CHILDHOOD DREAMS ALIVE -- CNA
As costs soar and space shrinks, Singapore’s carnival operators are fighting to keep the lights on.
THAILAND
1.THAILAND RETURN 18 CAMBODIAN SOLDIERS AFTER 72-HOUR TRUCE -- THE NATION
Thailand says it returned 18 Cambodian soldiers via Ban Phakkat checkpoint after a 72-hour ceasefire, citing the Joint Statement and Geneva Conventions.
2.MANUFACTURERS BRACE FOR TOUGH 2026 -- BANGKOK POST
Thailand's manufacturing sector is bracing for a difficult start to 2026, as political uncertainty, sluggish domestic demand and structural challenges continue to weigh on the economy.
VIETNAM
1.HO CHI MINH TARGETING 60 MILLION TOURISTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
Ho Chi Minh City is aiming to woo 61 million visitors this year and earn RM51 billion (US$12.5 billion) in tourist receipts. The city will focus on redefining its vision, development direction, priority markets and branding strategy.
2.VIETNAMESE TEA CONTAINERS LEAVE KARACHI PORT -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnamese tea containers bound for Afghanistan that were stuck at Karachi Port in Pakistan for weeks due to a workers' strike have finally been released. Pakistani authorities have granted permission for the re-export of the cargo.
-- BERNAMA
