TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN INDONESIA, MYANMAR, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, THAILAND & VIETNAM: OCT 26, 2025
INDONESIA
1. MINISTER AIMS TO MAKE DANGDUT INDONESIA'S NEXT SOFT POWER -- ANTARA
Culture Minister Fadli Zon expressed his ambition to elevate dangdut music onto the global stage through a movement he calls “Dangdut Waves”, positioning the genre as a vital part of the nation’s soft power strategy.
2. DANANTARA TO OVERSEE 7 WTE PROJECTS BACKED BY 200 INVESTORS -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Indonesia will begin construction of waste-to-energy (WtE) plants in seven regions starting March 2026, as the government accelerates efforts to convert urban waste into renewable electricity under President Prabowo Subianto’s green energy agenda.
MYANMAR
1. YANGON TEXTILE MACHINERY EXPO IN DECEMBER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The third edition of Myanmar International Textile and Machinery Fair will take place from December 5-7 at the Yangon Convention Centre. The Fair will showcase textile products and related machinery from China and local companies.
2. FORTIFYING FOOD SECURITY IN COCOKYUN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government is urging residents in the Cocokyun area of Yangon Region to plant coconuts, mangoes, and pineapples while also focusing on marine products to enhance food supply. Farmers are encouraged to shift towards value-added goods to increase their income.
PHILIPPINES
1. PHILIPPINES MOURNS PASSING OF THAILAND’S QUEEN MOTHER SIRIKIT -- PNA
The Philippine government, through its embassy in Bangkok, has extended its condolences to the Kingdom of Thailand on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
2. MARCOS ARRIVES IN KUALA LUMPUR FOR ASEAN SUMMIT -- PNA
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday for the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
He is accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, members of his Cabinet and senior officials, including Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, Undersecretary Claire Castro, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
SINGAPORE
1. YISHUN TO GET HUNDREDS OF NEW HOMES NEAR MRT STATION, INCLUDING ON FORMER BUS INTERCHANGE SITE -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Hundreds of new homes are set to be built in central Yishun, including on the site of the former Yishun temporary bus interchange, which is slated for demolition by 2027.
2. SINGAPORE, CHINA SIGN MOUS TO BOOST COOPERATION IN AREAS SUCH AS GREEN DEVELOPMENT, DIGITAL ECONOMY AND MARITIME CONNECTIVITY -- CNA
Singapore and China on Saturday (Oct 25) signed and renewed agreements to drive cooperation across several areas, including green development, the digital economy, maritime connectivity, as well as information and communications technology.
THAILAND
1. PUBLIC PAYS RESPECT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN SIRIKIT THE QUEEN MOTHER AT CHULALONGKORN HOSPITAL -- THE NATION
The Thai public pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother following her passing on October 24, as royal funeral preparations begin.
2. MEDICS PREPPED TO HANDLE HUGE CROWDS AT MOURNING CEREMONIES -- BANGKOK POST
The Ministry of Public Health has instructed health authorities nationwide to prepare medical and public health workers to assist the thousands of people set to attend mourning ceremonies for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
VIETNAM
1. LOCAL TEA SHINES AT AGRI EXPO -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnamese tea is dominating the ongoing Autumn Fair 2025 in Hanoi that is showcasing agricultural products. Dozens of local tea producers are among about 3,000 exhibitors participating in the national-level expo.
2. GLOBAL ANTI-CYBERCRIME CONVENTION INKED IN HANOI -- VIETNAMPLUS
The signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, on October 25 marks a milestone in addressing online digital fraud. This event also demonstrates Vietnam’s role in the fight against cybercrime.
-- BERNAMA
