42nd ASEAN Summit

The European Union pledged RM5 million (one million euros) to support Lao women’s economic development in agriculture and environmental sustainability. The four-year initiative will benefit over 4,500 people.

2.NEARLY 70 PER CENT POPULATION CENSUS COMPLETED -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The country’s digital population and housing census is almost 70 per cent complete and is slated to end on December 28. The digital census is an achievement as Laos embraces digital transformation.

MYANMAR

1.WOMEN TO SPREAD AWARENESS ON RICE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Yangon Rice Showcase 2025 on December 24 will promote awareness on the variety of rice produced by farmers, market prices and their nutritional values. Women from selected townships will be appointed as rice ambassadors to share their knowledge.

2.NAVY JOINS ASEAN-US MARITIME EXERCISE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar naval vessel Kyansittha participated in the 2nd ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise in Indonesia last week. Navy officers from ASEAN member states and the United States (US) participated in various maritime exercises.

PHILIPPINES

1.2026 BUDGET SEEN AS ‘NEW NORMAL’ FOR TRANSPARENCY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Senate majority on Thursday said the 2026 General Appropriations Act has set a “new normal” for transparency by opening the entire budget process to public scrutiny, from committee hearings to plenary debates and bicameral conference committee deliberations.

 2.PH TO PROMOTE ETHICAL AI USE AS 2026 ASEAN CHAIR -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines aims to champion the ethical and sustainable use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Southeast Asia as it chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

SINGAPORE

1.SMRT TO UPGRADE 92 TRAINS WITH IMPROVED AIR-CONDITIONING, MORE SENSORS TO PREEMPT DISRUPTIONS IN REAL-TIME -- CHANNEL NEWSASIA

Train operator SMRT will progressively roll out new features such as an improved air-conditioning system and more timely detection of potential faults to 92 trains, in a move to enhance rail reliability, the transport operator said on Thursday (Dec 18).

2.OVER 2,700 PEOPLE FINED FOR VAPE-RELATED OFFENCES SINCE TOUGHER PENALTIES KICKED IN ON SEPT 1-- THE STRAITS TIMES

More than 2,700 people have been fined for vape-related offences since tougher penalties came into effect on Sept 1.

THAILAND

1.CHINA SENDS SPECIAL ENVOY TO THAILAND AND CAMBODIA AGAIN TODAY TO MEDIATE BORDER CLASH -- The Nation

China's special envoy for Asian affairs will visit Cambodia and Thailand again today to mediate the ongoing clashes at the Thai-Cambodian border.

2. TAT SEEKS 6.7M CHINESE ARRIVALS IN 2026 -- Bangkok Post

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to restore the Chinese market to 6.7 million arrivals in 2026, rolling out more partnerships to offset a sharp plunge this year, including a letters of intent (LOIs) signed with a Chinese travel agent and the Haikou tourism authority.

VIETNAM

1.HO CHI MINH STEPS UP ENVIRONMENT CLEANING -- VIETNAMPLUS

Ho Chi Minh City will expand its environmental monitoring network next year as it prepares to become a megacity. These stations will track air quality, ground subsidence and water conditions in the southern city.

2.DRY PORT TO SPUR VIETNAM-CAMBODIA TRADE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Phase 1 of the Tan Cang-Moc Bai inland container depot in the southern province of Tay Ninh began operations yesterday. The logistics infrastructure will enable cross-border trade between Vietnam and Cambodia.

-- BERNAMA