2. EXPERT WARNS OF HIGH MEGATHRUST QUAKE RISK IN INDONESIA -- ANTARA

An earthquake-resistant structure expert has warned about two of Indonesia's most dangerous megathrust zones that require heightened vigilance.

MYANMAR

1. MYANMAR WARMING UP TRADE TIES WITH KAZAKHSTAN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and Kazakhstan are enhancing their bilateral relations by developing connections across multiple sectors, given both countries' strategic importance. They aim to broaden their cooperation in trade, agriculture, cargo transport and the energy sector.

 2. MINISTRY WANTS LESS PESTICIDE USE IN FARMING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation urged all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to monitor pesticide usage in farming. The ministry wants to reduce pesticide and fertiliser use to promote sustainable agriculture.

PHILIPPINES

1. DFA: EMBASSY VISIT TO DUTERTE PROFESSIONAL, NONINTRUSIVE --  PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reiterated that the recent visit of officials from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands to former president Rodrigo Duterte was made in a "professional, nonintrusive and respectful manner."

2. PBBM: FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS TO PROCEED -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Only flood control projects that meet all necessary requirements will be allowed to proceed, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday, emphasising his commitment to curbing irregularities in the implementation of infrastructure projects.

SINGAPORE

1. PROPERTY AGENTS RUN INTO DIFFICULTY OVER ENHANCED ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING RULES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Property agents have been given more time to familiarise themselves with new rules to combat money laundering following industry feedback to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).

2. SINGAPORE URGES UN TO CURB SECURITY COUNCIL VETOES AND REFORM FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY -- CNA

Singapore has called on the United Nations to rein in the rising use of veto powers by the five permanent members of the Security Council and pressed for reforms to make the organisation more inclusive.

THAILAND

1. THAILAND AND SOUTH KOREA RACE TO SEAL MAJOR FREE TRADE DEAL AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY -- THE NATION

Thailand and South Korea are rushing to finalise a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with negotiators targeting a successful conclusion to be announced during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Seoul in October 2025.

2. REVIVING THE CHINA MARKET -- BANGKOK POST

Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand have dropped sharply this year, testing the new government's ability to restore confidence in what was once the country's largest tourism market before the pandemic.

VIETNAM

1. VIETNAM CARD DAY TO PROMOTE CASHLESS PAYMENT -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Vietnam Card Day 2025 was launched on September 26 to encourage public confidence in cashless transactions as the nation transitions towards digital payment. This year’s theme is “One Touch – Million Trusts”.

2. RICE PROCUREMENT TO BOLSTER FOOD SECURITY -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Department of State Reserves has issued tenders to procure 200,000 tonnes of rice that will be added to this year’s national reserves. The rice will be fully stored in the strategic reserves by October 31.

-- BERNAMA