About 30 government officials will participate in training programs organised by the Korea International Cooperation Agency this month. These programs will focus on enhancing the capacity of policymakers, public officials, and experts to promote economic and social development.

2.PROJECTS WORTH RM33 BILLION APPROVED -- FRESH NEWS 

The Council for the Development of Cambodia has approved 546 investment projects worth nearly RM33 billion (US$7.8 billion) in the first nine months of 2025. These projects could create 376,000 jobs. 

INDONESIA

1.INDONESIA URGES FIFA TO REPLACE KUWAITI REFEREE WITH EUROPEAN OFFICIAL -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Indonesia has requested that referees from outside the Middle East, ideally from Europe, be appointed for its upcoming crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, amid concerns over neutrality.

2.‘PROBLEMATIC’ FREE MEALS KITCHENS SHUT DOWN -- THE JAKARTA POST 

The government has suspended operations of “problematic” kitchens serving the free nutritious meal programme amid investigations into mass food poisoning cases but said the programme will continue nationwide, with authorities pledging closer supervision to prevent further incidents.

MYANMAR

1.UPGRADING LOCOMOTIVES TO WOO TOURISTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Authorities are planning to operate steam locomotives along the scenic PyinOoLwin and Gokteik-Naungpain route to attract domestic and foreign travellers. Railway tracks damaged by terrorist attacks are also being repaired to ensure passenger trains operate smoothly.

2.MYANMAR-RUSSIAN BUDDHIST UNIVERSITIES COOPERATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar’s Sitagu International Buddhist Academy inked an agreement with Russia’s Dashi Choinkhorlin Buddhist University to advance bilateral education cooperation. The agreement will foster collaboration in education, science, and culture.

PHILIPPINES

1.MAGNITUDE 5.1 AFTERSHOCK HITS BOGO, CEBU - PNA

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake jolted Bogo City, Cebu early Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

2.PH TURNS TO REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AMID CLIMATE THREATS - PNA

 The Philippines remains optimistic about adapting regenerative and resilient agricultural systems as it advances efforts to address the effects of climate change in collaboration with its partners in the Southeast Asian region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.

SINGAPORE

1.NUS IMPLEMENTS FULL WORK-FROM-OFFICE POLICY FOR ALL FULL-TIME STAFF -- THE STRAITS TIMES

All full-time staff at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have had to work from the office five days a week from Oct 1.

2.SINGAPORE LEADERS SEND CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES ON 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA -- CNA

Singapore's leaders sent congratulatory messages to China on Friday (Oct 3) to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

THAILAND

1. FOREIGN MINISTER OUTLINES THAILAND'S GLOBAL AND REGIONAL DIPLOMACY, URGES CAMBODIA'S SINCERITY IN BORDER COOPERATION -- THE NATION

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow briefed 99 diplomats from 67 countries and 5 international organisations, emphasising Thailand’s commitment to peaceful relations with neighbours and restoring its presence on the global radar, while urging Cambodia to act sincerely in joint demining efforts.

2. PANEL REVIEWING THAKSIN'S PARDON PETITION -- BANGKOK POST

The Justice Ministry has set up a panel to review convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's petition for a royal pardon, according to Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat.

VIETNAM

1.TYPHOON BUALOI KILLS 49 PEOPLE, 16 MISSING -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Forty-nine people lost their lives during the severe Typhoon Bualoi that struck Vietnam, and 16 are still missing as of yesterday evening. Approximately 200 houses were destroyed in this tragedy.

2.ROSY DEMAND FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam's vegetarian food market is growing at an average rate of 8.1 per cent annually and is projected to reach RM925 million (US$220 million) by 2033. Vegetarianism is transforming into a sustainable consumer segment.

-- BERNAMA