2. GOV’T AGENCIES JOIN FORCES FOR AID CARAVAN, CALL FOR PUBLIC DONATIONS -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

Three government agencies have teamed up to launch an aid caravan for communities in Cebu and Masbate hit by recent natural disasters, urging the public to support the effort through donations.

CAMBODIA 

1. ETIHAD AIRWAYS DIRECT FLIGHT TO PHNOM PENH -- FRESH NEWS 

Etihad Airways launched its direct flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport on Saturday. The airline announced the new route will enhance connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

2. RAINY SEASON TO END EARLY NOVEMBER -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology forecasts that this year’s rainy season will end in the first week of November. The department advised the public to protect water sources and be alert to possible weather-related incidents.

VIETNAM

1. NEW TAX POLICIES IN THE PIPELINE -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Finance Ministry is drafting comprehensive tax policies on real estate, gold trading and casino operations to improve transparency. The policies will be submitted to the government and the National Assembly for review.  

2. VIETNAM REMAINS POPULAR FOR FDI -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam continues to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) despite a slowdown in the global fund market. It managed to woo about RM109 billion (US$26 billion) in the first eight months of this year. 

SINGAPORE

1. PATIENTS IN THE NORTH SEE SHORTER WAIT TIMES FOR BEDS, SURGERY: NHG HEALTH CHIEF --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Not too long ago, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) had cared for patients on trolley beds lined in a three-by-three formation along the corridors of its emergency department.

2. AMID SINGAPORE'S BRUTAL F&B SCENE, SOME BUSINESSES FIND SUCCESS OVERSEAS -- CNA

When Sarnies first opened on Telok Ayer Street in 2011, Singapore's cafe scene was just starting to bloom.

INDONESIA

1. PRABOWO, JOKOWI MEET IN JAKARTA FOR NEARLY TWO-HOUR TALK -- ANTARA

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto received the visit of his predecessor Joko Widodo - popularly known as Jokowi - and held a talk for nearly two hours at Prabowo's private residence in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

2. POLICE UNCERTAIN IF TEEN SUSPECT IS THE REAL HACKER “BJORKA” -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police are investigating whether a 22-year-old suspect identified as WFT is the person behind the notorious hacker alias “Bjorka”, which once rocked Indonesia’s cyberspace.

THAILAND

1. SRT SUCCESSFULLY TESTS "MySawasdee" TRAIN WITH MALAYSIA, EXTENDS ROUTE TO SURAT THANI -- THE NATION

Thailand’s State Railway tests cross-border “MySawasdee” tourist train with Malaysia, expanding service to Surat Thani to boost tourism, economic links, and cultural exchange.

2. POLICE STATION DEMOLITION STARTS AT BANGKOK'S SINKHOLE SITE -- BANGKOK POST

The demolition of the new Samsen police station started at the Bangkok's sinkhole site on Samsen Road Saturday night, according to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

-- BERNAMA