2. JAPANESE FUNDS FOR PEOPLE’S PROJECTS -- FRESH NEWS

Japan will fund about RM776,000 ($184,000) to procure medical equipment and ambulances under the grassroots assistance project. This funding is to support emergency response in urban areas and to equip Borkeo Referral Hospital in Ratanakiri Province.

INDONESIA

1. DONY’S DUAL ROLE RISK TO CREDIBILITY OF SOEs AGENCY -- THE JAKARTA POST

President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to appoint Danantara executive Dony Oskaria as head of the newly established State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Regulatory Agency (BP BUMN) has sparked concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the government’s commitment to corporate governance reforms.

 2. RP 200T BANK FUND ABSORPTION REACHES 56 PCT, PURBAYA SAYS

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is moving ahead with a major fiscal initiative to channel Rp 200 trillion (US$12 billion) into state-owned banks, underscoring the government’s push to accelerate credit growth and strengthen domestic liquidity.

LAOS

1. EFFORTS TO OVERCOME WEATHER, FINANCIAL WOES -- VIENTIANE NEWS

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone wants the government to expedite the recovery from Typhoon Bualoi, overcome financial shortcomings and stabilise the economy amid global uncertainties. Relief efforts and restoring transport, irrigation and energy systems are urgently needed.

2. WIND POWER PROJECT BOON TO LOCAL PEOPLE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Truong Son Wind Power Project, under construction in Bolikhamxay province, will help generate electricity and improve the lives of local people. The project to be completed by the end of this year is already improving the socioeconomic activities of local communities.

 MYANMAR

1. MALAYSIAN FM HELD TALKS WITH MYANMAR LEADER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan held talks in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Discussions focused on the peace process and the forthcoming elections in Myanmar.

 2. POSTAL SERVICE A BRIDGE TO REMOTE VILLAGES  -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Transport and Communications Ministry commemorated the 151st World Post Day in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Post offices continue to play a vital role in providing postal services in urban and rural villages.

THE PHILIPPINES

1. UAE DISPATCHES EMERGENCY QUAKE RELIEF TO CEBU -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has dispatched emergency relief to communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

2. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ROLLS OUT DIGITAL TOOL, SAFETY GUIDEBOOK VS. DISASTERS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it has intensified efforts against the impact of natural disasters in the country as it launched the PlanSmart for Safe Schools platform and a safety guidebook.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND ELEVATE TIES, COMMIT TO RAISING RELATIONSHIP TO NEW HEIGHTS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore and New Zealand have agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship, and have laid out a road map to cooperate more closely in wide-ranging areas such as trade, security, innovation and supply chain resilience.

2. PM WONG WELCOMES GAZA PEACE PLAN AGREEMENT BY ISRAEL AND HAMAS -- CNA

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence welcomed the agreement by Israel and Hamas to start the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan.

THAILAND

1. THAI DEPUTY PM OUTLINES PLAN TO TACKLE 'FOUR ECONOMIC TRAPS' IN AI ERA -- THE NATION

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has laid bare the nation’s key economic struggles, identifying four major 'traps' hindering growth and detailing the government's aggressive four-month plan to address them.

2. ANUTIN MULLS URGENT FIX FOR GOLD CARD DEBT -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has acknowledged that the National Health Security Office (NHSO) is deeply in debt to hospitals across the country under the Universal Healthcare Scheme, widely known as the "Gold Card" programme.

 VIETNAM

1. STRICT ACTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING -- VIETNAMPLUS

The authorities in Dak Lak province are intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, leading to the deregistration of high-risk vessels. Actions are being taken against cross-border illicit fishing, the sharing of equipment, and sailing without valid licenses.

 2. GLOBAL SUPPORT NEEDED TO TACKLE TYPHOON DISASTERS -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam is seeking international assistance as it faces severe floods and landslides triggered by recent tropical typhoons. These natural disasters have devastated homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure, particularly in the northern region.

-- BERNAMA