Cambodian and Thai border military officials were engaged in a productive meeting yesterday, focusing on cooperation and peace-building initiatives. During the Regional Border Committee meeting, trust building between the two militaries topped the agenda.

2. BILATERAL EFFORTS TO TACKLE CYBER CRIME -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

Cambodia and South Korea will focus on three key areas to combat online scams. Both governments will establish a special task force to monitor the illegal activities, promote awareness and identify the culprits behind the organised crimes. 

INDONESIA

1. PRABOWO CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH MODEST GATHERING AND FRIED RICE FOR MILLIONS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

President Prabowo Subianto celebrated his 74th birthday on Friday with a modest thanksgiving ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, attended by family members, top officials, and cabinet ministers.

2. TNI, POLICE ROLES IN FREE MEALS COME IN FOR SCRUTINY -- THE JAKARTA POST

The involvement of military and police in President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free nutritious meal programme has come under scrutiny as it faces a food poisoning crisis and struggles to meet national targets, prompting critics to call for a complete overhaul.

MYANMAR

1. RELIGIOUS HARMONY VITAL FOR NATIONAL UNITY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The government stated that all religions should coexist in harmony under the theme "Unity Brings Strength." Communities that have suffered from religious or social conflicts should receive support and religious grievances need to be addressed according to the law.

2. STAMPS FEATURING ETHNIC GROUPS TO BE RELEASED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR  

The Myanma Post announced that it will release a new batch of stamps featuring eight ethnic groups starting Oct 20. They will be available at post offices in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, and regional and state outlets. 

PHILIPPINES

1. REPORT CITES PH'S READINESS FOR NUCLEAR POWER BID -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 The Philippines is among the three countries in Southeast Asia that are frontrunners in the nuclear power bid, given their resolve to institute policies that will bolster capacity to address rising power demand.

2. NO TOURISTS HURT, STRANDED IN SIARGAO AFTER POWERFUL QUAKE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 The Department of Tourism (DOT) said no tourists were injured or reported stranded following the powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake off General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Friday morning.

SINGAPORE

1. CAN SINGAPORE KEEP THE LIGHTS ON WHILE CUTTING CARBON FROM ITS ENERGY SECTOR? -- THE STRAITS TIMES

In 2022, a report commissioned by Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) came to the bold conclusion that it was feasible for the country's energy sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

2. POLICE WARN OF SCAMS INVOLVING SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT EMAILS; S$44,000 LOST SINCE OCT 14 -- CNA

The police have warned of scams involving emails impersonating educational institutions, after at least 15 cases were reported since Tuesday (Oct 14). 

THAILAND

1. TAXI SERVICE FEE TO RISE BY 10-20 BAHT DURING RUSH HOURS -- THE NATION Deputy Transport Minister Mallika Jirapunvanit said the Department of Land Transport (DLT) plans to introduce a 10–20-baht surcharge for taxi services during rush hours, heavy traffic, and after 9 pm.  

2. ENVOY REAFFIRMS CHINA'S NEUTRAL STANCE -- BANGKOK POST China has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Thailand, pledging closer cooperation in trade, modern industries, infrastructure, and regional stability, while emphasising its neutral stance on border issues between Thailand and Cambodia.

VIETNAM

1. HARNESSING CREATIVE INDUSTRY TO BUILD BILATERAL TIES --  VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and Japan have agreed to promote their cultural industries to strengthen bilateral ties. Japan's advanced creative industries and Vietnam's rich cultural heritage will significantly contribute to the creative economy.

2. TOP VIETNAMESE AGRI BRANDS HONOURED -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Vietnam General Council of Agriculture and Rural Development honoured 90 top global brands and products. It was announced at the eleventh edition of the "Vietnam Golden Agricultural Brand Awards 2025" event in Hanoi.

-- BERNAMA