The Philippines and Japan are working to align their marine conservation initiatives with the United Nations High Seas Treaty, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

2.TINO DAMAGES 253K HOUSES IN 7 REGIONS – NDRRMC -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

bootstrap slideshow

Typhoon Tino has damaged 253,455 dwellings with its strong winds and rain that caused flash floods in several areas, data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday showed.

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE AIRLINES ANNOUNCES SPECIAL DIVIDEND EVEN AS EARNINGS FALL MORE THAN 67% IN FIRST HALF -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will be paying its shareholders a special dividend over the next three financial years, even as its earnings were dragged down by losses from associate Air India, among other things.

2.REGULATORY CHANGES IN SINGAPORE TO SIMPLIFY SHOW-FLAT SITE SOURCING FOR DEVELOPERS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Making it easier for developers to source private residential show-flat sites was among several changes announced on Nov 13 to reduce costs and create a more business-friendly environment for the real estate sector.

INDONESIA

1.COURT CLOSES LEGAL LOOPHOLE ALLOWING POLICE OFFICERS TO TAKE CIVILIAN ROLES -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that active members of the National Police may no longer hold positions outside the police institution, effectively shutting down a longstanding legal loophole that allowed senior officers to assume civilian posts in government agencies and state bodies.

2.NEW BRIN CHIEF PROMISES RESEARCH CONSOLIDATION -- THE JAKARTA POST

Upon taking office as the new head of National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria vowed to address years of restructuring disputes and researcher dissatisfaction through stronger consolidation. But the success of such a task will depend on restoring confidence and unity within the country’s fragmented research ecosystem, critics warn.

LAOS 

1.ENHANCING REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY - - VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos and Vietnam will expedite the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, the Laos-Vietnam Railway and the Vung Ang Seaport. These projects are expected to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. 

2. LAO-UK MARK 70 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES - - VIENTIANE TIMES 

The United Kingdom (UK) and Laos are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.. Both countries will cooperate on climate change, health, economic growth, education and the clearance of unexploded ordnance. 

MYANMAR

1.MINISTRY WARNS OF DIABETES AMONG CITIZENS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Health Minister Dr Thet Khaing Win said that 7.9 per cent of the country’s population suffers from diabetes. Clinics for diabetes and hypertension are being established at the rural health departments to offer medical checkups.

2.APRIL-NOVEMBER RICE EXPORTS HIT RM2 BILLION - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Rice Federation said Myanmar exported 1.5 million tonnes worth RM2 billion (US$499 million) in the first seven months of this year. Most of the exports were via sea route and cross-border points.

VIETNAM

1.VILLAGERS DISCOVER BOMBS IN RICE FIELD - -  VIETNAMPLUS

Villagers discovered three bombs in a rice field in Thuong 1 village in the northern province of Bac Ninh. The commune’s military command and the local police have concealed the location for further action.

2.LICENSING EXPO WOOS OVER 100 EXHIBITORS - - VIETNAMPLUS

About 100 companies are participating in the Vietnam Licensing Expo 2025 — a networking hub for local and global players to license and commercialise creative content. Producers, creators, investors and intellectual property owners are taking part. 

THAILAND

1. CIB SEIZES LAND AND ASSETS WORTH BILLIONS FROM WAT PHRA BAT NAM PHU CORRUPTION CASE -- THE NATION

The Central Investigation Bureau seizes 2,258 rai of land and 60 vehicles, valued at over 10 billion baht, linked to embezzlement at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu.

2. GOVT URGED TO ACT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE -- BANGKOK POST

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) is calling for stronger action against domestic violence following alarming new data showing over 17,900 reported cases in 2024.

-- BERNAMA