Concerns are mounting over Jakarta’s recent shift in tone on its planned peacekeeping role in Gaza, with the government now weighing the option of sending troops under a United States-led stabilisation force rather than waiting for a United Nations mandate.

2.INDONESIA COULD REACH 6 PCT ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXT YEAR, FINANCE MINISTER SAYS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

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Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed optimism on Sunday that Indonesia’s economy could expand by around six per cent next year, saying government intervention will help accelerate growth without compromising fiscal responsibility.

LAOS

1.DEVELOPING TALENTS FOR LABOUR MARKET --  VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and Vietnam inked fresh agreements to promote labour cooperation. They include developing legal frameworks, skills training to meet market demand, digital transformation, and protection of workers’ rights.

2.EXPANDING INTO MARITIME ECONOMY --  VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos plans to generate new revenue streams, create jobs and strengthen its global trade connectivity through the Maritime Navigation Development and Protection Project. Despite being a landlocked country, the Mekong River remains vital for its economy.

MYANMAR

1.NO MORE ONLINE SCAM HUBS ALONG BORDERS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government said that eliminating cyber scams and online gambling in border areas will be a top priority, as they pose a threat to border security. Infrastructures supporting these illegal activities will be dismantled.

2.GOLD ORNAMENT EXPORTS TO RESUME - -  THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Authorities plan to resume Myanmar’s gold ornament exports to international markets, mostly the 12-karat gold items. Exports of gold products ceased in 2020, and about 10,000 goldsmiths were left jobless. 

PHILIPPINES

1.PH, US, JAPAN BOOST INTEROPERABILITY WITH ANOTHER WPS DRILL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines, United States (US) and Japan conducted another round of maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), underscoring deepening security cooperation.

SINGAPORE

1.TWO SINGAPOREANS LINKED TO PHNOM PENH-BASED SCAM SYNDICATE TO BE CHARGED AFTER DEPORTATION FROM CAMBODIA, THAILAND -- CNA

Two Singaporean men believed to be members of a Cambodia-based scam syndicate will be charged in court on Monday (Nov 17) after they were deported from Cambodia and Thailand, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Sunday.

2.FROM SPIKY BRANCHES TO DOME-SHAPED: HOW CORALS IN SINGAPORE HAVE EVOLVED OVER 70 YEARS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

  As more than two-thirds of Singapore’s coral reefs have been lost to coastal development and reclamation since the 1960s, the characteristics of its remaining reefs have changed dramatically over the decades.

THAILAND  

1. THAILAND READY TO PUSH FORWARD US TRADE TALKS ON ORIGINAL SCHEDULE -- THE NATION

The commerce minister confirms bilateral negotiations are back on track following 'positive' discussions between leaders, prioritising 'strategic' progress.

2. ANUTIN 'READY' TO READY TO DEFEND 1.5-MONTH-OLD TENURE -- BANGKOK POST

The Bhumjaithai Party has voiced confidence ahead of a potential no-confidence motion from Pheu Thai, insisting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s one-and-a-half-month-old administration has been effective in tackling the nation's woes.

VIETNAM

1.MANILA’S MOVE TO HALT RICE IMPORTS RAISES CONCERN -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Vietnamese rice exporters are concerned after the Philippines decided to extend its suspension of regular and well-milled rice imports until year-end. About 40 per cent of Vietnamese rice is exported to the Philippines. 

2.POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR STOCK MARKET -- VIETNAM NEWS

Investors are bullish on the Vietnamese stock market after experiencing four weeks of weak trading. The agriculture, insurance, oil and gas, retail,  chemicals and construction sectors are expected to drive the market this week.

-- BERNAMA