2. RUSSIAN INVESTMENT IN FERTILISER PLANT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Russia-Myanmar foliar spray production factory was held yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw. Local production of organic foliar fertilisers would reduce costs for farmers and minimise foreign currency costs.

PHILIPPINES

1. PBBM TO AFP: STAY VIGILANT AMID ‘UNFOUNDED’ TERROR HUB CLAIMS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain vigilant in the face of “unfounded” claims portraying the country as a training ground for terrorism, stressing that the nation’s security gains should not be dismissed by misleading narratives.

 2. AI BRINGS 'MARKED IMPROVEMENT' IN EDUCATION DATA – DEPED CHIEF -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday highlighted the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving data within the education sector.

SINGAPORE

1. MANDATORY CANING FOR SCAMMERS, MEMBERS OF SCAM SYNDICATES TO START ON DEC 30  -- CHANNEL NEWSASIA

Scammers, as well as recruiters and members of scam syndicates, will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes under amendments to Singapore's criminal law set to take effect on Dec 30.

2. MOST VALUABLE PARTY APPROVED AS NEW POLITICAL PARTY IN SINGAPORE -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The Most Valuable Party (MVP) is Singapore’s newest political party, having received approval from the authorities eight months after its application was filed.

THAILAND

1. THAILAND LEADS SEA GAMES WITH HISTORIC GOLD IN SAILING AND STRONG PERFORMANCES ACROSS SPORTS -- THE NATION

Thailand dominates the 33rd SEA Games with 196 gold medals, led by Her Majesty the Queen's historic sailing victory. Highlights include men's volleyball, tennis, and diving successes, as Thailand remains at the top of the medal table.

2. BOT NUDGES BANKS TO ENLARGE LENDING EFFORTS -- BANGKOK POST

As it adopts monetary policy easing, the Bank of Thailand is urging banks to expand lending to support the economy.

VIETNAM

1. FISHERIES LEAD IN ECO-FRIENDLY FARMING -- VIETNAMPLUS

The fisheries sector is spearheading the green transition and circular economy, with businesses and farmers spearheading the shift in the Mekong Delta. The delta produces about 70 per cent of the nation’s seafood. 

2. TOP-TIER HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS -- VIETNAM NEWS

Construction of the Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City started on Friday to offer high-quality medical care. The 10-storey building costing RM122 million (US$30 million) is scheduled for completion by 2027.

-- BERNAMA