The government is urging farmers to use modern agricultural techniques to increase the yield of crops, especially cotton. This could increase the per-acre yield of cotton and contribute to raising yarn and fabric production. 

2.BANKS TOLD TO EMBRACE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar’s Central Bank is urging financial institutions to adopt artificial intelligence to combat cybercrime. Artificial intelligence can be used for data analysis, crime detection, early prevention, monitoring, investigation and enforcement.

PHILIPPINES

1.FAO EYES $521.6-M EMERGENCY AGRI FUND FOR PH, 5 OTHERS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking to raise USD521.6 million to boost food production and climate-resilient agriculture solutions in Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines.

 2. EXPANDED ZERO BALANCE BILLING FOR HEALTH WORKERS EYED -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Health (DOH) is studying the possibility of expanding the zero balance billing coverage to semi-private rooms for barangay health workers (BHW).

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE ARRESTS MAN LINKED TO CAMBODIAN TYCOON IN ALLEGED SCAM EMPIRE -- CHANNEL NEWSASIA

A Singaporean man suspected of being involved in money laundering offences linked to Cambodia's Prince Holding Group was arrested on Dec 11.

2. 41,800 FOREIGNERS DENIED ENTRY TO S’PORE FROM JAN TO NOV; NO-BOARDING SYSTEM TO START FOR AIRLINES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Around 41,800 foreigners were turned away at the Republic’s checkpoints in the first 11 months of 2025, but undesirable travellers will face even greater scrutiny from 2026 with a new no-boarding directive (NBD) initiative.

THAILAND

1. BANGKOK FACES SEVERE AIR POLLUTION CRISIS, WITH BANG NA SUFFERING FROM HIGH PM2.5 LEVELS -- THE NATION

Air pollution in Bangkok has reached hazardous levels, with areas like Bang Na experiencing dangerous PM2.5 concentrations. Health experts advise precautions for the public.

2. EC ALLOWS CHARTER REFERENDUM ON ELECTION DAY -- BANGKOK POST

The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday issued a regulation allowing a referendum on the rewriting of the constitution to be held on the same day as the general election.

VIETNAM

1.HANOI PROMOTES CULINARY HERITAGE -- VIETNAMPLUS

The three-day Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2025 opened on December 19 at Thong Nhat Park, which will highlight the city’s food heritage. It will also help to improve community livelihoods and cultural tourism products. 

2.VIETNAM-IRELAND SHAPING NEW TRADE STRATEGY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and Ireland are building a strong economic partnership by focusing on key areas. Renewable energy, green finance, digital transformation and high-tech industries are being prioritised for cooperation between both countries.

-- BERNAMA