The government is preparing to leave the United Nations' Least Developed Country (LDC) list in 2026 and is considering ways to manage its economy once foreign aid ceases.  Lao will be treated like other developing countries from 2030.

2.THINSOM VILLAGE'S FIRST KINDERGARTEN -- VIENTIANE TIMES

A new kindergarten was built in Thinsom village in Luang Prabang province as part of the China-Laos sister village cooperation, which will benefit nearly 40 children. Thinsom links with Shibadong village in China’s Hunan province.

MYANMAR

1.CIVIL SERVANTS ADVISED TO REMAIN APOLITICAL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Civil servants have been told to remain above party politics and focus on state affairs. The call was made as Myanmar prepares to go for elections on December 28 after nearly a five-year hiatus. 

2.HEAVY SNOWFALL IN NORTHERN MYANMAR -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The meteorological department has forecast the Hkakaborazi and Ganlangrazi summits in the northern Myanmar will experience heavy snowfall. The snowfall is expected to be 12-15 inches and cold weather will continue until February 2026. 

PHILIPPINES

1. THREE WEATHER SYSTEMS CONTINUE TO AFFECT THE PHILIPPINES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Three weather systems will continue to bring rain in many parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Monday.

1. THE PHILIPPINES DENR LAUNCHES MULTI-SECTORAL REFORESTATION PROJECT IN BATAAN -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has formalised a multi-sector partnership to rehabilitate 30 hectares of degraded upland forest in Sitio Daing, Barangay Duale, Limay, Bataan.

SINGAPORE

1. ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH INCIDENT: MAN TO BE CHARGED FOR MAKING A FALSE THREAT OF TERRORIST ACT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A 26-year-old Singaporean man is set to be charged on Dec 22 with making a false threat of terrorist act following an incident at St Joseph’s Church involving a suspicious item found at its premises.

1. NUMBER OF SEIZED CONTRABAND CIGARETTES REMAIN HIGH; SOME TURN TO CIGARETTES OVER VAPES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The quantity of contraband cigarettes seized by Singapore Customs in the first 11 months of 2025 was comparable to the number of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized in the same period in 2024.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM-MERCOSUR IN TALKS TO EXPAND TRADE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) are negotiating a preferential trade agreement with member countries, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Talks are focusing on expanding trade through phased tariff reductions and elimination.

2.HO CHI MINH EMERGING AS FURNITURE HUB -- VIETNAM NEWS

The wood processing industry in Ho Chi Minh City aims to achieve RM61 billion (US$15 billion) in export revenue by 2035. About 80 per cent of the products will meet green and sustainable standards. 

-- BERNAMA