The government is reviewing investments in the four northeastern provinces of Cambodia worth RM500 million (US$123 million). The investments are in agriculture, tourism, coffee and rubber plantations, which could create nearly 1,700 jobs.

2.CAMBODIA’S ROBUST TRADE WITH ASEAN -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN reached RM67 billion (US$16.4 billion) in 2025. Most of Cambodia’s exports are agricultural products such as paddy rice, milled rice, bananas, cassava, cashew nuts and rubber latex.

INDONESIA

1.GOV'T TARGETS ABSORPTION OF 4 MILLION TONS OF RICE RESERVES IN 2026 -- ANTARA

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said here on Monday that he is optimistic Indonesia can achieve its target of absorbing four million tons of government rice reserves (CBP) in 2026.

2.INDONESIA TO BEGIN 34 WASTE-TO-ENERGY PROJECTS, PRABOWO SAYS -- ANTARA

President Prabowo Subianto announced on Monday that Indonesia will begin 34 waste-to-energy (WtE) projects this year as part of a broader effort to address mounting urban waste while supporting the country’s electricity needs.

LAOS

1.TEEN GIRL DISCOVERS RARE BUDDHA RELICS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

A 13-year-old girl discovered 105 ancient Buddha statues in Veunkhao village, Champasak province, while playing near her home. The artefacts were found inside a clay jar in southern Laos.

2.LUANG PRABANG WARNS OF LITTERING -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The popular tourist destination, Luang Prabang, will take action against business operators who dump waste in the locality. Tourism businesses, such as boat operators who flout the regulations, will face hefty fines or have their licences revoked. 

MYANMAR

1.SHAN STATE STEEL MILL RAMPS UP PRODUCTION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Pangpet Steel Mill in Shan State is planning to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of crude iron annually. The factory is conducting trial runs with the assistance of a Russian company to achieve the production target. 

2.ZOOS UNVEIL SMALLEST BEAR SPECIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The public can get a glimpse of two distinctive bear species —  the sun bear and black bear — in Yangon Zoo, Yadanabon Zoo and Nay Pyi Taw Zoo. These small bears are omnivores and consume a variety of fruits, roots and nuts.

PHILIPPINES

1.MARCOS IN UAE FOR WORKING VISIT, SUSTAINABILITY TALKS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in the United Arab Emirates late Monday (early Tuesday, Manila time) for a one-day working visit upon the invitation of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2.PROTECTING FILIPINO FISHERMEN NOT AN ACT OF ESCALATION, PH TELLS CHINA -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines on Monday rejected China’s claim that Manila is staging provocations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying that protecting Filipino fishermen within the country’s maritime zones is part of its lawful duty and not an act of escalation.

SINGAPORE

1.GOVT EXPECTS MEDIA TO UPHOLD JOURNALISM STANDARDS: JOSEPHINE TEO -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The Government does not intervene in the editorial decisions of media outlets but expects them to uphold responsible journalism standards, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

2.MAID JAILED 52 WEEKS FOR ABUSING 90-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA -- CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

 A domestic helper abused a 90-year-old woman she was supposed to care for, including slapping her face and hitting her with a diaper.

VIETNAM 

1.STEADY RISE IN HOUSEHOLD INCOME --  VIETNAMPLUS

The average per capita income stood at RM914 (US$225) last year, up 9.3 per cent compared to 2024. This indicates that household income structure is shifting towards a progressive and sustainable direction. 

2.THAI EXPO IN HANOI PROMOTES BILATERAL TRADE -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition will host Thailand Week 2026 from January 22 to 25 to enhance trade between the two nations. About 120 booths will exhibit Thai products, including consumer goods.

-- BERNAMA