The Council for the Development of Cambodia approved 43 investment projects worth RM2.9 billion (US$752 million) in January. Thirty-five of the projects are located outside the special economic zones and are expected to generate 26,000 jobs.

2.SKILLING STUDENTS FOR MODERN ECONOMY -- FRESH NEWS 

The government will continue to focus on developing education to prepare youth for the labour market. The focus will be on expanding technical, scientific and technological skills development. 

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA AGREE TO ACCEPT SHIP GRANT FROM JAPAN WORTH 1.9 BILLION YEN -- ANTARA

The government and Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) agree to accept a grant of defense and security equipment in the form of ships worth 1.9 billion yen from the Japanese government, after considering various aspects.

2.INDONESIA READIES TROOPS FOR GAZA DEPLOYMENT -- ANTARA

The government is preparing troops for a possible peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with the Defense Ministry saying it is ready to deploy them at any time, awaiting only a final decision from President Prabowo Subianto expected at the end of the month.

LAOS 

1.ROADMAP TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Health Ministry has outlined a roadmap to modernise the medical services sector this year. Goals include strengthening self-reliance, enhancing the performance of public and private health services and hospital information management.

2.FOUR-NATION PROTECTION OF MEKONG RIVER -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand launched the 162nd joint patrol on the Mekong River. The four countries will share information to assess the current security situation in the Mekong River basin.

MYANMAR 

1.TENDER TO CLEAN THANLWIN RIVER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanma Port Authority is inviting local and international companies to submit a tender for the dredging of the Thanlwin River in Mon State. The work is to improve the waterway and navigation channel along the river.

2.LAND RENT REMINDER TO RUBBER GROWERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Forest Department is urging rubber growers with leased land for a 30-year term to make their payment by March 10. Those who fail to settle the dues will lose their lease and face court action.

PHILIPPINES

1.SHEAR LINE, 'AMIHAN' TO BRING RAINS OVER PARTS OF PH - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

The shear line will continue to affect the Visayas, while the northeast monsoon or "amihan" will prevail over Luzon, bringing varied weather conditions across the country in the next 24 hours, the Philippines weather bureau said Wednesday.

2.LAGUNA-BASED HOSPITAL EYES EXPANSION, ACQUISITION OF NEW FACILITIES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY  

Global Care Medical Center, a Laguna-based hospital, is seeking to expand its scale and capacity utilizing capital from Philippines-based private equity firm Navegar and international investment firm LeapFrog.

SINGAPORE

1.WHAT'S DRIVING SINGAPORE'S EXCEPTIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND CAN IT LAST? -- CNA

Despite government projections that economic growth would slow as Singapore's economy matures, the country has defied expectations for two consecutive years.

2.MORE BUDGET SUPPORT NEEDED FOR S’PORE SMES TO NAVIGATE CHALLENGES, AI TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES: PANEL --  THE STRAITS TIMES

While artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to drive major efficiency and productivity gains, training is needed to ensure AI readiness among the workforce, a pre-Budget panel said.

THAILAND  

1.BHUMJAITHAI ROLLS OUT "10 PLUS" TO REVIVE CONFIDENCE, ECONOMY -- THE NATION

Bhumjaithai accelerates its “10 Plus” economic agenda, with Ekniti pledging BOI Fast Pass, cash injection and Half-Half Plus to boost growth.

2.HOTEL SECTOR BRACES FOR CHALLENGING YEAR -- BANGKOK POST

Thailand's hotel sector will remain highly challenging in 2026, pressured by multiple factors, including uncertainty in key foreign markets amid global geopolitical risks and the continued strength of the baht, according to Kasikorn Research Center.

VIETNAM

1.VIETNAM-SINGAPORE DEEPEN TRADE TIES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Talks included upgrading the Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Parks. 

2.RETAIL SECTOR’S ROSY JANUARY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam’s retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in January reached RM94 billion (US$24 billion). The growth was driven by sales of household appliances, equipment, foodstuffs, and cultural and educational goods. 

-- BERNAMA