Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia asked the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying, despite reports of rising global crude oil prices amid the Gulf region conflict.

2. GOV'T ADOPTS CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO RISING GLOBAL OIL PRICES -- ANTARA

The Indonesian government is closely monitoring rising global oil prices with a cautious approach to avoid rushing fiscal policy changes, said Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

 PHILIPPINES

1. FILIPINAS ‘MIRACULOUSLY’ REACH ASIAN CUP QUARTERFINALS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippines unexpectedly qualified for the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

2. PH POSTS US$560-M FDIS IN DECEMBER -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said foreign direct investments (FDI) recorded net inflows of US$560 million in December last year, up from the US$427 million seen in the same month in 2024.

SINGAPORE

1. 'WE CAN'T BE THANKFUL ENOUGH': FIRST RSAF EVACUATION FLIGHT FROM SAUDI ARABIA ARRIVES IN SINGAPORE -- CNA

More than 200 Singaporeans and their dependents on the first military evacuation flight from Saudi Arabia were greeted by joyous family members with tears and tight hugs as they touched down in Singapore on Wednesday.

2. KEY CONSIDERATIONS HANGING OVER THE APPROVAL OF SIMBA-M1’S MERGER --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore’s telecommunications sector has never had a merger on the scale of Simba Telecom and M1’s. Announced on Aug 11, 2025, the deal is Singapore’s first telco consolidation after decades of liberalisation.

THAILAND

1. GOVERNMENT EYES 10 PM PETROL STATION CLOSURE, PUSHES WFH TO CUT FUEL USE -- THE NATION

The government is considering additional energy-saving measures, with one key option being to limit the operating hours of fuel stations nationwide to no later than 10 pm in order to control oil consumption during the global energy price crisis.

2. NEW GOVT MUST LEAD BORDER TALKS: SIHASAK -- BANGKOK POST

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Cambodia's proposal to convene a meeting of the Thai–Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to discuss territorial demarcation must wait until a new government assumes office.

-- BERNAMA