Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 25, 2026

The Prai Ijing Traditional Village in West Sumba.
25/05/2026 10:07 AM

INDONESIA 

1. INDONESIA'S ACEH TO GAIN LARGER ROLE IN OFFSHORE OIL, GAS MANAGEMENT -- ANTARA

Upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas and the Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint management of offshore oil and gas working areas located 12 to 200 nautical miles from Aceh's baseline.

 

2. Nine Indonesians return after Israel detention -- ANTARA

All nine Indonesians detained by Israeli forces during the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission have safely returned home, Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Sunday.

 

LAOS

1. STABILISING CAPITAL’S WATER SUPPLY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Two newly completed treatment plants to boost the clean water supply in Vientiane will soon come into operation. The locally funded project, completed under the Build-Operate-Transfer model, can supply 20,000 cubic metres of water per day.

 

2. NURTURING YOUNG LOA FILMMAKERS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The European Film Festival 2026 that concluded in Vientiane on Sunday, showcased European cinema and introduced new training initiatives for young filmmakers in Laos. These workshops aim to nurture talent among local filmmakers.

 

MYANMAR

1. MODERNISING LIVESTOCK FARMING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government will introduce a science-based livestock farming system to ensure an adequate supply of meat in the domestic market and reduce their prices. Rather than relying on imports, local livestock production will be ramped up.

 

2. POWER SHORTAGE DUE TO DELAY IN PROJECTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Authorities said that although efforts are being taken to ensure a steady electricity supply, only 70 per cent of the country’s demand can be met. This is due to the delay in implementing several electricity generation projects.

 

PHILIPPINES

1. ASEAN CHAIRSHIP REAPING HUGE GAINS FOR PH TOURISM -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Beyond elevating the Philippines’ reputation as a regional leader, the country’s chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is bringing in a more direct and tangible gain to Filipinos — a much-needed boost to local tourism and hospitality from the valuable ASEAN tourists.

 

2. MAGNITUDE 5.5 QUAKE JOLTS SURIGAO SUR -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Surigao del Sur on Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

 

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE MAINTAINS 2026 ECONOMIC GROWTH FORECAST AT 2-4 PCT - CNA

Despite a weakening of the economic outlook in the months ahead and "significant" downside risks arising from the Middle East conflict, Singapore will maintain its 2026 economic growth forecast at 2 to 4 per cent due to a better-than-expected performance in the first quarter.

 

2. NEW AI ASSISTANT COULD HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR HEALTHIER SG HEALTH GOALS --  THE STRAITS TIMES

A new AI-powered tool could soon be used to help residents better personalise individual dietary and exercise plans to meet their goals under Healthier SG.

 

THAILAND

1. THAILAND TO QUARANTINE DRC ARRIVALS EVEN WITHOUT SYMPTOMS -- THE NATION

Thailand tightens Ebola controls, requiring travellers from or through the DRC to enter 21-day quarantine even if they show no symptoms.

 

2. EXTORTION SCANDAL HITS CHINESE BOOKINGS -- BANGKOK POST

Chinese tourists are losing confidence in travelling in Thailand again as their bookings slow for the coming months, following a recent case involving police officers extorting Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo, says the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta).

 

VIETNAM

1. GARMENT EXPO TO PROMOTE DIGITALISATION -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association will host a seminar on digitalisation and automation solutions for the garment sector in Hanoi on May 28. The seminar will highlight digital transformation, reshape operational processes and optimise resources.

 

2. PHYSICS STUDENTS WIN ASIAN TITLES -- VIETNAM PLUS

Vietnam was ranked among the top eight teams at the 26th Asian Physics Olympiad held in Busan, South Korea. The Vietnamese national team won six silver medals and two bronze.

 

-- BERNAMA