SINGAPORE
1.SINGAPORE ECONOMY GREW 4.3% IN Q4 OF 2024, SLOWING FROM PREVIOUS QUARTER BUT BEATING FORECASTS — THE STRAITS TIMES
The Singapore economy expanded 4.3 per cent year on year in the fourth quarter of 2024, supported by growth in the services sectors and construction.
2.SINGAPORE’S ECONOMY GREW 4.3% IN Q4 OF 2024: MTI ADVANCE ESTIMATES — CNA
Singapore’s economy grew at a slower pace in the last quarter of 2024, growing 4.3 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Thursday (Jan 2).
LAOS
1.HOSTING ASEAN SUMMIT BOASTED NATIONAL IMAGE – – VIENTIANE TIMES
Reflecting on 2024, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith said the nation’s hosting of the ASEAN chairmanship throughout the year was a source of pride and a testament to its growing international recognition. He urged the nation to continue fostering patriotism and unity this year.
2.TURNING LAO INTO GLOBAL SALT PRODUCER – – VIENTIANE TIMES
A South Korean non-profit organisation, Laos and Cambodia Branch of AK Science Asia Co Ltd, will fund RM13.5 million (US$3) million to advance food safety standards in salt production. This includes testing, registration and approval services for exports to the United States.
MYANMAR
1.LOCAL PETROL TO BE SOLD AT STATE-OWNED KIOSKS – – THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government announced that locally produced petrol will be available at state-owned petrol stations starting 4 January. Domestic fuel is supplied by the Thanlyin Oil Refinery in the Yangon, the Chauk Oil Refinery and the Mann Thanpayakan Oil Refinery both in the Magway.
2.DALA DOCKYARD MARKS 150TH ANNIVERSARY – – THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Dala Dockyard in Yangon celebrated its 150th anniversary yesterday making it one of the oldest shipyards in the country. The government plans to upgrade the historical shipyard to meet international standards that will help boost the nation’s maritime sector.
VIETNAM
1 VIETNAM CONGRATULATES PALESTINE ON 60TH ANNIVERSARY – – VIETNAM NEWS
Vietnam President Luong Cong on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian Revolution. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh also wished Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Mohammad Mustafa.
2.REVIVING NUCLEAR POWER TO BE ON GLOBAL ENERGY MAP – – VIETNAM NEWS
Vietnam is considering reviving its Ninh Thuan nuclear power project but needs to develop a skilled workforce, a strong legal framework, nuclear safety protocols and technology. Besides addressing energy demand, the nuclear power project will place Vietnam on the global energy map.
THAILAND
1. MONARCH EXTENDS BEST WISHES TO HIS SUBJECTS IN 2025 — THE NATION
In his live speech from Dusit Palace, His Majesty urged all Thais to be mindful and perform good deeds to bring happiness to others.
2. SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN SALES OF LUXURY CARS — BANGKOK POST
Domestic sales of luxury cars are expected to decline to 30,000 vehicles by the end of 2024 as prospective buyers in the premium car segment have barely been able to avoid the impact of the sluggish economy and the high level of household debt, says Wearnes Automotive Thailand, the importer and distributor of Lotus Cars, the British premium sports car maker.– BERNAMA
