Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 21, 2025
1.AGO TO SUMMON FORMER MINISTER NADIEM IN RP 9.9T CHROMEBOOK CORRUPTION CASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE
2.JAKARTA WELCOMES NEW AGE WITH GLOBAL AMBITIONS -- THE JAKARTA POST
Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has been summoned by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) for questioning on Monday, June 23, as part of a corruption probe into the Education Ministry's Rp 9.98 trillion (US$615 million) Chromebook procurement project.
Jakarta will mark its 498th anniversary this weekend with a renewed vision of transforming into a global centre for trade, services, finance and business, even as the city faces persistent questions about its livability and its impending loss of capital status.
1.ELECTION PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Election Commission held a meeting to ensure the polls are conducted transparently without any fraud. Voting machines that are being produced will be transported and stored in the respective regions and states.
2.EXPORTERS ENTERING CHINESE MARKET RISING -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Nearly 1,755 food processing companies have applied to the General Administration of Customs of China for a licence to enter the market as of June 13. Registration is mandatory for food exporters to China.
SINGAPORE
1.TURBULENCE AHEAD: HOW USED COOKING OIL COULD HINDER AVIATION'S GREEN FUEL HOPES -- THE STRAITS TIMES
This is the starting point for the world's – and especially Europe's – lofty dreams of greener air travel: a collection point for plastic bottles filled with discarded frying oil in Malaysia.
2.TRUMP SAYS IRAN HAS 'MAXIMUM' TWO WEEKS, DISMISSES EUROPE PEACE EFFORTS -- CNA/AFP
US President Donald Trump said Friday (Jun 20) that Iran had a "maximum" of two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes, as Israel claimed it has already set back Iran's presumed nuclear programme by at least two years.
VIETNAM
1.STRICTER RULES TO MANAGE GOLD TRADING -- VIETNAMPLUS
The State Bank of Vietnam is mulling stricter regulations on gold trading. Bank transfers are required for gold transactions worth RM3,253 (US$765) and above to promote transparency and verify customer identities.
2.CARBON TAX PRESSURES SHIPPING SECTOR -- VIETNAM NEWS
The International Maritime Organisation's policy to cut greenhouse emissions from ships could burden Vietnam's shipping industry. Vessels emitting carbon dioxide beyond the mandatory limits would face a tax of RM16,164 (US$380) per metric tonne when the policy is implemented in 2028.
-- BERNAMA
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TASHKENT: Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism, and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly due to import tax on palm oil. However, he expressed confidence in a potential turnaround. "We are hopeful that trade will pick up, if both governments can agree to waive or continue waiving the (import) tax on Malaysian palm oil. This would enable Uzbek retailers here to resume sourcing their palm oil supply from Malaysia," he said. In 2024, Malaysia–Uzbekistan trade reached RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million), making Uzbekistan Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. The trade balance was in Malaysia's favour at RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million). From January to April 2025, bilateral trade between both countries reached RM106 million (US$25 million). Major exports from Malaysia to Uzbekistan include palm oil, coffee, palm-based oleochemical, margarine and shortening, processed food and coconut oil, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise mainly fertilisers, fruits and textiles. Ilham Tuah said the 5.0 per cent tax on Malaysian palm oil is being reconsidered by Uzbek authorities. A continued exemption could significantly boost Malaysia's exports. "We hope this move will encourage Uzbek buyers to continue to source their supply from Malaysia. Discussions between the relevant authorities in both countries will be essential in finding a mutually beneficial solution," he added. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness in Uzbekistan about the health benefits of palm oil. "We must continue educating the Uzbek people about the nutritional value of palm oil and counter the negative narratives promoted by certain parties," he added. On the tourism front, Ilham Tuah said that over 15,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia last year—a significant increase from previous years, driven by enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways. "This improved connectivity benefits not only tourists but also students from Uzbekistan. Many are drawn to Malaysia's beaches, as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country," he explained. He also noted a growing interest among Malaysian travellers in Uzbekistan, particularly for spiritual tourism. "Many Malaysians visit Uzbekistan particularly for spiritual reasons. They love to explore the Imam Al Bukhari Mausoleum, which is currently under renovation. Once completed, it is expected to become a favourite destination for Malaysians," he added. He said there is strong interest in Malaysia's halal certification in Uzbekistan, adding that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has signed an MoU with the relevant Uzbek authorities to strengthen cooperation. "This collaboration will help local products meet Malaysian halal standards, potentially opening access to broader markets that recognise our certification," he said. To facilitate smoother trade and investment, both countries are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Ilham Tuah said with such a framework, Malaysia could send semi-finished goods for final processing in Uzbekistan, which has access to markets in the European Union and Eurasia. "It's a win-win for both sides. Preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is something we are actively considering. So the relevant agencies of both countries should meet up to discuss and explore this further," he added. Ilham Tuah also noted the growing demand in halal consumer goods and Muslimah fashion. "Muslimah fashion is making a strong comeback here. So I encourage Malaysian women entrepreneurs to engage with their counterparts here. There is huge demand here for Muslimah fashion, cosmetics and halal products," he said.
