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Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 17, 2025
Indonesian officials and activists have pushed back against recent remarks by Culture Minister Fadli Zon suggesting the mass rapes during the May 1998 riots were merely 'rumors', saying such comments risk erasing painful historical truths and marginalising victims. The government currently sees no need to send another delegation to the United States for the negotiations on tariffs as it believes it has made its case for open bilateral trade and says the ball is now in the US' court. 2. RI SEES NO NEED TO SEND TEAM FOR US TRADE TALKS -- THE JAKARTA POST The Lao media industry has undergone a rapid transformation, from analogue to digital broadcasting. Online media platforms have changed the way content is disseminated and consumed among the public. Laos has 86 radio stations, 49 television stations and 116 print media outlets. 2. HARNESSING PRIVATE INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES The International Finance Corporation and the government is working to enhance the Public-Private Partnerships legal framework to make the business environment attractive. This will help in welcoming private sector investment to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation. MYANMAR 1. APRIL-MAY FISH EXPORTS HIT RM200 MILLION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR About 43,600 metric tonnes of fish worth RM200 million (US$48 million) were exported in April-May this year. Myanmar earned over RM1.8 billion (U$421 million) from about 400,000 metric tonnes of fish exports in the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. MODERNISING FOOTWEAR PRODUCTION FOR EXPORTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar's footwear manufacturers are striving to transform the sector into an export-oriented business. Producers are exploring modernising production, expanding domestic and foreign markets and utilising local raw materials. Nearly 85 per cent of inputs are locally produced. SINGAPORE 1. SINGAPORE AIMS TO RAMP UP AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE USE TO BOOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK -- THE STRAITS TIMES Singapore is poised to make a big push for self-driving vehicles to be deployed across the island in the next five years, to strengthen the public transport network. 2. SINGAPORE TO HAVE 'MANY' AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN FIVE YEARS: ACTING TRANSPORT MINISTER JEFFREY SIOW -- CNA Singaporeans can expect to see "many" autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the roads in five years, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. VIETNAM 1. DRIVING TOWARDS ZERO EMISSIONS ON ROADS BY 2050 -- VIETNAM NEWS A new draft regulation on car emissions standards has been introduced by the government to reduce carbon pollution and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The goal is for clean fuel distribution to achieve the nation's environmental goals. 2. ANIMAL VACCINATION YET TO MEET NATIONAL TARGET -- VIETNAM NEWS Animal disease vaccination funded by the state budget fell short in the first half of this year. Vaccination coverage for African swine fever, avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease failed to reach the mandated national targets. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Indonesia faces brain drain as skilled graduates leave for jobs abroad
A recent report finds Indonesia lagging other countries in South-east Asia when it comes to youth employment. PHOTO: THE JAKARTA POST/ANN JAKARTA – Indonesia has seen an increasing outflow of skilled young adults seeking work abroad in a brain drain phenomenon experts attribute to concern around job opportunities within the country. Twenty-five-year-old political science graduate Fikri Haikal obtained a working holiday visa (WHV) in Australia and now makes a living as a poultry factory worker. 'I never thought I would be a factory worker,' he said, explaining that his original plan was to go abroad for higher education, but he failed to get a scholarship, and peer influence then convinced him to join the WHV programme instead. He searched and applied for jobs in Indonesia, Mr Fikri said, but received no job offers. 'Meanwhile, in Australia, securing a job is easy, because there is a shortage of labour in certain sectors, such as in manufacturing,' he told The Jakarta Post on May 23. Indonesians are the largest citizenship group in Australia's WHV programme, with the number of granted visas surging from 2,984 in the 2022-2023 period to 4,285 in 2023-2024, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. On social media, graduates and young professionals have been sharing their experiences with the WHV programme, citing better pay and quality of life, though some caution that 'it is not as easy as it looks'. Frustrated jobseekers The hashtag #KaburAjaDulu (Just get out first) has been gaining traction on social media in 2025, as frustration and pessimism mount over Indonesia's economic situation and work conditions, encouraging people to seek better jobs abroad. The blue-collar job in Australia provides Mr Fikri with a salary exceeding his living costs, in addition to access to public facilities and a diverse sociocultural experience. On the other side of the globe, Ms Viona Maharani, a graduate from a vocational tourism college in Bali, is interning in the hospitality industry after recently relocating to the United States. With prior experience as a casual worker at three five-star hotels in Bali, Ms Viona sought to develop her career. Acquaintances of hers who had worked abroad told her that the US offered better opportunities for income and skill development. 'I will highly (value opportunities) to keep enriching my experience of working abroad, whether that will continue to be in the US or another country,' Ms Viona said. Experts say this brain drain – or the large-scale emigration of highly educated graduates and skilled professionals in search of better opportunities and a higher standard of living – threatens economic growth, if not handled properly. Centre of Reform on Economics (Core) Indonesia executive director Mohammad Faisal warned that a prolonged brain drain could lead to Indonesia losing its best talent that would otherwise contribute to job creation at home by helping to attract investment and driving technological progress. Limited job opportunities mean the country's skilled workforce is not optimally absorbed, he said, as reflected in a shrinking share of formal, compared with informal, employment. A recent report published by Core finds Indonesia lagging other countries in South-east Asia when it comes to youth employment, or those aged 15 to 24. In 2024, the International Labour Organisation estimated that the youth unemployment rate in Indonesia stood at 13.1 per cent, higher than in peer countries like India, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand. A biannual survey published earlier in June by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) put youth unemployment at 16.16 per cent, more than three times the overall unemployment rate of 4.76 per cent. According to the Core report, the stagnating youth employment reflects a failure to tap into Indonesia's demographic dividend, with Indonesia now at risk of a demographic paradox: getting old before getting rich. Mr Tadjuddin Noer Effendi, a labour expert at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), expressed doubt about the 'Golden Indonesia' vision of turning the country into one of the world's largest economies by 2045, given that skilled talent was moving abroad. 'The brain drain can slow down innovation and hinder technological development, which ultimately affects economic competitiveness,' he said. Mr Tadjuddin also argued that the brain drain was driven by increasing labour market uncertainty amid a lack of job opportunities and a surge in layoffs in 2025, as well as by widespread corruption and extortion disrupting the investment climate. He warned that the emigration of skilled workers could leave sectors like health, technology and education facing labour shortages, and should more young and productive workers move overseas, the country risked being left with an aging population. From brain drain to brain gain? However, Mr Tajuddin noted a silver lining in the fact that migrants were often 'heroes of foreign exchange'. Often well paid, Indonesian skilled workers living abroad could contribute to an increase in foreign exchange through remittances. Migrants have long contributed significantly to the country's foreign exchange receipts, with the remittance inflow rising 13 per cent to 253 trillion rupiah (S$20 billion) in 2024, according to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI). Mr Tajuddin also suggested that the government seize the opportunity of maximising the potential of brain gain, which would require providing adequate innovation infrastructure and facilities to attract and retain skilled talent. 'In the future, if the government can (invite Indonesians living abroad) back to Indonesia, it will be a huge gain, because they have plenty of experience and knowledge from abroad,' he said. THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 23, 2025
GROWS OVER TNI, POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIL GOVERNANCE -- THE JAKARTA POST SEIZES MILLIONS OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED TOOLS FROM CHINA TRACKED THROUGH TIKTOK ADS -- JAKARTA GLOBE The growing presence of active police and military officers in executive and legislative posts under President Prabowo Subianto has sparked concerns among analysts, who warn that the trend signals a shift away from Indonesia's post-Reform commitment to civilian supremacy in governance. Indonesian authorities have seized millions of illegally imported tools and hardware products from China, with an estimated value of Rp 18 billion (approx. US$1.1 million), following a tip-off triggered by TikTok advertisements, Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced on Thursday. ASIA'S LARGEST WIND FARM OPERATIONAL SOON -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos will launch its first RM3.9 billion (US$930 million) wind farm by year-end. All 133 turbines are now fully installed. The 600-MW power project is spread across 68,000 hectares of Xekong and Attapeu provinces. TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO TRAIN LAO YOUTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos and Switzerland vocational education experts are jointly working to strengthen curriculum development for technical training institutions and enterprises in Laos. The project aims to provide knowledge and skills for unemployed youth. MYANMAR EXPORT STRATEGY BEING FINE-TUNED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government, along with the Private Trade Promotion Council are working on the National Export Strategy 2026-2030 draft that will propel the domestic trading sector. Both parties held the second council meeting yesterday. GROWERS ADVISED TO TARGET SOUTH KOREA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Local associations advise growers and suppliers to export dry coconut shells to South Korea. There is a growing demand for dried and fresh coconut that is widely used in the cosmetic and Asian food industries. They are currently exported to Bangladesh, China and Thailand. SINGAPORE OF NEW OFFICE-HOLDERS LARGEST SINCE 2001; RESHUFFLE PROVIDES FOR MINORITY SUCCESSION IN CABINET -- THE STRAITS TIMES In 2001, seven new MPs took political office in a fresh injection of talent by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. BUILDINGS COULD BE ALLOWED NEAR SINGAPORE AIRPORTS WITH HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS REVIEW: CHEE HONG TAT -- CNA Height restrictions on buildings near airports could be revised later this year, potentially paving the way for taller residential and commercial developments, said Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 22). THAILAND 1. SUPREME ADMIN COURT ORDERS YINGLUCK TO PAY 10BN BAHT FOR G-TO-G RICE DEAL DAMAGE -- THE NATION Supreme Admin Court orders Yingluck to pay 10bn baht for rice pledging scheme damage, overturning lower court ruling and adjusting asset freezes. 2. COUP RISK REMAINS, WARNS PHUMTHAM -- BANGKOK POST Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has refrained from ruling out the possibility of a future coup and asked all sides to learn from history to strengthen democratic institutions. VIETNAM EDITION OF 'HAPPY VIETNAM' LAUNCHED -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam launched the third edition of its 'Happy Vietnam' media award, which will capture the true meaning of happiness and how it connects to national identity. The campaign is a nationwide move to celebrate national pride and promote human rights. 2. RELIEF FOR VIETNAMESE DURIAN EXPORTERS TO CHINA -- VIETNAM NEWS The General Administration of Customs of China has recognised 829 growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes for Vietnamese durians. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment considers this is a positive move to address the decline in durian exports to China recently. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 19
IN BANGKOK TO BOLSTER TIES AHEAD OF ASEAN SUMMIT -- THE JAKARTA POST The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has suspended three of its members following allegations of intimidation and extortion against a Chinese engineering firm involved in a major national project in Cilegon, Banten. President Prabowo Subianto begins his visit in Bangkok on Monday, as he reconvenes with Thailand's leaders to strengthen bilateral ties ahead of his first ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and amid regional concerns over the ongoing tariff war started by the United States. LAOS MEDICAL AID TO SUPPORT LAO HEALTHCARE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia Economic Development have provided medical supplies and vaccines to the Lao government. The RM6 million (CNY10 million) worth of medical aid is to support the treatment and prevention of diseases. PRABANG EYEING TOURISM AWARD -- VIENTIANE TIMES UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang is aiming for the Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destination Organisation. Luang Prabang aims to elevate its profile as a culturally rich tourist destination in the world with the international certification. MYANMAR FDI WORTH RM155 MILLION APPROVED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government approved three new foreign direct investments (FDI) valued at RM155 million (US$35.778 million) on May 16. The investments were in the manufacturing of solar panels, installation of power cables, production of instant foods and the garment sector. OPENBILL STORKS ARRIVE IN MOEYUNGYI WETLAND -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR About 500 critically endangered migratory Asian openbill storks were spotted at the Moeyungyi Wetland Sanctuary in Bago Region. Moeyungyi has become a major habitat during the rainy season and the birds arrive in search of food. SINGAPORE 1.'YOU ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME': LADY GAGA RETURNS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION, WITH SINGAPORE FLAG IN TOW -- THE STRAITS TIMES American pop star Lady Gaga played a dazzling, sold-out set at the National Stadium on May 18, the first night of her four gigs in Singapore, her only stops in Asia. US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN DIAGNOSED WITH 'AGGRESSIVE' PROSTATE CANCER -- CNA/AGENCIES Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday (May 18). THAILAND 1. THAI, CAMBODIAN TROOPS HOLD TALKS OVER BORDER PATROL DISPUTE -- THE NATION The Suranaree Task Force engaged Cambodian troops over border patrol amid recent territorial concerns, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, said on Saturday. 2. DEPARTMENT TO AMEND TAX ON FOREIGN INCOME REMITTANCE -- BANGKOK POST The Revenue Department is preparing to draft legislation to amend the collection of tax on foreign income remitted to Thailand. VIETNAM ASSURED CUBA OF ITS INVESTMENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam and Cuba have pledged to diversify their economic partnership to bolster their 25-year-old strong bilateral relations. Vietnam will continue its operations in the Mariel Special Development Zone, which drives Cuba's economic growth. OF DA NANG TO DEVELOP FINANCIAL TALENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS The University of Da Nang will help to develop human capital to support the government's ambition to transform Da Nang into a financial hub. The planned Vietnam International Financial Centre in the central city is expected to attract quality investments. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, & Vietnam : May 13, 2025
Two Chinese naval vessels docked at the Ream Naval Base for the 2025 Golden Dragon joint military exercise. The seventh China and Cambodia exercise will be held in Kampong Chhnang and Preah Sihanouk provinces from May 14 to 28. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni will preside over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Kampong Chhnang province on May 15. The annual ceremony will be held at the Royal Field in Kampong Chhnang Stadium located in Klang Prak Village. PM ALBANESE TO MEET PRESIDENT PRABOWO FOR KEY BILATERAL TALKS -- JAKARTA GLOBE Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make a state visit to Indonesia this week, marking his first official trip since securing a second term. The visit, scheduled for May 14-15, is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy, security, and regional cooperation. SECURITY PROTECTION FOR AGO DRAWS FLAK -- THE JAKARTA POST The Indonesian Military's (TNI) expanded deployment of personnel to provide security protection for prosecutors nationwide has once again landed the institution in hot water for stoking fears of military intervention in the judicial realm. LAOS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROJECT FOR RURAL PEOPLE -- VIENTIANE TIMES Australia's RM8 million 'Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights Promotion with New Mechanisms' project will benefit over 500,000 people, including ethnic communities, in remote Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces. They will benefit from improved access to reproductive health and sexual rights services. DRY PORT NEAR LAO-THAI MEKONG FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government agreed to construct a dry port on the Lao side at the 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge linking Bolikhamxay with Thailand's Beungkan province. The new dry port and the customs warehouse will enhance logistics and trade between the countries. MYANMAR HOTELS DESTROYED BY EARTHQUAKE IN MANDALAY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Mandalay Region Hotel Entrepreneurs' Association said 16 hotels were destroyed by the deadly earthquake on March 28 in the region. Officials are still assessing the damage to the hotels. IS NOW PROTECTED FOREST -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation designated 325 acres within Tangyan Township in Shan State as the 'Nampon Protected Public Forest'. The move will help to protect teak trees and wildlife habitat in the area. SINGAPORE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS ON US-CHINA DE-ESCALATION, BUT TARIFF UNCERTAINTY REMAINS -- THE STRAITS TIMES The outlook for Singapore's export-driven economy has brightened as the world's two largest economies stepped back from a tariff war that could collapse trade between them and trigger a global recession, analysts said. STOCKS RALLY AFTER US AND CHINA PAUSE TARIFF WAR, BUT UNCERTAINTY REMAINS -- CNA/REUTERS Global stock markets surged on Monday (May 12) after the US and China agreed to slash steep tariffs for at least 90 days, tapping the brakes on a trade war between the world's two biggest economies that had fed fears of a global recession. THAILAND 1. FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR THALANG DISTRICT, PHUKET DUE TO HEAVY RAINS -- THE NATION Residents in Thalang district, Phuket, have been advised to remain vigilant for potential flooding due to continuous heavy rainfall on Monday. 2. BOT WARNS OF LONG PATH TO RECOVERY -- BANGKOK POST Structural problems are a key concern undermining Thailand's future growth potential, Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput has warned in a harrowing forecast of the country's economic future. VIETNAM HONDA VIETNAM SALES IN APRIL -- VIETNAMPLUS Honda Vietnam said its sales of motorcycle and automobile segments in April saw year-on-year increases of 6.9 per cent and 18.9 per cent respectively. The company sold 170,986 motorcycles and exported 17,953 units to various international markets last month. AIRLINES AND RUSSIAN BANK PROMOTE TIES -- VIETNAM NEWS Vietnam Airlines and Russia's state-owned VTB Bank signed a memorandum of understanding in Moscow on May 10 to enhance co-operation. Both aim to promote cultural exchanges and enhance tourism between the nations. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
