Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (Feb 17, 2025)

Pritam Singh, leader of the main opposition Workers' Party, speaks to members of the media as he leaves the State Courts after being found guilty on two charges of lying under oath in Singapore, on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Singh was convicted and fined by a court on lying charges in a widely watched decision that could disqualify him from contesting a national election this year. -- Photographer: Lionel Ng/Bloomberg

Malaysia:* 

Tunku, only leader who ever captured hearts of all Malaysians, says Anwar

* A tirade never seen before in DAP/ 'Just a storm in a teacup': Steven Sim downplays heckling incident

* Former headmistress charged with money laundering

* Malaysia Airlines resolves technical issues with Airbus A330neo, Dewan Rakyat told

* Extension of Jalan Ampang bus lane to undergo six-month trial from today

* Johor city centre a hive of activity as Chingay Festival enters third day

*“No”, Tengku Zafrul denies being next ambassador to the US

* University lecturer charged with sexually assaulting two male students

* MP urges religious authorities to address cross-dressing at event

* Jakim takes immediate action over Muslim men involved in cross-dressing

* Ringgit remains steady amid global volatility, says Bank Negara governor

* Malaysia welcomes Madrid court ruling reaffirming annulment of Sulu case arbitrator

* Trust, cooperation key to GPS success in Sarawak governance, says Abang Johari

* Govt allocates RM9mil to send teachers abroad for leadership, AI courses, says sec-gen

* Most fraudulent online transactions using mule accounts ‘voluntarily’ authorised by victims, says Deputy Finance Minister

Singapore:

* MPs appeal to Msia govt to delay Pannir's pending execution

* Singapore WP chief Pritam Singh says he will stand in the general election, is appealing against verdict

* 18 arrested, 25 under probe in islandwide crackdown on money mule scams

* Singaporean arrested with RM21,000 worth of drugs in apartment

* Far-right extremism: No longer a threat far away from Singapore

* Singapore Workers Party chief Pritam Singh convicted of two charges, judge says he ‘wilfully’ lied to committee

* More shop theft, voyeurism, knife-related cases in Singapore, but fewer rapes in 2024: Police

* Oil prices steady as market eyes Russia-Ukraine peace deal

* Asia shares cautiously higher, yen buoyed by upbeat GDP

* Tax incentives may be used to help revive market in Singapore

Riot police stand guard as students take part in a rally titled Indonesia Gelap (Dark Indonesia) to oppose budget-cutting policies by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in front of the East Java Regional House of Representatives building in Surabaya on Monday, February 17, 2025. -- AFP

Indonesia:

* Indonesian navy launches fifth multilateral naval exercise Komodo 2025; Malaysia among participants in training

* Central banks of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand enhance local currency transaction framework

* Cristiano Ronaldo to visit Indonesia's NTT province on Tuesday (Feb 18)

* Indonesian Navy finishes dismantling Tangerang sea fence

* Thousands of Indonesians in US marked for deportation

* Emerging Markets - Indonesia leads Asian stocks, fx higher on bets of US rate cut

Thailand:

* Thai DPM Phumtam denies Chinese minister bypassed Thailand to tackle call-centre scams

* From exile to influence: Thaksin navigates new roles in Thai politics, regional affairs

* Thai opposition calls for export ban to extend to other goods that may aid call-centre gangs

* Two Thai MPs, deputy minister injured as giant LED screen falls on them

* Thai Q4 GDP grows 3.2% y/y, below forecast

* Thailand issues arrest warrant for Chinese tourist following Thai woman’s death

Philippines:

* Seven people dead in two multi-vehicle collisions in northern and southern Philippines

*Trump’s ‘Black Box’ tariff formula adds uncertainty across Asia

* Philippines MP calls for a probe into Duterte joke on killing 15 senators

* Asian currencies, stocks rise on US rate cut optimism

Thai Buddhist monks pray as they gather at Wat Dhammakaya temple to participate in Makha Bucha Day ceremonies in Pathum Thani, Thailand. - AP

Vietnam:

* Canada eyes stronger ties with Vietnam in green energy and mining

* Vietnam mulls new property tax to curb speculation

* Vietnam tourism authority urges businesses to combat rising online booking scams

* Asian shares start off cautious amid US-EU tension

Myanmar:* China working with Thailand, Myanmar to block crimes of online gambling, telecom fraud, says top official

* Thaksin: 'Dirty money' from scam centres fuelling Myanmar conflict

* Electrocuted and beaten: Rescued Malaysians describe job scam horror in Myanmar

* Myanmar says attaches great importance to severely cracking down on online gambling, telecom fraud

Cambodia:

* Thailand reportedly considering border wall with Cambodia to curb human and drug trafficking

* Investigation determines Cambodia factory blaze caused by electrical malfunction

* Rice is the pride of Cambodia, but facing increasing threats: Comment

Laos:

* Laos to hold Digital Week to drive digital transformation

* Laos strengthens airport and border security with document verification technology

* Tan Chong Motor Lao unveils new Nissan Terra Sport, wins Nissan Global Award

Brunei:

* Asean roadshow promotes regional spirit among Brunei students

* China's efforts of regional cooperation in combating cross-border telecom fraud "encouraging": UN official

People make their way along a sidewalk in Tokyo on Monday, February 17, 2025. Japan's economic growth slowed sharply in 2024, cabinet office data showed on February 17, although the rate for the fourth quarter beat market expectations thanks to strong exports. -- AFP

AseanPlus:

* Asean set for further regional integration, enhanced trade, under Malaysia's chairmanship

* Tengku Zafrul: Malaysia-Asean relationship with China should be based on mutual respect, trust

* Next phase of Asean-China cooperation must prioritise tech, says Anwar

* Fake liquor syndicate busted, nine foreigners arrested

* Malaysia's GDP growth to remain solid at 4.9% in 2025 - investment banks

* Kuching village fire leaves seven families homeless

* Johor Immigration nabs 235 foreigners, two employers for not having valid papers

* South Korea suspends local use of Chinese AI app DeepSeek

* Taliban delegation visits Japan in rare trip outside region

* China's Xi meets business leaders including Alibaba's Jack Ma

* Australian PM Albanese hits lowest approval rating: survey

* India capital shaken by 4.0-magnitude quake

* Saving deer from tourist trash in Japan's Nara

* South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron dies at 24

* What Kim Sae-ron faced was 'excessively severe compared to her wrongdoing', fans say

* Jordanian Princess Iman welcomes her first baby

* Indian court jails man for life in rape, killing of Irish woman

* Two missing after Japanese fishing boat capsizes off Hokkaido coast

* Japan's GDP beats forecasts as consumption, business spending perk up

* How Yoon Suk Yeol carries out politics from behind bars in South Korea

* Japan firm offers hangover sick leave, time off for news about favourite celebrities

* Russian Navy warship holds artillery firing drills in Sea of Japan, Interfax reports

* North Korea's Kim makes rare visit to father's tomb, says devoted to 'sacred struggle'

* K-pop singer Rain pays tribute to 'sister-in-law' Barbie Hsu during Taiwan concert

* Japan’s Peach airline warned after pilot on Singapore-Kansai flight breached pre-shift alcohol ban

* Shein faces investor pressure to slash valuation to $30 billion ahead London IPO, Bloomberg News reports

* HK actress Michelle Wai marries aesthetic doctor partner in star-studded wedding, M'sian singer Gin Lee in attendance