We all hope that 2025 will start on a positive note. Here are some of the main regional topics for the January 2025, listed by Nikkei Asia:
Malaysia takes up ASEAN chair
Malaysia takes up the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as geopolitical tensions loom large. Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim aims to strengthen bloc unity, find a way to end the civil war in Myanmar and address other regional challenges.
Free meals in Indonesia
Indonesia is to roll out an ambitious program to supply free lunches and milk to 78.5 million students at some 400,000 schools nationwide. The plan, a key project of new President Prabowo Subianto, aims to reduce malnourishment and cases of stunted growth. The rollout will start with three million meals daily – less than half the government’s earlier target.
Singapore hikes corporate tax
Singapore kickstarts a “domestic top-up tax” for large multinational companies as it aligns itself with an international framework to address inconsistent taxation. Under the new rules, corporates will face a minimum 15% tax, which could challenge the city-state’s reputation as a hub for favorable tax rates and a regional investment base.
Thai same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage will become legal in Thailand. This makes the kingdom the first Southeast Asian country and just the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to accept gay unions. The law grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners of any gender.
Stay tuned for more. Happy New Year!
Source: Nikkei Asia
