Singapore to extend debt relief scheme

Singapore will soon adjust its debt moratorium schemes, with the regulator looking to extend the programmes to certain borrowers beyond December 31 this year, while also ensuring that those with the ability to pay should begin repayment before the moratoriums expire.
Singapore to extend debt relief scheme ảnh 1The MAS earlier said that in Singapore, 12 percent of the economy is at the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis (Photo: straitstimes.com).

Singapore (VNA) – Singapore will soon adjust its debt moratoriumschemes, with the regulator looking to extend the programmes to certainborrowers beyond December 31 this year, while also ensuring that those with theability to pay should begin repayment before the moratoriums expire.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) earlier said that in Singapore, 12percent of the economy is at the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis. Companies insectors hit hardest, specifically construction, travel-related, andconsumer-facing services, are expected to take some time to recover.

Certain industries or activities may be permanently impaired by the crisis dueto a range of factors, including a shift in supply chains and consumer demandpatterns, according to MAS managing director Rai Menon at the central bank’sannual report briefing.

Maybank-Kim Eng earlier estimated that about 12 to 16 percent of total loansare under moratorium and other relief schemes from the local banks.

The three local banks inSingapore are estimated to have granted payment deferments to more than 15billion SGD (10.94 billion USD) worth of mortgages as at the end of June thisyear, data from the MAS had shown. The total value of deferred mortgages inSingapore as of the end of June makes up almost 10 percent of all outstandingmortgages.

All in, Singapore’s fiscal outlay in response to the pandemic has stood at some93 billion SGD so far, the largest in this country’s history./.
VNA

See more

Foreign tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

International arrivals to Thailand surge in early 2026

Thailand welcomed 1,121,549 international visitors in the first 11 days of 2026, generating an estimated 55.03 billion THB (approximately 1.59 billion USD) in tourism revenue, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on January 13.

Tourists visit the Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang, Laos.(Photo: VNA)

Laos named among world’s top travel destinations for 2026: TravelPulse

Known for being one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets, experts said 2026 will be the year for Laos to start attracting discerning travelers. Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos features mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture and an abundance of Buddhist monasteries.

A commemorative publication titled “50 Years of Germany – Vietnam Relations: Partners in the Past, Present and Future”, published in 2025, offers a timely and comprehensive reflection not only on the 50th anniversary but also on the two countries' strategic path ahead. (Illustrative photo: the Vietnamese – German University)

German economic cooperation ministry praises Vietnam’s development

Commenting on the German Government’s prominent reference to Vietnam’s achievements in a key policy document shaping the future direction of its development policy, Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of Germany’s World University Service (WUS), described this as highly significant.

Indonesia’s meat industry faces widespread job loss risks (Photo:en.infosawit.com)

Indonesia’s meat industry faces risk of mass layoffs

The Indonesian Meat Entrepreneurs and Processors Association (APPDI) said the total beef import quota for private companies this year has been cut to 30,000 tonnes, down sharply from 180,000 tonnes in 2025. The figure accounts for only a small fraction of Indonesia’s overall import plan of 297,000 tonnes of beef and buffalo meat for 2026.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (left) and Lao Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone (Photo: VNA)

Laos focuses on building comprehensive all-people national defence posture

Reporting on defence and security work over the past five years, he noted that despite numerous challenges, Laos has recorded significant achievements under the direct, comprehensive and resolute leadership of the LPRP, the guidance of the Central Commission for Defence–Security, the solidarity and efforts of administrations at all levels, sectors, local authorities and the Lao people, along with cooperation from strategic partners.

Governor of National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas RI) of Indonesia Dr. Ace Hasan Syadzily (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia's programme to develop visionary leaders unveiled

This programme is designed to equip prospective senior leaders with strategic leadership mindset, geopolitical and geostrategic vision, and the capacity to formulate policies and govern the country amid a dynamic domestic and international environment.

Indonesia moves to build clean energy ecosystem for new capital (Photo: indonesiabusinesspost.com)

Indonesia develops clean energy ecosystem for new capital

The involvement of Indonesia's strategic state-owned companies such as Pertamina will strengthen the vision of developing Nusantara into a “forest city” with low carbon emissions, through close collaboration between the government and the business community.