Singapore to host anti-drug conference for Asian cities

Singapore will organise an anti-drug conference for Asian cities in August next year, said the National Council against Drug Abuse (NCADA).

Monday, July 28, 2014 21:32

Singapore will organise an anti-drug conference for Asian cities inAugust next year, said the National Council against Drug Abuse (NCADA).

Mayors, officials and non-governmentalorganisations from Asian cities can be expected to meet to discuss theirrespective drug situations and find ways against “sophisticated andwell-organised commercial interests”, “The Straits Times” daily quotedNCADA Chairman Victor Lye as saying.

The move is aimed atpushing back the momentum of drug liberalisation policies that morecountries and cities have adopted in recent years, said the NCADAChairman.

According to Lye, the NCADA-led event will comeahead of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (Ungass)on Drugs to be held in 2016 at the request of Colombia, Guatemala andMexico to discuss drug policy reform.

For many years, Singaporehas intensified its fight against drug abuse and trafficking. In 2013,the Central Narcotics Bureau conducted 46 major operations, including 19island-wide operations, crippling 20 drug syndicates and arresting3,581 drug abusers. The estimated street value of the drugs seized in2013 amounted to 20.5 million SGD, 12 per cent higher than the estimated18.3 million SGD in 2012.-VNA

See more

A resident checks a landslide-hit location in Mejenang, Cilacap, Central Java, on November 14. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia: Households evacuated after Cilacap landslide

15/11/2025 17:40

The landslide in Indonesia's Central Java has killed three persons while 20 people are still reported missing. The incident damaged eight houses, caused a two-meter-deep subsidence and left a 25-metre-long crack over an area of about 6.5 hectares, affecting 46 residents of 17 households.

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz. (Photo: spanarboy.com)

Malaysia aims to become Southeast Asia’s AI, EV hub

15/11/2025 06:16

Malaysia is shifting into high gear as it positions itself to become Southeast Asia’s leading hub for smart, sustainable mobility, powered by breakthroughs in electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced manufacturing.

A lobby at Bali International Hospital, (Photo: channelnewsasia)

Indonesia to turn Bali into Asia’s next medical tourism hotspot

15/11/2025 04:11

Indonesia is stepping up efforts to reduce the number of citizens seeking treatment abroad and turn Bali into Asia’s leading medical tourism hotspot.

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' symbol to boost international confidence in Thai tourism (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches tourism initiative to boost international confidence

15/11/2025 03:25

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool explained that recent negative news had affected Thailand’s image, especially among Chinese tourists. The 'Trusted Thailand' initiative aims to rebuild trust, emphasising Thailand's commitment to providing high-quality, safe travel experiences.

Singapore proposed guidelines to manage AI risks in financial sector

14/11/2025 21:18

To enhance oversight and risk management, financial institutions will need to establish clear processes for identifying AI usage across the organisation, maintain accurate and up-to-date AI inventories, and conduct risk materiality assessments that consider impact, complexity and reliance, it said.

Thailand to slap import duties on low-cost imports to aid SMEs

14/11/2025 20:57

Currently, imported goods with a value of 1,500 THB (46.29 USD) or less are exempt from import duties, while those of higher value are subject to different rates of tax based on the type of product.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow (Photo: Thai PBS)

Thailand hopes to resolve border dispute with Cambodia through diplomacy

14/11/2025 15:49

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, held telephone conversations with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul, to discuss recent developments along the two countries’ border.

Philippines resolutely handles those involved in ghost flood control projects

14/11/2025 03:42

Dozens of individuals, including contractors, officials, and lawmakers, have been reportedly accused of embezzling state funds allocated for flood control projects and the upgrading of weak infrastructure in the Philippines.

Thailand moves to dismantle illegal telecommunications towers

14/11/2025 02:28

Chiwaphap stated that removing these towers is key to disrupting cross-border scam networks, adding that previous enforcement efforts were incomplete.

Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Photo: nst.com.my)

Malaysia adopts AI to bolster national security ecosystem

13/11/2025 23:50

Malaysia must embrace the technology to remain competitive. The move aligns with AI-based security direction to address modern threats such as cross-border crime, digital fraud, human trafficking, and increasingly complex cyberattacks

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam attends the announcement ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Australia, ASEAN strengthen educational connections, cooperation

13/11/2025 19:34

Since its inception in 2016, nearly 10 schools of Vietnam have joined the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnerships Programme.

Earthquakes rattle parts of Southeast Asia

13/11/2025 16:02

A 4.9-magnitude quake struck near Kengpoun village in Viengxay district, Houaphanh province, at 23:26 on November 12. The epicentre, located close to the border with Vietnam, was about 10 kilometers deep. No significant damage or widespread impact has been reported so far.