On February 16, Laos’ national news outlet, Laotian Times, announced that the government is in the process of inscribing the country’s national dish, larb, as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Category: Society
Ho Chi Minh City implements round-the-clock waste collection during Tết holiday
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has implemented round-the-clock sanitation measures to prevent waste build-up during the Tết holiday on Lunar New Year, allowing garbage trucks to operate during peak hours.
Champasak Province marks milestone in tourism growth
Champasak Province in southern Laos recorded strong tourism growth in 2025, welcoming nearly 730,000 visitors, 207% growth of its annual target, provincial authorities reported on February 6.
Thailand tightens sugar standards in beverages
Thailand’s high-street coffee chains will introduce a new national standard for freshly brewed drinks from February 11, requiring “normal sweetness” orders to contain only 50% of the original sugar level.
Brunei launches tourist guide manual to raise industry standards
Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has launched a new Tourist Guide Manual aimed at improving safety standards and service quality across the tourism sector.
Cambodia to host major ASEAN educational tourism event in April 2026
Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Huot Hak has held discussions with representatives of KRYA Global on January 27, leading to a proposed educational tourism initiative aimed at strengthening regional travel to the Kingdom.
Singapore wildlife parks welcome around 1,000 animal births in 2025
Singapore’s five wildlife parks recorded around 1,000 animal births across more than 150 species in 2025, according to Mandai Wildlife Group, marking a strong year for conservation efforts.
Indonesia strenghtens controls on cruise traffic to safeguard coral ecosystems
A diver swims near a coral reef in the waters of the Seribu Islands off Jakarta, on March 26, 2025. (ANTARA) Indonesia is tightening oversight […]
Vietnam aims grassroots cultural and sports development in 2026
Myanmar’s first phase election has drawn criticism from international bodies, most notably the UN and ASEAN, over allegations of detention, of using coercion and intimidation ahead of the election, while violence was reported in several areas.
Indonesia to distribute 720,000 tonnes of rice aid in 2026
Indonesia’s state-run logistics firm Bulog plans to distribute 720,000 tonnes of rice aid in 2026 to 18 million beneficiary households over a four-month period.