Indonesia plans to impose an excise tax on sugary packaged beverages starting July 2025, aiming to curb excessive sugar consumption and address rising health concerns, the country’s Finance Ministry announced.

Malaysia’s central database hub - Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU), launched in January 2024, aims to centralise personal and socioeconomic data from various government agencies into a single, unified database, but there are also concerns about its data security and transparency.

Indonesia aims to send at least 425,000 workers abroad in 2025, a move expected to boost the nation’s economic growth by 0.52% and generate over 300 trillion IDR (18.5 billion USD) in foreign exchange earnings, according to Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Abdul Kadir Karding.

Brazil's government said in a statement on January 6 that Indonesia is formally joining BRICS as a full member, further expanding the group of major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has allocated 4.7 trillion IDR (around 303.2 million USD) for the Free Health Check-up Programme, which will target 60 million Indonesians this year.

Singapore has introduced several updates to its import-export regulations, and public consultations on related issues are taking place.

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is planning to improve mobile banking security measures by limiting certain groups of people, such as teenagers and the elderly, from transferring more than 50,000 THB (1,500 USD) per day.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called on authorities to take stronger action against the smuggling of textile products into the country, describing it as a threat to Indonesia's sovereignty.

The Cambodian government decided to reduce e-visa fees for tourists and businesses or ordinary people from January 2025.

Thailand's cabinet on December 25 approved new minimum wage increases and the second phase of the government's signature handout scheme for elderly people.

Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has introduced a draft bill aimed at better protecting people from online scammers.

Malaysia’s National Sustainable Development Goal Council on December 18 approved the National Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategic Plan.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health revealed on December 17 that other countries' efforts to increase cigarette excise can reduce consumption by 10-15%, with increasing the Retail Selling Price (HJE) of cigarettes and e-cigarettes deterring young smokers from purchasing them.

Indonesia will offer a sales tax incentive on Government-borne Luxury Goods (PPnBM DTP) of 3% for hybrid cars from next year.

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on December 12 ordered the police and law enforcement agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal gaming and cyber cam hubs that continue to operate despite the ban, which will take effect by the end of December, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Malaysia launched on December 12 a national artificial intelligence (AI) office aimed at shaping policies and addressing regulatory issues, as it looks to establish itself as a regional hub for AI development. ​

Slovakia’s parliament has approved legislation drafted by the government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico that could effectively ban doctors from protesting against low pay

On December 10, the Georgian Dream MPs sitting along approved the 2025 state budget with 88 votes in favor. The budget project was presented to the Parliament by the newly appointed Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili.

The European Council has adopted two new laws that are part of the legislative “package” on cybersecurity, namely the so-called “cyber solidarity law” and a specific amendment to the cybersecurity law.

Italy has passed new legislation to improve tachograph checks for truck drivers and bring them into line with EU transport regulations, reports the local press.