The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) confirmed the continuation of its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, despite one of its soldiers being killed in action (KIA) by artillery fire.

2.PRABOWO INVITES JAPANESE INVESTORS TO EXPAND INVESTMENT IN INDONESIA -- ANTARA

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited Japanese business players to expand investment in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract more foreign investment.

LAOS

1.URGENT STEPS TO CONSERVE FUEL -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Government-linked agencies, businesses, security forces and the public have been directed to conserve fuel to stabilise the economy. Recommendations include using buses and the Bus Rapid Transit system and electric vehicles.

2.SUPPORTING UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Luang Prabang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment is collaborating with Save the Children International in Laos to support climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for impoverished communities.

MYANMAR 

1.MIN AUNG HLIANG STEPS DOWN AS ARMY CHIEF -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing handed over his post to General Ye Win Oo yesterday. Ye Win Oo will assume the duties of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. 

2.PARLIAMENT NOMINATES THREE VICE-PRESIDENTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The parliament yesterday nominated former Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as a vice-presidential candidate, along with two others for the same post. 

PHILIPPINES

1.DOE: 900K BARRELS OF DIESEL TO ARRIVE IN APRIL TO BOLSTER SUPPLY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday said the country has sufficient fuel supply until May, with additional diesel shipments scheduled to arrive in April to further bolster reserves.

2.35 NABBED, PHP5.7M WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS SEIZED IN BICOL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

A total of PHP5.7 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated and 35 drug suspects were arrested in a weeklong anti-illegal drug operations, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported Tuesday.

SINGAPORE

1. DIESEL SURGES PAST S$4 A LITRE: SINGAPORE BUSINESSES CAUGHT BETWEEN RISING COSTS AND RELUCTANT CUSTOMERS -- CNA

Just this month alone, Farid Khan, CEO of Singapore Cab Booking, has seen 20 freelance minibus drivers stop accepting jobs with the company, unable to cope with rising diesel prices.

2. APP STORES TO SCREEN FOR SINGAPORE USERS UNDER 18 VIA SINGPASS, FACIAL SCAN, CREDIT CARD --  THE STRAITS TIMES

A range of measures from facial scans to credit card and government identity verification is being rolled out in Singapore to control app downloads by those below 18, as app stores race to meet a March 31 regulatory deadline.

THAILAND

1. DIGITAL MINISTRY CONFIRMS: HEAT INDEX COULD HIT 60°C IN EARLY APRIL 2026 -- THE NATION

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry says reports that the heat index could reach 60°C in early April 2026 are accurate, citing the Meteorological Department and urging the public to follow heat-safety guidance.

2. GOVT RAMPS UP SHIPPING AND AVIATION SAFEGUARDS -- BANGKOK POST

Thailand has stepped up monitoring and contingency measures for shipping and aviation as tensions in the Middle East intensify, with authorities assisting Thai nationals and coordinating safe passage for commercial vessels affected by disruptions at key maritime chokepoints.

VIETNAM

1.TEXTILE, GARMENT EXPO TO BOOST INDUSTRY -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Vietnam Saigon Textile and Garment Industry Expo 2026 is scheduled from April 8 to 11. About 1,000 local and international enterprises will participate in the expo in Ho Chi Minh City. 

2.MEGA PROJECTS TO SPUR GIA LAI’S GROWTH -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Gia Lai has approved investments for 273 projects worth RM129 billion (US$32 billion) to promote economic growth in the province. Priority areas are manufacturing, energy, high-tech agriculture, trade and services, tourism, urban development and logistics.

-- BERNAMA