Cambodia and the United States (US) signed a five-year pact worth US$36 million (RM143 million) to promote a healthcare partnership. The agreement, including data sharing, is expected to contribute to public health development.

2. MANET READY TO WORK WITH NEW VIETNAMESE LEADER -- FRESH NEWS

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated his new Vietnamese counterpart, Le Minh Hung. Manet pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation within ASEAN and other frameworks.

INDONESIA 

1. INDONESIA SEEKS BACKING FOR 2029-30 UN SECURITY COUNCIL BID -- ANTARA

Indonesia is seeking support from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries for its bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2029–2030, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.  

2.INDONESIA CONTINUES D-8 CHAIRMANSHIP AGENDA DESPITE POSTPONED SUMMIT -- ANTARA

Indonesia will continue its D-8 chairmanship agenda despite the postponement of the group’s summit scheduled for this month, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Vahd Nabyl A. Mulachela said.

LAOS

1. CAPITAL AIMS SIX PER CENT GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Vientiane province aims to achieve annual economic growth of at least six per cent from 2026 to 2030, with average annual income expected to reach US$2,500 (RM9,940) per person.

2. HUGE BOMB NEUTRALISED IN VILLAGE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme deactivated a 500-pound MK82 aerial bomb in Vongxomphou village in Phouvong district during a field operation. The bomb was discovered by villagers on April 1.

MYANMAR

1. HUMANITARIAN LEADERS MEETING IN SEPTEMBER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar will host the 23rd South-East Asia Leadership Meeting in September. Red Cross and Red Crescent representatives from Southeast Asia will attend the humanitarian network meeting. 

2. ASSOCIATION APPROVES 6,000 GOLD SHOP LICENCES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association has approved over 6,000 gold shops to operate gold trading services over the last two years. A total of 6,428 gold shop owners have applied for trading licences.

PHILIPPINES

1. PH WELCOMES US-IRAN CEASEFIRE; HOPES FOR EVENTUAL PEACE DEAL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on Wednesday welcomed with “cautious optimism” the planned negotiations between the United States and Iran, and hoped for an eventual peace deal.

2. MARCOS: GOV’T RAMPING UP TRAINING, LIVELIHOOD AID FOR RETURNING OFWs -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ramping up efforts to provide jobs, training, and business support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE WELCOMES US-IRAN CEASEFIRE, URGES ALL PARTIES TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH -- CNA

Singapore said on Wednesday that it welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, and urged both countries to adhere to the temporary truce.

2. MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT HAS ELEVATED GLOBAL SECURITY THREAT LANDSCAPE, INCLUDING FOR SINGAPORE: SHANMUGAM --  THE STRAITS TIMES

 The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has elevated the security threat landscape globally, including for Singapore, said Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam.

THAILAND

1. SIHASAK CONFIRMS 3 THAI CREW DEAD, SEEKS SAFE HORMUZ PASSAGE -- THE NATION

Thailand welcomes the two-week US-Iran ceasefire but warns the situation remains fragile, as nine Thai vessels still await safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

2. OIL HOARDING SUSPECTED IN 4 PROVINCES -- BANGKOK POST

Suspected oil hoarding has been uncovered in four provinces, prompting a multi-agency crackdown and a push to classify the cases as special investigations.

VIETNAM

1. GARMENT TECHNOLOGY EXPO IN HO CHI MINH -- VIETNAMPLUS

Ho Chi Minh City is hosting the SaigonTex–SaigonFabric, an international exhibition on textile and garment industry equipment, materials and fabrics, starting April 8. New technologies and sustainable production solutions are being showcased. 

2. RAW MATERIALS SHORTAGE HINDERS BIOFUEL PRODUCTION -- VIETNAMPLUS

Despite rising demand for blending E10 RON95 biofuel, a stable supply of inputs such as cassava and maize for ethanol production remains a major challenge. Vietnam currently operates six fuel ethanol plants.

-- BERNAMA