Cambodia’s international trade hit US$16 billion (RM63 billion ) in the first quarter. Its main exports were garments, machinery, electrical equipment, footwear, leather goods, furniture, rubber, pearls and textiles.

2.ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4.5 PER CENT -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The Asian Development Bank forecast Cambodia’s economy to grow by 4.5 per cent this year. Manufacturing is tipped as a key driver of growth, while the government’s efforts to revive tourism will add further impetus.

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIAN GOVT REGAINS 5 MILLION HECTARES OF FOREST LAND -- ANTARA

The Indonesian government has regained control of more than 5 million hectares of forest land from palm oil plantation and mining sectors, officials said.

2.INDONESIA EYES MIDDLE EAST TO REDUCE STEEL EXPORT RELIANCE -- ANTARA

Indonesia is seeking to diversify its steel export markets to reduce reliance on a single destination and strengthen domestic industry resilience.

PHILIPPINES

1.GSIS FAST-TRACKS LOAN REFUNDS, CREDITS WITHIN 3 DAYS AFTER APPROVAL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is fast-tracking the release of loan refunds under its “Balik Ginhawa” program, with approved applications credited to members within three working days.

2.342 FILIPINOS HOME FROM ABU DHABI IN 8TH CHARTERED FLIGHT -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomed home 342 Filipinos repatriated from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates as the eighth Philippine government chartered flight landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Friday afternoon.

SINGAPORE

1. TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDY SCHEME ENHANCED TO BETTER SUPPORT MALAY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES -- CNA

More Malay families will receive help with tertiary education costs under enhancements to the Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) scheme, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim announced on Friday

2. PRESIDENT THARMAN, PM WONG CONGRATULATE VIETNAM LEADERS ON THEIR ELECTION --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore leaders have sent their congratulations to their Vietnamese counterparts, President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, on being elected at the polls earlier this week.

THAILAND

1. AMLO FREEZES THB8.3BN LINKED TO YIM LEAK-BEN SMITH NETWORK -- THE NATION

AMLO says the alleged cross-border network moved tens of billions of baht through Thai and overseas accounts before recycling funds into Thai property, luxury vehicles and securities.

2. 2,000KG OF METH SEIZED ON SAMUI-BOUND FERRY -- BANGKOK POST

Police on Friday seized nearly 2,000 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine that was being smuggled in a pickup truck loaded onto a ferry bound for the southern tourist island of Koh Samui, at a pier in Bangkok. Four suspects were arrested.

VIETNAM

1.POSCO INVESTS IN MEGA BATTERY PLANT -- VIETNAMPLUS

Posco Future M, a subsidiary of the Korean Posco Group, will build its first battery materials plant in Vietnam. The company will invest US$400 million (RM1.6 billion) for the plant in Song Cong II Industrial Park.

2.POWER PLANT, WHARF CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN -- VIETNAMPLUS

The construction of the Ca Na liquefied natural gas-fired power plant and Ca Na Wharf Complex Phase 1 will begin after investment agreements were inked yesterday. The investments are worth US$2.3 billion (RM9 billion).  

-- BERNAMA