2. INDONESIA MAINTAINS STRONG FISCAL BUFFERS AMID GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY -- ANTARA

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa affirmed that Indonesia has adequate fiscal buffers to anticipate the impacts of global uncertainty during a meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

PHILIPPINES

1. FISH IMPORT HIKE POSSIBLE TO ENSURE STABLE SUPPLY AMID OIL SHOCKS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

To sustain a stable fish supply in the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is considering a possible hike in fish imports should the fishing sector halt operations due to surging fuel prices.

2. ITALY-BASED FILIPINA GYMNAST TO COMPETE IN WORLD CHALLENGE CUP -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 Italy-based Filipina gymnast Jasmine Althea Ramilo is set to represent the Philippines in the 2026 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Portimao, Portugal on May 15-17.

SINGAPORE

1. NEW HEALTHPOINT REWARDS AMONG INITIATIVES TO ATTRACT MORE BLOOD DONORS TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL SUPPLY CRISIS -- CNA

A new Healthpoint reward scheme is one of several new measures authorities are introducing to attract more blood donors in light of a potential supply crisis in as early as seven years.

2. 15 POWER BANKS TAKEN FROM TRAVELLERS FLYING OUT OF CHANGI AIRPORT AS NEW TWO-DEVICE RULE KICKS IN -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Fifteen power banks were taken from outbound travellers on April 15, the first day a new rule that limits each person to only two devices on a plane kicked in.

THAILAND

1. ANUTIN SIGNALS NEW COST-OF-LIVING SCHEME AS THAILAND WATCHES OIL RISKS -- THE NATION

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says Thailand must manage oil cautiously amid fast-changing global risks, while weighing a new scheme to ease living costs.

 2. BUDGET TRAIN LINK STARTS TRIAL -- BANGKOK POST

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch new feeder diesel trains on April 20, linking Don Muang in Bangkok and Ayutthaya to ease travel costs.

VIETNAM

 1. NET-ZERO EMISSION TARGET BY 2050 -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung assured Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The government will focus on renewable energy development and green transition as strategic priorities to achieve its goal.

2. TRANSFORMING QUANG NINH INTO EDUCATION CITY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Quang Ninh plans to establish Vietnam’s first knowledge-based economic zone. It will be modelled on digital technology, artificial intelligence, data centres, and an Asia-level disaster-recovery data hub.

-- BERNAMA