2. INDONESIA NEAR FINAL DEAL TO IMPORT RUSSIAN CRUDE OIL: MINISTER -- ANTARA

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia reported that Indonesia is close to finalizing a deal with Russia to import crude oil.

PHILIPPINES

1. CEBU PACIFIC AMONG 'WORLD'S MOST SUSTAINABLE AIRLINES' -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Cebu Pacific (CEB) has been named among the top 25 percent of the "world's most sustainable airlines" by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), the low-cost carrier announced Thursday.

 2. PALACE ORDERS WHOLE-OF-GOV’T EFFORT ON FUEL AID, FARE DISCOUNT ROLLOUT -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Malacañang has ordered a whole-of-government effort to hasten the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers, as well as fare discounts for commuters.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE WON'T BE TOO TIGHT ON AI OR LET IT 'RUN WILD': DPM GAN AT US FORUM -- CNA

Singapore is seeking the “best of both worlds” in AI governance, with regulations that are neither too tight nor so loose that industry players “run wild”, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

 2. SINGAPORE KEY EXPORTS SURGE 15.3 PCT IN MARCH ON AI-DRIVEN ELECTRONICS DEMAND --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore’s key exports accelerated in March as electronic shipments jumped on the back of strong artificial intelligence (AI) demand.

THAILAND  

1. SAMUT PRAKAN'S LATE SONGKRAN SPLASH: WATER-TRUCK BANS ISSUED FOR APRIL 19 AND 26 -- THE NATION

Samut Prakan will stage major post-Songkran celebrations in Bang Sao Thong (April 19, 2026) and Phra Pradaeng (April 26, 2026), with strict traffic rules banning water trucks and vehicles with loudspeakers on key roads.

2. AGENCY RAISES DIESEL PRICE CEILING IN COST FORMULA -- BANGKOK POST

The Comptroller General's Department has raised the diesel price ceiling used in calculating reference prices for public construction projects to no more than 69.99 baht per litre, in order to reflect the rising costs of government construction works resulting from the war in the Middle East.

VIETNAM

1. SOLAR, WIND POWER PROJECTS APPROVED -- VIETNAMPLUS

Gia Lai authorities have approved four solar and wind power projects worth US$190 million (RM751 million). Construction of the three solar and one wind power plants will begin in November and commence operations in 2028.

2. SLASHING AVIATION FEES TO EASE FUEL COST PRESSURE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Airport operator plans to reduce aviation service fees due to the costly jet fuel prices and global uncertainty that is burdening airlines. It will help to offset rising fuel costs, sustain flight operations and improve efficiency.

-- BERNAMA