2. INDONESIA TO STOP DIESEL IMPORTS, SHIFT TO PALM OIL FUEL -- ANTARA

Indonesia will stop importing diesel fuel starting July 1, 2026, in line with the implementation of B50, a biofuel blend consisting of 50 percent diesel and 50 percent crude palm oil (CPO).

LAOS

1. NATIONAL INVESTMENT FUND IN THE PIPELINE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will establish a national investment fund to unlock the state asset value. The fund aims to enhance the management of state assets such as gold reserves, gold ore, gold bullion and national reserves.

2. LAO-CHINA TIES BOOMING WITH RAILWAY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Vientiane Railway Station has become a symbol of Laos-China friendship and a major transport hub. More than 3.7 million passengers have used the hi-tech logistics station since its commencement in 2021.

MYANMAR

1. RUSSIAN TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE POWER SUPPLY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar will implement a Russian digital power control system to oversee electricity transmission and distribution. This advanced system is expected to enhance reliability and ensure a stable power supply across the country.

2. DIRECT FERTILISER SUPPLY TO FARMERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is distributing fertilisers directly to farmers in Nay Pyi Taw at subsidised prices. The programme is to ensure farmers have access to quality fertilisers at affordable prices and they use them effectively to improve crop yields.

PHILIPPINES

1. ENERGY PRICES POST HUGE WEEKLY DROPS AMID EASING TENSIONS IN MIDEAST -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

As tensions in the Middle East region eased following the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz had been opened to commercial shipping, energy futures closed the week with strong weekly declines.

2. PH SEEKS JOBS, CLIMATE FINANCE SUPPORT AT G-24 MEET -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 The Philippines called for expanded global support for job creation, financing, and climate resilience during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) Ministers’ and Governors’ Meeting, as developing economies face mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE'S PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAS SURVIVED 30 YEARS – WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD? -- CNA

Dwindling crowds, a shortage of home grounds and a widening gulf between clubs. Thirty years on, the Singapore Premier League faces questions about its future. 

2. SINGAPORE TO SET UP S$60M MARINE RESEARCH CENTRE TO STEER CONSERVATION AND POLICY --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Marine science research that informs policy decisions will get a boost with a new S$60 million programme at the research centre of excellence to be established by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

THAILAND

1. RISING HEAT IS STRETCHING SUMMER AND CHANGING HOW PEOPLE LIVE -- THE NATION

A new study shows summer is now around 30 days longer than in the 1960s, starting earlier and ending later, with extreme heat and cumulative heat rising sharply.

2. NEW PLAN TO LOWER OIL PRICE -- BANGKOK POST

Energy Minister Akanat Promphan has signalled that a second reduction in refining margins of more than 2 baht per litre could be implemented this week, raising expectations of relief at the pump.

VIETNAM

1. MEGA THERMAL POWER PLANT COMMISSIONED -- VIETNAM PLUS

The Vung Ang II Thermal Power Plant was inaugurated on April 18 in Ha Tinh province. The US$2.2 billion (RM8.7 billion) project developed based on a build-operate-transfer model has a capacity of 1,200 megawatts.

2. FRESH FRUITS AIRLIFTED TO UAE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Nearly 100 tonnes of fruits and vegetables were airlifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the disruptions in the shipping lanes to West Asia. Lime, dragon fruit, pomelo and jackfruit from southern Vietnam were exported by air.

-- BERNAMA