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. LAO-CHINA RAILWAY VITAL TRADE ROUTE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Laos-China Railway is emerging as a vital trade corridor, accelerating the flow of goods across Southeast Asia. Faster transit times, lower costs and higher cargo volumes make railway connectivity central to China-ASEAN trade.

2. DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING -- VIENTIANE TIMES  

A digital intelligence cloud platform was established with the support of Chinese institutions. It will cover multiple fields, including horticultural technology, animal disease control, mechanical engineering technology and mechatronics.

MYANMAR

1. NEW PRESIDENT’S 100-DAY GOALS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

President Min Aung Hlaing has set his 100-day goals for the nation, which include extending financial aid to farmers and upgrading key railway lines. In addition, mobile stations will be upgraded to 4G LTE services.

2. DEVELOPING PRIVATE OIL EXPLORATION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is working with the private sector to implement standard oil exploration projects to produce higher quantities and quality of compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, crude oil, and agricultural fertilisers. 

PHILIPPINES

1. LTO SUSPENDS, SUMMONS VLOGGER IN VIRAL PRANK OF GAS STATION ATTENDANT -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday said it has summoned the vlogger, driver and registered owner of a sports utility vehicle involved in a prank that made a gas station attendant chase after them.

2. 67 PCT OF REPATRIATED OFWS FLEE CONFLICT; REINTEGRATION INTENSIFIED -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Monday said most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated by the government have returned due to the Middle East conflict, prompting the agency to intensify reintegration programs for displaced workers.

SINGAPORE

1. WHY THE SINGDOLLAR IS HITTING RECORD HIGHS AGAINST SOME ASIAN CURRENCIES AMID IRAN WAR -- CNA

The Singapore dollar has hit record highs against several Asian currencies this month. This is despite currencies of energy-importing countries mostly declining amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

2. PM WONG, MALAYSIA’S ANWAR REITERATE NEED FOR DIPLOMACY AMID MIDDLE EAST CRISIS--  THE STRAITS TIMES

PM Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on April 20 stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts as both South-east Asian neighbours focus on strengthening supply and energy resilience during the Middle East war.

THAILAND

1. EKNITI MEETS BUDGET BUREAU ON 2027 BUDGET, NO THB500BN DECREE YET -- THE NATION

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas reviewed fiscal 2027 budget strategy ahead of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, while officials said no THB500 billion emergency borrowing decree was discussed.

2. GRIM OUTLOOK AS CONSUMER SPENDING POWER SET TOP DROP -- BANGKOK POST

The outlook for the retail and wholesale sector looks grim, as consumer spending power is expected to decline in the coming months, alongside anticipated rising goods prices, according to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association.

VIETNAM

1. ADOPTING CIRCULAR ECONOMY TO PREVENT WASTE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam will focus on the circular economy to build a sustainable and green economic model that can overcome global resource shortages. The industrial sector will shift from a linear economy to a circular economy by 2030.

2. SUSTAINABLE FISHING ALONG COASTAL AREAS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Local fishermen are gradually shifting from traditional fishing to organised fleet-based and long-term offshore operations. This model saves fuel and energy, and is considered more sustainable fishing.

-- BERNAMA