Indonesia mourns the passing of Private First Class Rico Pramudia, an Indonesian peacekeeper serving with UNIFIL, who sustained severe injuries from an artillery explosion by an Israeli tank near Adchit Al Qusayr on March 29, 2026.  

2.INDONESIA OFFERS 116 NEW OIL AND GAS BLOCKS TO GLOBAL INVESTORS -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry is offering 116 new oil and gas blocks to global investors to achieve production targets.

MYANMAR

1.ELECTRICITY SUPPLY HOURS EXTENDED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Authorities will extend electricity supply hours across regions and states. Yangon will receive 18 to 20 hours of electricity daily, while Mandalay will have 16 to 18 hours.

2.ALERT AFTER MILD EARTHQUAKE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported a mild 4.1 earthquake in southeast Pyapon Township on April 24. Experts are monitoring for potential further seismic activity.

PHILIPPINES

1.  DOH WARNS OF HEART, LUNG RISKS FROM HAZARDOUS SMOKE, HAZE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Health (DOH) is urging residents affected by the Navotas Sanitary Landfill fire to stay indoors and use specialised face masks to protect themselves against hazardous smoke and fine particulate matter.

2. PAGSANJAN HOLDS 1-DAY ‘ARAW NG MGA BANGKERO’ AMID ENERGY EMERGENCY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The tourism-rich town of Pagsanjan will condense its annual week-long Bangkero Festival into a single day on Saturday, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Memorandum Order 110 declaring a national energy emergency due to the Middle East crisis.  

 SINGAPORE

1. PLAZA SINGAPURA AND THE ATRIUM@ORCHARD TO UNDERGO S$160 MILLION REVAMP -- CNA

Plaza Singapura and The Atrium@Orchard will undergo a major revamp costing an estimated S$160 million (US$125.2 million), according to CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust’s (CICT) first-quarter 2026 business update.

2. MOH REALIGNING RESOURCES WITH FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH, TACKLING TECH IMPACT ON YOUTH --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Rebalancing resources towards prevention and addressing the impact of technology on adolescents are key mental health priorities for the Ministry of Health (MOH) here, as the prevalence of mental health conditions continues to spike around the world, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung 

THAILAND 

1. THAI EXPORTS HIT HISTORIC HIGH AS MARCH SHIPMENTS SURGE 18.7% -- THE NATION

Nantapong Chiralerspong, Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said Thailand’s exports in March 2026 were valued at US$35,157.1 million, up 18.7 per cent, marking the highest value on record and extending growth for a 21st consecutive month.

2. CHINA AGREES TO FOSTER CLOSER TIES ACROSS MULTIPLE SECTORS -- BANGKOK POST

Thailand and China have agreed to expand high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, as both sides moved to elevate their longstanding partnership during talks in Bangkok.  

VIETNAM

1.SUPPORTING GLOBAL NUCLEAR BAN TREATY -- VIETNAMPLUS

The United Nations is supporting Vietnam’s role in presiding over the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It reflects Hanoi’s  contribution to global peace and security.

2.DA NANG DAZZLES IN ROSEWOOD FESTIVAL -- VIETNAMPLUS

The two-day Huong Tra Fragrant Rosewood Festival opened in the central city of Da Nang yesterday. The event will showcase vibrant culture, eco-tourism and highlight Da Nang as a popular tourist destination. 

-- BERNAMA