Bank Indonesia (BI) and the People's Bank of China (PBOC) have expanded financial cooperation to promote the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions and strengthen payment connectivity between Indonesia and China.  

2.INDONESIA KEEPS DOOR OPEN TO MEDIATE US-IRAN CONFLICT-- ANTARA

Indonesia's offer to mediate between the United States and Iran remains open following renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf, Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir said on Thursday.

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LAOS

1. LAOS EYES WIDER ECONOMIC TIES WITH JAPAN -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos and Japan have pledged to cooperate in key economic sectors, covering clean energy, technology, agriculture, tourism and modern industries. This will deepen the two nations' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

2.LUANG PRABANG SET FOR MAJOR FACELIFT -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Tourist haven Luang Prabang will spend about US$45 million (RM183 million) to modernise waste management, wastewater treatment and infrastructure. The funds are from the Asian Development Bank and the Lao government. 

MYANMAR

1.ACTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL RAILWAY CROSSINGS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar Railways will manage over 100 railway crossings to ensure the safety and security of the high-speed train operating on the Yangon-Mawlamyine railway. Illegal railway crossings will be closed. 

2.EARLY MONSOON ALERTS TO VESSELS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Authorities have issued a waterway safety notice to prevent accidents involving vessels during the early monsoon season.  Vessel operators are urged to take extra precautions, as rising river levels may damage or displace navigational markers.

PHILIPPINES

1.PBBM TO FILIPINOS: DRAW INSPIRATION FROM NATION'S HEROES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the nation’s heroes and work together in advancing the common good as the country commemorates the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Friday.

1. FILIPINOS MUST ELIMINATE CHALLENGES TO PH PROGRESS – OPAPRU CHIEF -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

As the country celebrates its 128th Independence Day on Friday, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento called on all Filipinos to work together to overcome challenges that stop the nation from attaining progress.

-- BERNAMA

SINGAPORE

1. DBS TO OFFER TOKENISED PHYSICAL GOLD TO RETAIL CUSTOMERS - CNA

DBS Group, Singapore's biggest bank by assets, said on Thursday it will offer tokenised physical gold to retail customers as demand for the precious metal grows and the country pushes to become a gold trading hub.

2. SINGAPORE OPENS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY LAB TO GRAB SHARE OF GLOBAL MARKET SET TO GROW TO S$80B IN 2030 --  THE STRAITS TIMES

A new laboratory has been launched in Singapore to transform recent breakthroughs in synthetic biology into commercial products from eco-friendly cosmetics to affordable vaccines.

THAILAND 

1. JAS-MONOMAX TURNS WORLD CUP RIGHTS INTO THAILAND SPORTS-STREAMING POWER PLAY -- THE NATION

JAS and Monomax’s FIFA World Cup rights deal aims to build a long-term sports and entertainment ecosystem, with all 104 matches on Monomax and more than 40 games on free TV.

2. PRINCESS BAJRAKITIYABHA PASSES AWAY AT 47 -- BANGKOK POST

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati passed away on Thursday night at the age of 47, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Friday morning.

VIETNAM

1.OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR HUMANITARIAN FUND -- VIETNAM NEWS 

The 2026 Humanitarian Month initiative raised nearly US$29 million (RM118 million) to support more than 578,800 disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The fund was raised within a month from businesses, organisations, philanthropists and the public.

2.ENDANGERED ANIMALS RESCUED IN QUANG TRI -- VIETNAM NEWS

Five endangered wild animals are being treated at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park after escaping from their natural habitat. They include a stump-tailed macaque, a Sunda pangolin, a rhesus macaque, a Bengal monitor, and an elongated tortoise.

-- BERNAMA