INDONESIA
1. DEADLY TRAIN CRASH IN BEKASI INJURES DOZENS, TRIGGERS MAJOR EVACUATION -- ANTARA
Several passengers were injured in an accident between a CommuterLine train and a long-distance diesel train (KRD) at East Bekasi Station, Bekasi City, on Monday evening.
2. INDONESIA PUSHES B50, E20 TO CUT FUEL IMPORTS -- ANTARA
Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is pushing for the implementation of the B50 biodiesel and E20 bioethanol programs as a key strategy to achieve national energy self-sufficiency.
LAOS
1. REALIGNING POLICIES TO STEM INFLATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government is considering new measures to curb inflation and manage economic stress from global tensions in West Asia. The conflict has impacted transport costs, price stability and citizens’ livelihoods.
2. SOUTHERN TOURISM CIRCUIT TO WOO VISITORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos will position its four southern provinces as a tourism circuit and link up with tourist attractions in nearby Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The initiative will expand tourism in the region and provide more options for visitors.
PHILIPPINES
1. $500-M FUNDING FOR PH-ENGINEERED BAMBOO EYED IN 2027 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking to secure up to USD500 million in funding to boost the engineered bamboo sector by 2027.
2. PH TO HIGHLIGHT SHIFT POLICY TO ACTION DURING ASEAN CLIMATE WEEK -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)
The Philippines will place strong emphasis on translating climate commitments into concrete, locally implemented actions as the country hosts ASEAN Climate Week (ACW) 2026 from April 27 to May 1.
SINGAPORE
1. AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING CYBERSECURITY INCIDENT AT FIRM INVOLVED IN MRT AND NEWATER PROJECTS -- CNA
Authorities are investigating a cybersecurity incident involving Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore), a contractor involved in works on the Jurong Region Line and Changi NEWater Factory 3.
2. NEW ARTS OFFERINGS, INCLUDING LIVE POETRY, TO DEBUT AT CHANGI AIRPORT FROM SECOND HALF OF 2026 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
From the second half of 2026, travellers passing through Changi Airport can expect to immerse themselves in arts performances and installations under a new partnership between the National Arts Council (NAC) and Changi Airport Group (CAG).
THAILAND
1. THAILAND'S ENERGY MINISTRY PLANS TIERED TARIFF TO EASE POWER BILLS -- THE NATION
The new electricity tariff for the May-August 2026 period has become an issue of strong public interest because it affects people’s cost of living.
2. 'SUPER EL NINO' PUTS GOVT ON ALERT -- BANGKOK POST
The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has unveiled a nationwide contingency plan to mitigate the potential impact of a looming Super El Nino, warning that hotter temperatures and below-normal rainfall could threaten crops, water supplies and rural incomes this year.
VIETNAM
1. NOI BAI AIRPORT BRACING FOR HUGE PASSENGER TRAFFIC -- VIETNAMPLUS
Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is expected to handle more than 650 flights on April 29, the day of Reunification Day. Passenger traffic is forecast to rise 10 to 15 per cent compared to normal days.
2. HANOI WOOS 12 MILLION TOURISTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
About 12 million visitors arrived in Hanoi in the first four months and spent about US$1.9 billion (RM7.5 billion). Improved accommodation facilities and tourism services continue to woo more tourists to the capital.
-- BERNAMA
