CAMBODIA
1.HOUSING ONLY FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES -- FRESH NEWS
Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed authorities to ensure fair and transparent distribution of temporary housing for people displaced by the border conflict. All assistance must go only to genuinely affected families.
2.MILITARY RESTRUCTURING UNDERWAY -- FRESH NEWS
The Defence Ministry will initiate major reforms to transform the armed forces into an efficient institution. This includes reducing departments, merging overlapping offices, improving training, upgrading military equipment, slashing redundant units and personnel.
INDONESIA
1.BAZNAS BUILDS INDONESIA-FUNDED EMERGENCY VILLAGE IN GAZA -- ANTARA
The National Alms Agency (Baznas) in collaboration with the online fund-raising platform, Kitabisa, built an emergency village called Kampung Cahaya Zakat in the Deir Al-Balah area of Gaza, Palestine, with the support and assistance of the Indonesian people.
2.Russian oil firm to resume Tuna Block development in June: Ministry -- ANTARA
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced that Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft has announced its intention to resume development on the Tuna Block in June, following a delay due to Harbour Energy's withdrawal.
MYANMAR
1.MANDALAY FARM SECTOR DRIVES NATIONAL ECONOMY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Mandalay has emerged as a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product, amounting to about US$9 billion (RM36 billion) annually. The region’s agriculture sector is robust, with the cultivation and production of 14 key crops.
2.IRONING OUT OIL REFINERY TECHNICAL ISSUES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar and Russia are discussing technical constraints on the proposed construction of an oil refinery. The refinery is critical to Myanmar’s energy security as the country’s crude oil refining capacity can only cover two-thirds of domestic demand.
PHILIPPINES
1.2 SEAFARERS FROM DRONE-HIT SHIP SET TO COME HOME, 5 OTHERS RECOVERING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Two of the seven Filipino seafarers injured in the drone attack on Malta-flagged container vessel MV San Antonio at the Strait of Hormuz on May 5 have recovered and are returning to the country on Friday, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
2.PBBM CHAMPIONS MORE INCLUSIVE ACCESS TO EXPANDED GOV’T AID, SERVICES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. advanced a series of initiatives aimed at widening public access to government assistance and services, highlighting the administration’s push for more inclusive and people-centered governance.
SINGAPORE
1. ALL FIRST-TIME DRUG ABUSERS WHO SURRENDER TO CNB TO BE REHABILITATED IN COMMUNITY FROM MAY 16: EDWIN TONG - CNA
First-time drug abusers who voluntarily come forward to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for help will no longer face detention at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, said Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong on Friday.
2. VEP APPLICATIONS, RENEWAL FOR FOREIGN-REGISTERED VEHICLES WITH UNPAID FINES WILL BE DENIED: LTA, MHA -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines will not be able to apply for or renew their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Singapore from Nov 2.
THAILAND
1. CHADCHART RESIGNS AS BANGKOK GOVERNOR AHEAD OF MAY 21 TERM END -- THE NATION
Chadchart Sittipunt has resigned as Bangkok governor before his term ends, with the BMA permanent secretary to act in his place.
2. GOVT TIGHTENS SALES RULES FOR CANNABIS -- BANGKOK POST
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has tightened controls on cannabis sales following new ministerial regulations restricting cannabis use strictly to medical purposes.
VIETNAM
1.NATIONAL-LEVEL EFFORT TO SUPPORT DISABLED PEOPLE -- VIETNAMPLUS
Hanoi will host the first congress of the Association in Support of Vietnamese Handicapped for the 2026–2031 term on May 18–19. The programme will help to support people with disabilities and vulnerable children.
2.FORUM TO LINK STARTUPS WITH GLOBAL FUNDERS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit 2026, a forum to connect startups with global investors, will take place from May 25-27. International investment funds, technology experts and innovative enterprises will take part.
-- BERNAMA
