Cambodia

Cambodia's trade with RCEP countries exceeds US$11bil in Q1

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's trade volume with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries amounted to US$11.26 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a year-on-year rise of 18.5 per cent, said an official report on Wednesday (April 22).

Nation

Apex court fixes May 13 to hear Isa Samad's review in RM3.1mil graft case

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Court has fixed May 13 to hear a review filed by former Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad in his graft case involving RM3.09mil for a hotel purchase in Sarawak.

India

India strangles final bastion of Maoist revolt as mining opportunities loom

BASTAR, India: The Maoist rebellion that once held sway over nearly a third of India is being bulldozed into submission in its final forest fortress.

Japan

Tokyo theme park worker dies in accident during ride inspection

TOKYO: A 24-year-old worker died on Tuesday (April 21) after being caught in an amusement park attraction in Tokyo during inspection, according to the Metropolitan Police Department and other sources.

Nation

Penang civil servants will not WFH for now, says CM

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state executive council has decided not to implement the work-from-home (WFH) policy for state civil servants for the time being, says Chow Kon Yeow.

Laos

Laos-China 500 kV transmission line becomes operational

VIENTIANE: High-ranking government officials from Laos and China on April 20 officially opened a 500 kilovolt power line in a significant boost to cross-border electricity trade and clean energy growth.

Thailand

Thai People’s Party eyes leadership reshuffle as 'orange' camp moves towards a fifth generation

BANGKOK: Thailand's People's Party is heading into another leadership transition, with its annual general meeting scheduled for April 24-26, 2026—an event being closely watched for both internal restructuring and potential political aftershocks from a major court case expected around the same period.

World

Myanmar considering 'good things' for detained Aung San Suu Kyi, Thailand says

BANGKOK, April 22 (Reuters) - Myanmar's new president ⁠is considering "good things" for detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Thailand's foreign minister said on Wednesday, as ⁠the country seeks to normalise ties with regional bloc ASEAN after five years on the sidelines. 

Nation

MMEA to deploy two new vessels to bolster South China Sea security

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will deploy two upcoming Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS) in the South China Sea to strengthen security operations.

Vietnam

South Korea, Vietnam leaders to meet as Hanoi seeks high-tech investment

Vietnam's leader To Lam will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday, marking their second meeting in less than a year. Hanoi seeks more support for its high-tech ambitions from its top investor.

Entertainment

Meghan Markle reportedly demanded hospital visit with sick kids be 'quick'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a mix of reactions for moments in their quasi-royal trip to Australia last week.

Singapore

Beware of online ads, social media posts offering help with Singapore PR applications: Police

SINGAPORE: Victims have lost almost S$400,000 so far in 2026 to a scam online that claims to offer help with Singapore permanent residence (PR) applications.

Myanmar

Campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi following mass release in Myanmar

YANGON: Activists in Myanmar have launched an international campaign to demand proof from the country's military junta that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is still alive following a mass release of prisoners last week.

Philippines

Japan's remilitarisation, presence in Philippines undermine peace, stability: expert

MANILA: Japan is undermining regional stability by returning its combat troops to Philippine soil for the first time in 81 years since the end of World War II, a Filipino expert said.

South Korea

High-profile inmates in South Korea are cashing in behind bars

SEOUL: Donations to high-profile figures currently in custody are drawing renewed scrutiny over loopholes in South Korea's prison money system and the use of private bank accounts to solicit support.

Indonesia

Indonesia allocates fund to boost irrigation against El Nino impact

JAKARTA: Indonesia has earmarked over three trillion Indonesian rupiah (around US$175 million) to bolster the irrigation system ahead of a forecasted prolonged dry season, the country's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Tuesday (April 21).

Commodities

Oil prices barely moved as investors assess outlook for US-Iran peace talks

TOKYO: Oil prices were largely flat on Wednesday after rising about $1 at the start of Asian trading, with investors assessing the outlook for U.S.-Iran peace talks following the U.S. extension of a ceasefire.

Cambodia

Malaysia-Cambodia trade increases nearly 50 per cent in Q1

PHNOM PENH: Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Cambodia rose 49.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year, driven by Malaysian exports totalling RM1.5 billion (US$373 million)

Indonesia

Three mysterious missile-like objects found in Indonesian waters

JAKARTA: Mysterious objects, some appearing to resemble missiles, have been found in three locations across the country over the past few days, prompting growing public concern over safety.

Technology

SK Hynix to invest about $13 billion in a new South Korea plant to meet AI memory demand

SEOUL, April ⁠22 (Reuters) - SK Hynix said on Wednesday ⁠it plans to invest 19 ‌trillion won ($12.85 billion) in a new manufacturing plant in South Korea for advanced packaging, ​to meet rising global ⁠demand for AI ⁠memory, with construction starting this month.