CAMBODIA
1.MANET CONDOLES THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS -- AGENCY KAMPUCHEA PRESSE
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21. On behalf of the government and Cambodians, Manet extends condolences to the Holy See and the global Catholic community.
2.CAMBODIA-CHINA PROMOTE CULTURAL TIES -- AGENCY KAMPUCHEA PRESSE
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh launched the Cambodia-China Cultural Corridor in the capital to showcase the rich culture of both nations. It will also help to deepen people-to-people ties.
INDONESIA
1.INDONESIA BREAKS GROUND ON GLOBAL ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL IN DEPOK -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar on Tuesday inaugurated the construction of the Pesantren Istiqlal Internasional Indonesia (PIII), a modern Islamic boarding school aimed at integrating Islamic education, scientific knowledge, and environmental awareness. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII) in Depok.
2.INDONESIANS OF ALL FAITHS MOURN DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS -- THE JAKARTA POST
The death of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has left Indonesian Catholics and non-Catholics nationwide mourning for the late Argentine pontiff, who is remembered for his humility and leadership that emphasised tolerance and peace within the Church.
LAOS
1.PRESIDENT PRAISES THAI ROYAL FAMILY FOR DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT -- VIENTIANE TIMES
During the visit of Princess Maha Chakei Siridhorn of Thailand to Laos, President Thongloun Sisoulith lauded the Thai Royal family for its contribution to the nation's development. They have supported health, education, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and technology development.
2.YOUTH CRITICAL IN SHAPING THE NATION, SAYS PRESIDENT. -- VIENTIANE TIMES
President Thongloun Sisoulith urged youth to be part of nation-building while addressing the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union in Vientiane yesterday, The younger generation should take more responsibilities and become productive members of society.
MYANMAR
1.EXPERTS ASSESS EARTHQUAKE-HIT BUILDINGS - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Mandalay Region Construction Entrepreneurs Association conducted structural assessments of more than 200 earthquake-affected buildings in Mandalay after the major natural disaster on March 28. Experts will also organise a panel discussion to raise public awareness of earthquake hazards soon.
2.SALES OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENTS DECLINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Myanmar Real Estate Services Association said the demand for high-rise apartments has declined in Yangon after the earthquake last month. People are fearful of living in tall buildings and prefer landed properties. This has affected the property market.
SINGAPORE
1.GE2025: FIVE QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED ON NOMINATION DAY -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The ruling PAP is expected to face contests in all 97 seats, with 10 opposition parties likely to field candidates in every constituency when nomination proceedings close at noon on April 23.
2.GE2025: 'TEMPTING PROPOSALS' TO MANAGE COST OF LIVING WILL BE MADE BUT NOT ALL ARE SOUND, SAYS PM WONG -- CNA
Voters may hear about many “tempting” and “appealing” proposals to manage cost-of-living pressures during the General Election, but Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Apr 22) warned that not all of these are sound and could put public finances and the economy at risk.
THAILAND
1. TOURISM MINISTRY LOWERS 2025 REVENUE FORECAST TO 3 TRILLION BAHT-- The Nation
The Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing both domestic and international factors that may impact the industry.
2. PUSH FOR CHIANG MAI UNESCO NOMINATION -- Bangkok Post
The government is set to nominate Chiang Mai as a Unesco World Heritage Site by 2026 to commemorate the northern city's 730th anniversary.
-- BERNAMA