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Malaysia
Singapore’s refusal to negotiate over Hormuz creates waves in Malaysia
Singapore said it would not be appealing to Iran for access to the strait as transit through crucial trade waterways was a right.
1 hour ago
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The Philippines
Can Philippines become critical minerals powerhouse with help from US, Japan?
8 Apr 2026 - 8:42PM
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India
India’s space ambition set to soar after Artemis II moon mission’s success
8 Apr 2026 - 6:00PM
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Myanmar
Fuel crisis at planting season threatens Myanmar’s fragile economy
Rising fertiliser costs and fuel rationing have affected farmers’ productivity, but Myanmar has little capital to replenish these stocks.
8 Apr 2026 - 8:05PM
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An employee refuels a vehicle at a petrol station amid rising prices in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 20. Photo: AFP
The Philippines
Philippine lawmakers’ call for oil deals with China prompts warnings of ‘a trap’
However, some analysts say that if both sides can agree on equitable oil and gas production, Filipinos could benefit from lower prices.
8 Apr 2026 - 5:43PM
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Malaysia
Iran ‘does not forget its friends’ as Malaysia-linked ships pass through Hormuz
The move signals Tehran’s use of access to Hormuz as leverage, analysts say, while drawing scrutiny over Malaysia’s oil transfers.
7 Apr 2026 - 7:52PM
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Singapore
Singapore set to be hit by global energy crisis as it unveils countermeasures
Among the measures, the government announced an increase of US$155 to a cost-of-living cash payment to eligible Singaporeans.
7 Apr 2026 - 6:20PM
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Storage tanks and oil refineries in Jurong Island, Singapore. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines
Why high fuel costs could accelerate the Philippines’ EV boom
Vietnam’s VinFast is seizing the moment by offering incentives for drivers to make the switch from petrol-powered vehicles to electric.
7 Apr 2026 - 8:00AM
Thailand
Oil smugglers in Thailand worsen supply crisis as Anutin warns of tough times
Police are investigating alleged oil hoarding in southern Thailand and reselling to nearby countries, citing ‘abnormal’ vessel movements.
6 Apr 2026 - 8:04PM
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Malaysia
Can palm biodiesel be Malaysia’s quick fix for soaring fuel prices?
Infrastructure costs, supply chains and industry readiness could pose problems for wider adoption of biodiesel blends, analysts say.
6 Apr 2026 - 6:49PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
Fuel, food and fury: how the Iran war could topple South Asian governments
Analysts warn the crisis is threatening to spill over into wider economic and political instability.
5 Apr 2026 - 1:30PM
Police clash with activists during a protest against the arrest of former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 29. Photo: EPA
India
India turns to ‘trusted friend’ Russia for oil supply as Iran war energises ties
The two sides aim to keep their energy trade flowing despite sanctions while balancing against the US and China, analysts say.
5 Apr 2026 - 2:32PM
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Thailand
Thailand’s fishing industry fights for survival as Iran war hits fuel costs
Half of the fleet is already docked as the fishing association warns the whole sector may ‘collapse like dominoes’.
5 Apr 2026 - 8:00AM
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US, Israel war on Iran
UAE squeezes Iranian economic lifeline in retaliation for attacks
The UAE has quietly banned most Iranians from entering the country or transiting its airports, and cracked down on IRGC-related networks.
4 Apr 2026 - 3:00PM
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South Korea
South Korea and Indonesia’s fighter jet is ready. But will it sell?
Only a handful of nations have ever built a supersonic fighter jet from the ground up.
4 Apr 2026 - 10:00AM
The first mass-produced KF-21 fighter jet is unveiled during a ceremony at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries in Sacheon on March 25. Photo: Yonhap/EPA
South Korea
Softly, softly: why South Korea, France prefer diplomacy over force in Hormuz
Presidents Lee and Macron have agreed to cooperate on safety in the strait but they are likely to wade in only after the war, analysts say.
4 Apr 2026 - 9:00AM
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Malaysia
Malaysia urged to take more aggressive action to tackle energy crisis
Analysts warn of escalating risks to Malaysia’s economy and call for adjusting the subsidy scheme to stop the government from ‘burning cash’.
3 Apr 2026 - 6:17PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount
Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.
3 Apr 2026 - 6:29PM
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Samsung Electronics’ products displayed at an exhibition hall for the Apec summit in Gyeongju, South Korea in October. Photo: AP
Indonesia
Indonesia and Malaysia require geo-tracking for civil servants working from home
As governments roll out work-from-home policies to cut fuel use, civil servants face location tracking and other productivity measures.
3 Apr 2026 - 4:44PM
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Indonesia
Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects
As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.
3 Apr 2026 - 2:20PM
Asean
How Asean’s neutral stance in Iran war protects its energy security
Granting Southeast Asian vessels safe passage through the strait allows Iran to come across as a diplomatic good guy, analysts say.
2 Apr 2026 - 3:19PM
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Singapore
From ‘Unicorn Land’ to Singapore: Estonian start-ups chase tech dream in Asean
Veriff and other unicorn companies are targeting Singapore for their regional headquarters, citing similarities in digital advancement.
2 Apr 2026 - 11:13AM
A view of the old town in Tallinn, Estonia. Start-ups in the northern European country are increasingly eyeing the fast-growing Southeast Asian market. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines
‘Matter of survival’: Philippines seeks safe Hormuz passage for vessels
Philippine and Iranian officials met on Wednesday to discuss ‘key avenues for cooperation’, amid Tehran’s blockade of the strait.
1 Apr 2026 - 8:55PM
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Malaysia
Malaysian minister warns of ‘very, very serious’ energy crisis
Anthony Loke urges Malaysians to plan their travel and reduce resource wastage, saying energy supply would not be disrupted until May.
1 Apr 2026 - 1:56PM
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The Philippines
The Iran war could be forcing Filipinos to rely on credit cards. Here’s why
Analysts warn credit card use could increase further to partly cope with higher prices and reduced disposable incomes.
1 Apr 2026 - 10:58AM
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