Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore & Vietnam: May 5, 2026

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA TO IMPOSE EXPORT DUTIES, WINDFALL TAX ON COAL, NICKEL -- ANTARA

Indonesia plans to impose export duties and a windfall tax on coal and nickel as part of efforts to help ease the burden of rising subsidies in the state budget (APBN), Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Monday.  

2.INDONESIA IDENTIFIES 13 NEW OIL AND GAS WELLS IN E KALIMANTAN -- ANTARA

Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas has announced the discovery of 13 potential new wells in the Samboja, East Kalimantan, containing estimated reserves of 0.96 million barrels of oil and 11.64 billion cubic feet of gas.

MYANMAR

1.NAY PYI TAW-ISLAMABAD WARM UP TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar and Pakistan have cemented diplomatic relations during talks in Nay Pyi Taw. They plan to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, human resource development and boost the tourism industry.

2.BORDER SECURITY DOMINATES MYANMAR-INDIA TALKS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A visiting Indian Navy delegation held talks with its Myanmar counterpart to enhance defence ties. Measures to bolster border security, regional peace and stability, and the elimination of terrorists along borders topped their discussions in Nay Pyi Taw.

PHILIPPINES

1.PNP REPORTS 34 PCT DROP IN APRIL CRIME RATE NATIONWIDE - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

The nationwide crime rate dropped by 34 percent in April compared with the same period in 2024 and 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

2.DMW WARNS VS ILLEGAL RECRUITERS EXPLOITING MIDEAST CRISIS -  PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has warned the public against illegal recruiters, traffickers and syndicates taking advantage of the ongoing instability in parts of the Middle East as it cited reports of fraudulent job offers circulating online.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE'S GRAB BEATS REVENUE ESTIMATES ON STRONG DELIVERY, MOBILITY DEMAND -- CNA

Singapore's Grab beat Wall Street expectations for first-quarter revenue on Tuesday, benefiting from resilient demand for its ride-hailing and food-delivery services after rolling out promotional offers and bundled features to attract customers.

2. NGEE ANN POLY GRADS TO GET FREE AI COURSES, AS OVER 25,000 STUDENTS GRADUATE ACROSS 5 POLYS --  THE STRAITS TIMES

All Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) graduates can attend four free courses on artificial intelligence, including a new course designed to help individuals effectively blend AI capabilities with human-centric skills.

VIETNAM

1.ELECTRONICS FAIR TO BOOST INDUSTRY -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Vietnam International Electronics and Smart Appliances Expo will showcase global brands and cutting-edge products from May 28 to 30 in Ho Chi Minh City. The trade platform will connect manufacturers, buyers and distributors.

2.SINGLE NATIONAL TEXT BOOK FOR STUDENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam has adopted a single national textbook during the 2026–2027 academic year. “Connecting Knowledge with Life” series, published by state-owned Vietnam Education Publishing House, was selected as the main book for schools. 

-- BERNAMA