Indonesia consumed 3.9 million kiloliters of palm-based biodiesel in the period from January 1 to April 13, 2026, under its mandatory biodiesel blending programme, even as the country prepared to rais…
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Beijing’s AI Governance Approach And Its Outreach To Southeast Asia – Analysis
In January 2025, Chinese AI startup DeepSeek launched its R1 model, sparking debate over how open-source, cost-effective models can reshape the global AI landscape. Calling it the “DeepSeek moment,” C…
India is making a big move to outflank China in Sri Lanka
India and China appear to be locked in an escalating energy rivalry in Sri Lanka. India plans a new energy hub at Trincomalee with the UAE, including an oil pipeline. This initiative aims to secure fu…
The Balen government must build Nepal’s IT Highway
As Nepal enters a new phase of governance under the leadership of Balen Shah, the country stands at a critical juncture. Economic transformation can no longer rely solely on traditional sectors. The n…
Malaysia’s palm oil-based biodiesel push to add 300,000 tpy in demand
Malaysia’s palm oil–based biodiesel consumption is set to rise by more than 300,000 metric tons annually, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board said, as the country joins top producer Indonesia in raisin…
Indonesia to stop diesel imports, shift to palm oil fuel
Indonesia will stop importing diesel fuel starting July 1, 2026, in line with the implementation of B50, a biofuel blend consisting of 50 percent diesel and 50 percent crude palm oil (CPO). “We will n…
Telcos warn of nationwide disruption amid energy crisis
Bangladesh’s mobile operators have warned of an imminent nationwide telecom disruption as a deepening electricity and fuel crisis pushes networks to the brink, raising serious concerns over the vulner…
Energy shocks in Asia: diverging buffers, diverging growth
Asia’s oil shock exposure is uneven. Developed Asia, supported by stronger buffers and policy space, will see growth ease marginally to 2.1% in 2026. Yet developing economies face a larger drag, with …
Malaysia tests 100% palm oil biodiesel as cheaper alternative to diesel
Malaysia is exploring a shift towards fully palm oil-based biodiesel, with Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) piloting B100 fuel as a possible lower-cost alternative to conventional diesel. In…
Malaysia’s economy remains robust, well supported by E&E sector, domestic demand
Malaysia’s economy is expected to remain robust, well supported by the continued strength in the electrical and electronics sector and robust domestic demand amid global headwinds. Following the Depar…