Francophonie Week 2026 officially opened in Jakarta on April 20 and will run until April 24, bringing together diplomatic representatives and cultural communities from French-speaking countries.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Culture and Society Correspondent
Bali Spirit Festival strengthens wellness tourism in Indonesia
The Bali Spirit Festival, widely recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s pioneering international yoga and wellness gatherings, returns this year under the theme “Welcome Home.”
Filipino girl group BINI debuts at Coachella 2026
The Filipino pop girl group BINI continues to break records in the Philippines’ music scene as they concluded their Coachella 2026 feature on April 10 and 17. Composed of eight members: Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena, the group has rapidly risen to prominence, becoming the most successful female Filipino artists in the country’s history and the second biggest overall act in the national music landscape.
Cambodia attracts holiday crowds during Khmer New Year
More than 4.3 million domestic and international visitors poured into Phnom Penh during the celebrations of Khmer New Year, traditionally celebrated between April 13 and 14, far exceeding expectations and reinforcing the capital’s reputation as a leading holiday destination.
Bangkok to elevate Songkran into world-class festival
On April 17, Bangkok authorities set out an ambitious plan to elevate the city’s Songkran or the Thai new year celebrations into a globally recognised festival, with major improvements planned for infrastructure, urban management and environmental sustainability.
Myanmar grants amnesty to over 4,000 prisoners
On April 17, Myanmar’s former junta leader and newly appointed president, Min Aung Hlaing, announced an amnesty to mark the country’s traditional New Year, in one of his first major decisions since formally assuming the presidency earlier this month.
Indonesia stages high-level visits to Moscow, Paris and Washington in a show of hyperactive hedging
In mid-April 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embarked on a wave of state visits which represents Jakarta’s attempt to navigate an increasingly uncertain global condition.
Malaysia prepares for 1447H Hajj season with safety measures
On April 15, Pilgrims Fund Board of Malaysia (Tabung Haji) has assured Malaysian pilgrims that preparations for the 1447H/2026M Hajj remain firmly on schedule, while it continues to monitor developments to ensure a safe and well-organised pilgrimage season.
Laos revives ‘Lo Lat’ market to celebrate Lao New Year
Celebrations for Pi Mai Lao in Luang Prabang were marked by the return of the traditional “Lo Lat” public market on April 14, held on the 12th day of the waning moon of the fifth lunar month (B.E. 2568) after being absent for some years.
Metacinema and The Subvertion of Expectations in Philippine Film Leonor Will Never Die
Leonor Will Never Dieis a 2022 psychological comedy drama film from the Philippines. It is written and directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar as her directorial debut. The film is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) through CreatePHFilms funding programme and Full Circle Lab. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2022 and won a Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit. It also won Amplify Voices in Toronto International Film Festival 2022.