Hot off the press

These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today. 

Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world. 

Seeking justice: All the Bateq tribe wants is basic rights

Sahabat Jariah Malaysia founder Johan Halid, who has a close relationship with the Bateq tribes in Kelantan, said there were multiple challenges in getting the authorities to understand the gravity of their situation. 

Johan said Kuala Koh had been in dire straits for many years and it took the measles tragedy to get the authorities’ attention. – New Straits Times

President Halimah underlines need to engage with diversity, strengthen social cohesion

Diversity is a source of strength for societies, and engaging meaningfully with difference is not easy, but it is necessary, President Halimah Yacob said on Wednesday (19 June) in a speech where she outlined three key ingredients for social harmony. – The Straits Times.

Thailand revs up for summit

With the first ASEAN summit of the year around the corner, Thailand as the chair of the regional bloc plans to promote sustainability and partnership amid challenges in the current state of affairs. – Bangkok Post.

Komnas Perempuan scraps age, education requirements for commissioners

The selection committee for the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) commissioners has scrapped age and education requirements in a bid to diversify candidates. Previous selection criteria required candidates to be at least 35 years of age and to hold a bachelor’s degree. – The Jakarta Post

PhilHealth faltering in fight against fraud

By law, PhilHealth’s organizational structure and procedures are designed to detect and arrest fraud.

But the system is bound to fail with PhilHealth employees themselves conniving with fraudsters and through either sheer neglect or downright deceit. – Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Lifelong learning, upskilling ῾core facets᾽ of Brunei Vision 2035

Lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling are core facets of Brunei Vision 2035, and progress has been made to integrate skills development into governance. – Borneo Bulletin.