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.
Thai e-commerce to hit $13bn by 2025
Thailand's e-commerce market value is expected to surge to US$13 billion by 2025 from last year's US$3 billion on the back of strong global demand for Thai products.
The country's e-commerce sector has several product categories that are in global demand.
The top five exports sold through cross-border trade in Thailand's e-commerce comprise jewellery and watches, health and beauty products, auto parts, home and garden, and collectibles, said Jenny Hui, general manager of eBay, referring to the Google/Temasek e-Conomy 2018 report. – Bangkok Post
Japan and China vow to be 'eternal neighbours' at Abe-Xi summit meeting in Osaka
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday (27 June) vowed to turn a new page on the frosty ties between the two Asian economic superpowers, redefining their relations as "eternal neighbours" that will not allow ties to deteriorate again.
This comes as Mr Xi became the first Chinese President to visit Japan in almost nine years - since then-President Hu Jintao went to Yokohama in November 2010 for the APEC meeting. – The Straits Times
Toxic waste: Children more prone due to developing immune systems
The Department of Environment (DOE) in Johor has initiated an investigation into at least 38 industrial factories operating in Pasir Gudang, for non-compliance and flouting the department’s laws.
State Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar said action taken included issuing compounds to 37 factory operators who failed to adhere to the department’s procedures under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. – New Straits Times
10 H1N1 flu deaths so far this year: health ministry
The Ministry of Health and Sports officials on Wednesday announced that the number of people who have died this year as a result of H1N1 influenza in Yangon and Sagaing regions as of Wednesday has risen to 10.
“The messages that I want to send to the public is that the spread of H1N1 flu can be prevented. People should be covering their mouth and nose, ideally by coughing or sneezing into their shoulder or elbow, washing their hands frequently with plenty of soap and water, and avoiding public places and crowded areas,” Department of Public Health Director for Health Education and Promotion Dr. Daw Phyu Aye said. – Myanmar Times
‘People will make her run,’ Panelo says of Inday Sara’s 2022 presidential bid
Will Inday Sara be like her father – a seemingly reluctant mayor who ultimately joined the fray?
While President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly warned his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, against running for president in 2022, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the younger Duterte “might rise to the challenge.”
“The father doesn’t want but if the people want her to run, she might rise to the challenge,” Panelo told reporters in Malacañang on Thursday night. – Philippine Daily Inquirer