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.
Biggest mistake is to do nothing about disruptive technology, says Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon has urged the legal profession to seize the moment and be at the front line of technological change, warning that the "biggest mistake" would be to do nothing. - The Straits Times
PM: Malaysia is a friend of China
Chinese companies which have been waiting for a signal on the future of Malaysia and China's bilateral relationship received the clearest indication yet from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today. "Malaysia is a friend of China. We believe in being business friendly to all countries in the world," the prime minister told Chinese corporate leaders at a dialogue held in conjunction with his working visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF). - New Straits Times
Govts sign Thai-Lao rail deal
Thailand, China, and Lao have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the development of a rail line between Nong Khai and Vientiane in Laos, which forms part of China's much-touted Belt and Road Initiative. - Bangkok Post
Electric buses to go on pre-trial run: Transjakarta
City owned bus operator Transjakarta said it will conduct a two-day pre-trial of an electric bus later this month before starting the six-month trial phase. In March, Transjakarta signed a memorandum of understanding with four companies to produce environmentally friendly electric buses in Jakarta. - The Jakarta Post
Duterte, Xi reaffirm ties
The Philippines and China on Thursday reaffirmed their diplomatic ties despite tensions caused by rival claims in the South China Sea. President Duterte, in China together with more than 30 heads of state for the second Belt and Road Forum, sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping, telling his host the occasion gave him “another opportunity to renew and reaffirm our valued relations based on mutual trust, respect and friendship, and must continue to grow strength and meaning in the coming years.” - The Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bruneian seafood products on show in China
Various seafood products from Brunei were on display yesterday at a marine seafood industry collaboration signing event between Brunei and China in Beijing. A ceremony to open the Brunei National Pavilion on JD.com, China’s largest online retailer, was also held. - Borneo Bulletin
Tuberculosis cases cut by more than half in a decade
The incidence of tuberculosis in the country has declined by more than half in the past 10 years due to measures implemented by the government, according to U Myint Htwe, minister of Health and Sports. He said the government hopes to put an end to the disease by 2030. - The Myanmar Times