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.
Stay informed with The ASEAN Post.
S'pore opens Tuas port storage space, hires 2,500 workers to help ease global supply chain crisis
The not-yet-operational Tuas port is already being used to store containers, as Singapore ports, operating 24/7, dig into their reserves to help tackle the global supply chain disruption.
The brewing logistical nightmare has been the result of manpower shortages and port closures elsewhere caused partly by Covid-19 restrictions, and an increase in demand for goods as repressed consumers start spending again after the pandemic eased.
Still-open ports like Singapore have been faced with congestion, with the number of containers stuck in transit awaiting shipment surging. - Straits Times
'State polls will not be bellwether for GE15'
It would be naive to believe that the results of the Melaka election would indicate which party would win the 15th General Election, said political pundits.
National Professors Council chairman Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin said Melaka, just like other states, had its unique set of issues.
"There are specific issues in Melaka that don't exist elsewhere. Melaka has its own local issues. - New Straits Times
PM urges focus on economy
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday he was confident of meeting all the challenges on his plate and was unfazed by any rumours of political conflict.
Speaking after chairing a meeting of the Defence Council, however, he asked reporters to switch to other topics beside the next election, such as the economy. He had enough to deal with handling the Covid-19 crisis, Thailand's imminent reopening, trade conflicts and other concerns.
When asked if he ever felt discouraged by having so much to contend with, he answered: "No, I don't. Never." - Bangkok Post
Almost 194K PNP personnel fully vaxxed
Some 193,915 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In a message to reporters on Thursday, PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz, said this is equivalent to 86.90 percent of the PNP's 221,000 members.
Vera Cruz added that 11.53 percent or 25,726 have received their first dose and are waiting for their second shot. - Philippine News Agency
What does the future hold for industrial spaces in Hanoi
Old, industrial buildings in Hanoi may well have run their course with many looking like a blot on the capital’s landscape.
But architectural experts believe some of these empty units could provide the ideal location to create cultural spaces, giving dilapidated properties a new lease of life.
These were the issues discussed by experts during a webinar held by architects from Vietnam and Europe alongside building owners and property managers. - Vietnam News
Parents ask for vaccination programme for under sixes
Parents and guardians of children have appealed for under six years olds to be vaccinated against Covid-19. They have asked the government and the Ministry of Health to expedite the vaccinations to enable them to continue their educations and avoid infection, especially from the Delta variant.
Tep Chanthol, 36, a resident of Kampong Speu province, said that she had three sons and three daughters, and that her three children aged over six had been vaccinated before returning to study, two weeks ago.
Chanthol added that the matter that concerned her was the safety of her children aged under six. She was worried that they might be at risk of contracting Covid-19, because they had not had the jab yet. - Khmer Times
Multiple casualties reported in landmine attack on army trucks in Htigyaing
Two army trucks were hit by landmines in Sagaing Region’s Htigyaing Township on Tuesday, resulting in multiple casualties, according to the Htigyaing People’s Defence Force (PDF).
The two trucks were travelling on the Htigyaing-Indaw road when the incident occurred a few miles from the town of Htigyaing at around 3pm, a spokesperson for the group said.
“One of the trucks was badly damaged. Many soldiers were injured and were sent to two hospitals in Htigyaing,” the spokesperson told Myanmar Now. - Myanmar NOW
Report book on Widodo administration's achievements in Papua released
A report book documenting the commitment and achievements of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in accelerating regional development in the provinces of Papua and West Papua was released by the Presidential Office (KSP) on Wednesday.
The report book themed 'Powerful Indonesia, Growing Indonesia', which records the government's achievements in 2021, marks two years of the Jokowi-Ma'ruf Amin administration.
The book states that the successful convening of the 20th National Games has given Papua a new face and removed the stigma of backwardness on the land of the Cenderawasih (bird-of-paradise). - AntaraNews.Com