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.
December, April-May dates seen as likeliest for next Singapore GE
December or April to May next year appear to be the two most likely windows for the next general election.
Political analysts say holding the election near the end of this year would give the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) enough time to mobilise its resources, while opposition parties would find it difficult to do the same. - The Straits Times
Russia wants to set up aerospace university in Malaysia
Russia has shown interest in setting up an aerospace university in Malaysia.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia was an education hub in Southeast Asia and welcomed Russia to invest in the country’s education sector.
“We are very interested in aerospace and engineering. I am confident that the proposal by Russia to set up an aerospace university would not only boost investment but also promote transfer of technology in the sector. - New Straits Times
Thai consumer confidence at lowest ebb in August
Consumer confidence plunged to the lowest level in 33 months in August as people fretted over domestic political stability, slowing economic growth and global economic uncertainty.
According to the latest survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), the consumer confidence index fell to 73.6 points last month from 75 in July, marking the lowest level since December 2016.- Bangkok Post
Jakarta among world’s 10 least safe cities
Jakarta remains in the bottom 10 of the Safe Cities Index after more than five years on the list, ranking 53 this year out of 60 cities surveyed.
The index, curated by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), examines personal and digital safety, as well as health and infrastructure.
This year’s list has Jakarta coming in at 43rd place for personal security, 55th in digital security, 53rd for health security and 49th for infrastructure. - The Jakarta Post
Time to work together: PM
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc says the whole nation needs to come together to overcome the aftermath of recent floods.
The PM has also asked central localities and natural disaster prevention and response forces as well as the whole community to ensure safety for students as the new academic year begins.
In a letter to rescue forces, locals and soldiers in flood-hit localities from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien-Hue province, the PM stressed the need to evacuate the community from risky areas quickly and provide necessities to locals in flooded and isolated areas. - Vietnam News