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.
Organizers eye $24m in transactions at Indonesia’s largest craft expo
The organizing committee of the 21st International Handicraft Trade Fair (Inacraft 2019) has set its sights on achieving US$13 million in trade contracts and Rp 149 billion (US$10.58 million) in retail sales during the event that is set to be held at the plenary hall of the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) from April 24 to 28.
“We expect 200,000 people to attend the five-day event,” Indonesian Handicraft Producers and Exporters Association (Asephi) deputy chairman Gusmardi Bustamil said in Jakarta on Tuesday as quoted by Antara.
Asephi will act as the organizing committee of the event, which will be opened by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and is expected to attract 1,000 buyers from 60 countries. - The Jakarta Post
Human Resources Ministry to amend, update labour law
The Human Resources Ministry is seeking to tighten and make changes to the existing labour regulations and laws.
These include the 64-year-old Employment Act legislated in 1955, the 60-year-old Trade Unions Act legislated in 1959, the 62-year-old Industrialisation Act legislated in 1957, the Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said the move to amend the labour law was meant to further safeguard the rights of workers. – New Straits Times
Cabinet reshuffle: Strong message on who will be in charge next, say observers
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent a clear message that Mr Heng Swee Keat is the next leader of Singapore by appointing him as the sole Deputy Prime Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, observers said.
"It's a strong signal to the international community that Mr Heng is next in charge," said Mr Ho Meng Kit, chief executive of the Singapore Business Federation, adding that the move would make for a stable handover later. – The Straits Times
Big crowds expected for coronation
More than 200,000 people are expected to turn up to watch the coronation ceremonies in Bangkok next month, according to Pol Lt Gen Kraiboon Suadsong, commissioner of the Police Strategy Office.
Sanam Luang and an area along the Grand Palace's wall will be open to members of the public who wish to watch the royal processions during May 5-6, Pol Lt Gen Kraiboon said on Tuesday at a press briefing in the preparation for the coronation ceremony. – Bangkok Post
Đồng Nai seeks investors for 12 infrastructure projects
The People’s Committee of the southern province of Đồng Nai has announced a list of 12 infrastructure projects, calling for investment worth more than US$1.2 billion in total.
Both domestic and foreign investors are invited to invest. – Viét Nam News
His Majesty receives in audience Sarawak delegation
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday afternoon received in audience Assistant Minister for Utilities (Rural Electrification) of Sarawak as the Minister-in-charge of Sarawak’s Religious Affairs Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi. – The Borneo Bulletin