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.
Upskill if you want higher pay, Kula tells Malaysian workers
Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran has urged Malaysian workers to improve themselves by attending skills training courses, saying having the right skills could earn them 20 per cent higher pay. – New Straits Times
Debt reaches 11-year high
Thai workers’ debt has surged to the highest in 11 years, driven by higher living costs and easier access to loans. The latest survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) had 1,200 respondents whose income is 15,000 baht per month or less. It found 95% of them were in debt. – Bangkok Post
Jokowi to move capital off Java
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has officially revived a decades-old plan to relocate the country’s capital from Jakarta as his administration pushes ahead with a plan to establish a new centre of government outside Java. – The Jakarta Post
Singapore-China ties will remain warm under new leaders: PM
The warm ties between China and Singapore will continue even after new leaders take the helm in Singapore, as the relationship is in both countries’ interests and not personal to any particular leader, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday. PM Lee said Singapore made suggestions on how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can take a more sustainable approach going forward. – The Straits Times
PH, China agree to resolve South China Sea ‘irritants’
China is open to resolving through bilateral negotiations the “irritants and challenges” stemming from its dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Cambodian PM says China ready to help if EU imposes sanctions
China will help Cambodia if the European Union (EU) withdraws special market access over its rights record, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Monday as he announced a 600 million yuan (US$89 million) Chinese aid package for his military. – Cambodia Daily
After months of fighting, 2 Shan groups meet for ceasefire talks
Two warring armed ethnic Shan groups have started peace talks, according to spokespersons for both. The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) have been fighting over territory for several months, displacing thousands of villagers. – Myanmar Times