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.
Tourism industry sees 16.9pct growth in first quarter
Malaysia’s tourism industry has seen a promising start this year with growth in the first quarter, registering an increase of 16.9 percent for tourist expenditure to reach RM21.4 billion compared with RM18.3 billion last year. – New Straits Times.
Ahead of the curve
In line with a push for sustainability, the Government aims to quadruple the number of construction projects that produce energy efficient buildings by 2020.
But Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has raised the bar in more ways than one. – The Straits Times.
More efforts urged to end statelessness
Thailand can be a global champion in reducing the number of stateless people around the world, according to Giuseppe De Vincentiis, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Thailand. – Bangkok Post.
Indonesia issues map acknowledging lands of indigenous peoples
Back in 2015, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo kicked off the ambitious program of social forestry, in which his administration is expected to distribute 12.7 million hectares of forests to be managed by communities through various schemes, including hutan adat (customary forests). – The Jakarta Post.
House blames Comelec for low party-list votes
Less than half of the voters took part in the party list election on May 13, a low participation rate that the House of Representatives blames on the Commission on Elections (Comelec). – Philippine Daily Inquirer.
OIC Secretary General discusses situation of Muslim minority in Cambodia
Meeting on the side-lines of the “Moderation and Middle Stance” conference, held by the Muslim World League, the two sides discussed issues of shared concern, including the situation of Muslim minority in Cambodia. – The Cambodia Daily.
Local filmmaker brings a touch of Brunei to Cannes Film Festival
Brunei filmmaker Abdul Zainidi represented Brunei Darussalam at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival held in France, from May 14-25. – Borneo Bulletin.