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.
Garment workers stage protest after factory ceases operations
Nearly 500 garment workers of Sees Global (KH) Limited in Kandal province’s Khsach Kandal district are staging daily protests to seek compensation after management announced the factory was sold to another company.
Seang Rithy, Cambodian Youth Power Union League president, yesterday said that 500 out of the company’s 700 workers have been staging the protests since 14 December to ensure that they are compensated.
He noted that the company last month announced its closure and said the new owner planned to set up a factory in another part of the province. – Khmer Times
King to KL Summit delegates: Time to broaden efforts in rebuilding Islamic civilisation
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah called upon Muslim countries to broaden their efforts to benefit the wider spectrum of the ummah.
The ruler, in his royal address at the opening of the fifth Kuala Lumpur Summit today, said it was imperative for Muslim nations to band together to improve their collective wellbeing, and this should be done even as the ummah were facing severe challenges in many parts of the world. – The New Straits Times
Japanese firms offer to improve Yangon’s water infrastructure
Some 22 Japanese companies are to meet with Myanmar companies to explore possible partnerships in the operation and maintenance of the economic capital’s water system.
The companies will come to Yangon on a public-private partnership mission this month as part of the Japan Machinery Centre for Trade and Investment and Japan External Trade Organisation. – Myanmar Times
Duterte still open to peace talks with Reds
President Duterte remains open to resuming peace talks with communist rebels despite his order for the military to crush them, along with terrorists and illegal drugs.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday said Mr. Duterte “always leaves … the window ajar for any peace negotiation with the New People’s Army (NPA) … but will not allow … assaults against our forces.” – Philippine Daily Inquirer
100 drivers rally to legalise ride-hailing
About 100 taxi drivers in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces yesterday gathered at the Department of Land Transport, calling for the legalisation of ride-hailing services.
Led by Chiraphat Sophalai, the president of a group calling itself the Network of 4.0 Taxi Drivers, submitted a petition to Chirut Wisanchit, director-general of the department. – Bangkok Post