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.
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Coronavirus pandemic hurting Asia's youth but they are staying resilient
Nearly two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, there are more out-of-school, malnourished and depressed young people across Asia as families struggle to cope with job losses and tight finances.
But the pandemic has also taught a generation of youth the importance of being resilient and adaptable. And many have picked up new skills or rediscovered the joy of spending time with their families and loved ones.
Thai blogger Thanaporn Limrungsukho, 41, said her two children, aged five and eight, have grown closer following the lockdown. "They still fight, but they've also learnt how to compromise or negotiate with each other, which I think are essential skills." - Straits Times
National Covid-19 Rt rises to 0.90
The national infectivity rate or Rt value rose to 0.90 on Monday.
Based on data shared by Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Terengganu was the only state with an Rt value above 1.00 at 1.01.
The Rt values in other states are 0.97 in Johor, Penang (0.95), Putrajaya (0.94), Kelantan and Perak (0.93), Kedah and Perlis (0.91), Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan (0.90), Melaka (0.87), Pahang (0.86), Sabah (0.82), Labuan and Sarawak (0.72). - New Straits Times
Migrants get rough deal under Covid
Amid the Covid-19 crisis, migrant workers have faced many challenges, particularly in Thailand.
On Dec 14, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) held a photo exhibition and film screening at Alliance Française Bangkok to mark International Migration Day on Dec 18, as well as to celebrate the organisation's 70th year of action in supporting migrants and states around the world.
A panel discussion took place to talk about how the Covid-19 pandemic was challenging migrants' lives and those who worked with them to ease the situation. - Bangkok Post
Over 200M Covid-19 vax doses delivered to PH: NTF
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine doses delivered to the country has exceeded the 200-million mark, an official of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 said on Sunday night.
The figure includes the private sector-procured1,957,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine that arrived 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
"Kinagagalak ko ibalita sa ating mga kababayan, another milestone natin, 200,885,005 doses ang natanggap natin mga bakuna sa atin bansa muli itong pinapakita natin ang ating pamahahalaan ating commitment sa ating ating mga kababayan para labanan ang Covid-19 (I am pleased to report to our fellow Filipinos of another milestone achieved in our fight against Covid-19 as total vaccines acquired by our country now amounts to 200,885,005 million doses. This shows our government's dedication and commitment to our people in containing the Covid-19 pandemic," NTF strategic communications on current operations head, Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor told reporters. - Philippine News Agency
Charity raises funds for children orphaned by COVID-19
Children whose parents have died of COVID-19 in HCM City will receive support thanks to a charity programme launched by People’s Artist Kim Cuong, a renowned leader in cai luong (reformed opera).
Cuong has worked with the HCM City Association in Support of Disabled People and Orphaned Children to run the programme Trai Tim Yeu Thuong (Beloved Heart) to raise funds for kids orphaned by COVID-19.
The programme has raised VND1.5 billion (US$64,600) which will be used to support 150 children to live and study from now until they are 18 years old. - Vietnam News
All 31 Omicron variant of coronavirus imported, three cured and released
Cambodia’s total of 31 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2)’s Omicron variant infections are believed to be imported.
Of this, 29 are suspected to be through Phnom Penh International Airport and two via Siem Reap International Airport.
Three of the 31 have been released. Yesterday alone, 15 Omicron positive cases were detected soon after entering the country by air. - Khmer Times
Laos-China Railway Project to be Profitable After 23 Years
The project has a high investment value, and capital recovery will take a long time, Lao National Radio reports.
Director-General of the Investment Promotion Department, under Ministry of Planning and Investment, Mr. Outakeo Keodouangsinh, says the Laos-China Railway project is valued at a total of over USD 5.9 billion and operates under a 50-year concession period.
Some 40% of the investment is self-financed, with the other 60% as a loan from China’s Export-Import Bank, according to Director-General Outakeo Keodouangsinh. - The Laotian Times
West Java gov't strengthens supervision of tourist attractions
The provincial government of West Java strengthened supervision of tourist attractions during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, one of which by implementing random health screening for visitors.
"This is an effort to anticipate the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a surge in visitors during the Christmas holiday on the weekend. The supervision will continue until the New Year's holiday," Head of the Tourism, Telecommunications, and Transportation Division of the Regional Economic Recovery Committee of West Java Province Dedi Taufik said.
Many parties are involved in the supervision, he told ANTARA in a telephone interview on Sunday. - AntaraNews.Com