29 7 月, 2021

Anti-discrimination laws, allowing egg freezing among recommendations in PAP paper on women’s issues

SINGAPORE - The People's Action Party's (PAP) women's wing and youth wing have called for workplace anti-discrimination laws and full flexibility for couples to share parental leave. Women should also be allowed to freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons, the PAP team said in a joint paper released on Thursday (July 29). The joint paper, which sets out a total of 12 recommendations aimed at improving women's development in Singapore, comes after the Government announced last September that it was embarking on a comprehensive review of issues related to women and gender equality. The review will culminate in an upcoming White Paper that will be introduced in Parliament later this year. In putting together the joint paper, the PAP team conducted dialogue sessions with about 1,500 people who raised issues facing women in schools, workplaces and at home. The recommendations will be submitted to the Government for its consideration in drafting the White Paper. Give women more options to balance careers with other obligations The paper noted that existing frameworks, such as those under the Employment Act, offer women some protection against discriminatory actions like being dismissed without cause while pregnant. But it said more needs to be done to further reduce workplace discrimination, such as legislating the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices to allow for stronger enforcement of these practices. The paper also recommended scaling up movements like SG Women in Tech to encourage girls and young women to enter and progress in growth sectors. It added that the Government, organisations and employers should work together to develop support packages and networks for women who wish to re-enter the workforce and rebuild their careers after taking a break to care for their children. Promote more equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities The paper recommended several ways to shift the burden of caregiving in a more equitable direction while bolstering support for caregivers. The cap on the number of days of maternity leave that can be converted to paternity leave should be removed, the paper said, adding that this will give couples the freedom to decide which parent is best suited to caring for their young children. More financial support should be given to those caring for seniors. The paper recommended boosting the existing Home Caregiving Grant and creating a new scheme to help caregivers receiving the grant with their own retirement needs. Under the proposed scheme, the Government would match funds contributed by families to the Central Provident Fund account of the family member performing full-time caregiver duties. More on this topic Related Story Dilemma of social egg freezing for women in Singapore Related Story Allow healthy S'porean women aged 40 and below to freeze their eggs here, says MP The paper also said steps should be taken to organise voluntary respite care services, raise awareness of existing support programmes and enhance long-term home-based care options for seniors. Change mindsets on gender norms The paper identified existing stereotypes and norms as some of the barriers to achieving greater fairness and equal respect between genders. For schools, it recommended that the Ministry of Education conduct timely and regular updates to its sexual education curriculum to respond to current issues and trends, especially for secondary schools. Schools should also create safe spaces for students to ask sex-related questions, it added, and steps should also be taken to equip parents with the knowledge and skills to have such conversations with their children at home. For workplaces, the paper said there should be a tripartite effort to promote open and safe reporting of harassment as well as a zero-tolerance approach. The paper also noted that some Singaporean women are going overseas to have their eggs frozen for non-medical reasons, which is currently banned here. It recommended that such procedures be allowed, but with a regulatory framework and conditions in place. Other recommendations included creating a national reproductive health screening programme to help married couples make decisions and plans on starting families, as well as a network to help single mothers access support and resources. More on this topic Related Story Modules on respect and appropriate behaviour part of curriculum in university and schools: Sun Xueling Related Story Aware calls for enhanced laws on workplace discrimination, harassment in Singapore

24 7 月, 2021

Designing S’pore’s future: Keep it flexible with 24-hour nodes, creative use of space for evolving needs

SINGAPORE - Singapore is changing its approach to long-term planning. Rather than deciding the development needs of future generations for them, the Government is now setting a path for them to make land use decisions for themselves, when the timing is right. To facilitate this process, the nation's latest review of its long-term land use plans will focus on flexibility and developing options - a shift away from generating a single concept plan, which has been the product of each of four such reviews since 1971. Keeping plans flexible and adaptable will help future generations cope with the uncertainties to come, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on July 17 at the launch of a year-long public consultation for the review. "The existential threat of climate change, economic and technological disruptions and change, and the Covid-19 pandemic and future pandemics, are just some examples of significant developments that will change how we plan for our future city," he said. "We must not only plan for what we know now, but also prepare for what we might know about, the known-unknowns or even the unknown-unknowns, and keep our plans adaptable and flexible." Resilience amid climate change and inclusiveness to provide for an ageing population are also among the focuses of this review, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said. Some might wonder if this flexible approach could be construed as leaving future generations to make difficult choices themselves. But Professor Heng Chye Kiang, an architect who is director of the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities at the National University of Singapore (NUS), said optionality is a positive trait given the pace at which the world is changing. He said flexibility can be achieved by converting existing spaces to uses that were not planned for it. For instance, surplus parking lots or office space, school campuses that are no longer in use and void decks can be put to other uses to serve community needs. Prof Heng added that some policy flexibility was also needed, to allow for the temporary change of functions, like converting carparks to night markets. Mr Tay Hong Beng, partner and head of real estate at professional services firm KPMG, said there is a need for a change in regulatory mindset. He gave the example of zoning in the master plan, where the permitted use for sites is predetermined by the URA. He suggested that if the approved use for a site could be finalised only after consultations and negotiations between a developer and the authority, developers would have more freedom to be creative, and suggest infrastructure that will better meet the needs of users. Experts say it is important that planners incorporate the voices of those who will use the spaces. To this end, the URA has launched a public consultation which will take place in four phases between this month and next June. More on this topic Related Story Reimagining Singapore: How the city might look like in the future Related Story Time to rethink city planning as S'pore prepares to live with Covid -19 Conservation scientist Koh Lian Pin said while planners have a good grasp of what the country needs, it is equally important to find out what Singaporeans value. Professor Koh, who is also a Nominated MP and director of the Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions at NUS, said: "Our land use needs can be modelled and optimised through various science-based approaches. "But a clear understanding of our value systems is even more important because it tells us what we should be optimising for. "For example, I observe that businesses and individuals alike are beginning to place more emphasis on social and environmental justice and responsibility in their day-to-day decisions and choices." Prof Koh added that the consultation process is important for gathering information on the value systems across different segments of society, especially of youth, and to understand if these values may be changing over time. Conservation expert Johannes Widodo, also from NUS, agreed that the voices of youth are important, and suggested that the URA could work with schools and civic groups to make discussions more inclusive for the young. Said Associate Professor Widodo: "The right of future space belongs to the present-day youth." More on this topic Related Story Quiet zones will make Singapore a more appealing global city Related Story What does it mean to be a smart and sustainable city? Urban sociologist Ho Kong Chong from Yale-NUS College said that going 24 hours in some areas is one way of combating a city's congestion, by spreading out the use of a space over time. He said: "We need to think about the hours after midnight especially for those working in different time zones, those who find the quiet of the night a good working environment, and young people who prefer to stay up after midnight. "Planners need to rethink the post-midnight, pre-dawn hours... and revive the idea of a 24-hour city where there are areas that night owls can go to live, work and play. Such areas can be flexible by expanding and contracting according to demand." This would again require planners to be flexible, and allow more places to operate round the clock. Ms Nina Yang, chief executive of development consultancy SJ CityGlobal, said the concept of a 24/7 city has always been essential in city planning. "With the rise of other Asian cities, economic vibrancy, resiliency and a dynamic yet safe urban environment are important differentiating factors," said Ms Yang, the vice-president of the Singapore Institute of Planners. "How should Singapore maintain its position as an attractive international hub, while managing our limited land resource carefully?" she said. Prof Ho also said: "So the question for planners is how to think flexibly. We need to use space and infrastructure creatively because it's very expensive to tear down and rebuild." One way to achieve flexibility would be to provide amenities on wheels, he said, referencing mobile library services of the 1960s. In fact, the National Library Board relaunched the mobile service in 2008, and it has served various groups since then, including students of pre-schools and special education schools. Prof Ho said vans could be retrofitted for various services, which could be tweaked according to demand - hair salons, gyms, or even appliance-fixing services. Users of these services would also have the opportunity to socialise. Again, this would require changes in the rules for spaces to host such mobile services. More on this topic Related Story Sunlight, fresh air and self-contained neighbourhoods: Covid-19 will change urban design, say architects Related Story Covid-19 pandemic presents rare opportunity to reinvent cities: DPM While much of the talk surrounding the post-Covid-19 city planning has focused on the decentralisation of business districts, architecture and sustainable design assistant professor Peter Ortner said decentralisation can also be applied to utilities, in anticipation of future disruptions. "Planners should balance efficient centralised urban systems with decentralised self-sufficient systems," said Prof Ortner, who is with the Singapore University of Technology and Design. He cited electricity provision, which is much more efficient if generated centrally, but in the event of failure can be replaced by local generators, solar power or batteries. Prof Ortner also said flexibility could see high-capacity, high-tech systems paired with redundant, low-tech ones as contingencies. For instance, as travel patterns changed during the circuit breaker to curb the spread of Covid-19 last year, mobility could still be achieved as more got onto cycling paths and park connectors, and the MRT system was utilised a lot less.

19 7 月, 2021

Toyota to Launch All-New Aqua

Toyota City, Japan, Jul 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced that it will launch its all-new Aqua on July 19, 2021.Aiming to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota has been making ever-better cars based on the concept of "introducing sustainable vehicles practically to the market".As part of this process, the first-generation Aqua came to life at the Iwate Plant of Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. (then, Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.) in 2011, the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake. With a desire to greatly increase hybrid-vehicle familiarity, as well as in pursuit of "creating a compact car for the next 10 years", the Aqua combined the superb practicality of a compact car with the outstanding fuel efficiency and quietness of a hybrid electric-only model at an affordable price. Since its launch, more than 1.87 million units of the Aqua have been cherished by their owners, contributing to an overall reduction in CO2 of approximately 12.4 million tons.The all-new Aqua inherits and refines the roles undertaken by its predecessor, and, in pursuit of once again "creating a compact car for the next 10 years", in addition to a suite of features designed to enable customers to drive their vehicles every day with joy, safety, peace of mind, and comfort, it also realizes superior environmental performance. In addition to excellent environmental performance such as in the form of low fuel consumption at 35.8 kilometers per liter(5), it achieves high-quality driving performance by way of comfortable acceleration. Also, as can be expected, the Aqua comes with a full range of carefully considered equipment, including as standard on all grades a 100-volt (alternating current)/1,500-watt accessory power outlet and an emergency power supply mode that allows electricity to be drawn from the vehicle for external use during blackouts.Toyota espouses the concept of a "home planet" and believes it has a duty to bequeath this beautiful Earth to future generations. Going forward, the company will continue to engage in making ever-better cars to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality and the production of happiness for all through automobiles.Details of the all-new Aqua are outlined below.1. Combining the comfortable, refined ride and outstanding environmental performance of an electrified vehicle(1) Innovative battery technologiesThe all-new Aqua is the world's first vehicle to use a high-output bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery as an electric drive battery*6. Compared to the nickel-hydrogen battery equipped to the previous-generation Aqua, the new battery realizes approximately twice the output; it also delivers improved accelerator responsiveness, and enables smooth, linear acceleration from low speeds. In addition, the speed range at which the all-new Aqua can operate on electrical power alone has been expanded, allowing the vehicle to run on electricity alone, without engaging the engine, in a wide variety of urban scenarios.For further information regarding the bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery, please see the section at the end of this release.(2) A new driving experience unique to a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)The all-new Aqua is the first Toyota model to feature the Comfort Pedal*7. By selecting the Power+ Mode, drivers only have to relax pressure on the accelerator pedal to generate regenerative braking force, and smoothly slow the vehicle. The Comfort Pedal reduces driver burden by lessening the frequency with which accelerator and brake pedals have to be pressed, and also results in responsive feedback. The latest generation is also the first Aqua to adopt E-Four, which provides drivers with greater peace of mind when driving on snow-covered roads.Thanks to a highly efficient 1.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine and an optimized HEV system, the all-new Aqua not only achieves compact class-leading fuel economy of 35.8 km/L, but combines this with the comfortable driving characteristics of an HEV.2. Cutting-edge safety and security functions(1) The latest active safety packageThe Aqua is a model intended for frequent use in its owners' everyday lives, and Toyota believes it ought to be equipped with an abundance of safety and security functions. The all-new Aqua is equipped as standard with the latest edition of Toyota Safety Sense, which is replete with cutting-edge active safety functions: its pre-collision safety functions feature an expanded scope of operation, now covering accidents that occur when turning left or right at intersections; Full Speed Range Radar Cruise Control makes car outings more comfortable; Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) provides steering support to keep the vehicle centered in its lane; and Plus Support controls sudden acceleration due to misapplication of the accelerator pedal.For the first time in a Toyota compact car, the all-new Aqua is equipped with Toyota Teammate Advanced Park and Parking Support Brake. Toyota Teammate Advanced Park provides support for all parking operations, including steering wheel, brake, accelerator, and gear shifting operations; in addition to detecting stationary objects in front of and behind the vehicle, the latest version of Parking Support Brake is capable of detecting stationary objects on either side, and provides alerts and brake control to help avoid collisions. In this way, the all-new Aqua delivers driver support in a wide range of scenarios, including when driving and parking.(2) All grades are equipped with power supply functions, for use in times of disaster and other emergenciesAn accessory power outlet (AC100 V / 1,500 W) and an emergency power supply mode are equipped to all grades as standard. During blackouts and other times of emergency, parking the vehicle and placing it in Emergency Power Supply Mode enables the Aqua to be used to power electrical appliances such as electric kettles and hair dryers. When driving normally, the vehicle can be used to power appliances via its accessory power outlet, and also to charge smartphones and other electrical devices via its in-cabin USB terminals.3. A refined body structure and an advanced design(1) The convenience of a compact car and the refined ride of a high-rigidity bodyBy using the TNGA (GA-B) platform in the same compact body as before, the all-new Aqua realizes a high-rigidity body, exceptional quietness, and a stable ride. While retaining the same, compact body size ideally suited to Japanese road conditions, the Aqua's wheelbase has been extended by 50 mm; this provides both greater space particularly for passengers seated in the rear seats, and expands the luggage space, resulting in greater convenience.(2) An elegant, simple, and class-beating design based on the principle of Harmo-tech (Advanced yet familiar technologies that stimulate the intellect and the senses)A relaxed, unified cabin silhouette is coupled with rear fenders that extend out to the sides, creating a smart, emotional, and dynamic exterior that befits the Aqua. The vehicle is available in a total of nine, high-quality colors; this includes the newly developed Clear Beige, which delivers a simple, clear impression well-matched to the Aqua's smart form. In the interior, various functions have been placed together to create a simple, clean, and elegant-looking space. Its cabin features soft, synthetic leather-bound ornaments and armrests, and convenient and comfortable synthetic leather power seats, which exceed all expectations; cabin storage has also been cleverly designed with convenience in mind--a tissue box can be stored in the front passenger seat upper box, while a center console sliding tray enables charging cables to be cleanly stowed away. The all-new Aqua also becomes the first Toyota compact car(8) to feature a large, 10.5-inch audio display, delivering outstanding operability and visibility.The all-new Aqua is also offered via the KINTO ONE(9) car subscription service; customers can sign up either online or at Toyota dealers. The all-new Aqua is available from just 19,580 yen per month (including tax)(10) when using the seven-year lease plan with added bonus payments of 110,000 yen (including tax)For further details on the KINTO car subscription service, please visit the KINTO website:https://kinto-jp.com (Japanese only)The all-new Aqua is also available as part of the Welcab series, offered in Wheelchair Storage Device, Front Passenger Turn Tilt, and Friendmatic Seat models.For further information about the Welcab series, please visit the following webpage:https://toyota.jp/aqua/welcab/ (Japanese only)(1) Toyota's unique approach to contributing to carbon neutrality by introducing sustainable vehicles practically(2) Global sales from 2011 to May 31, 2021; includes Prius c units sold in the U.S.(3) According to a Toyota survey. The amount of CO2 emissions reduced by the Aqua was calculated based on a comparison of the CO2 emissions of the Aqua and compact cars in the same class as the Aqua that run solely on gasoline engines and on the global sales volume of the Aqua (including the Prius C) from 2011 to May 2021.(4) Comparing fuel efficiency for the previous-generation Aqua L grade and the all-new Aqua B grade, under the WLTC test cycle. WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle) is an internationally recognized test cycle, and is based on average usage ratios for urban, suburban, and highway driving.(5) 35.8 km/L refers to the fuel efficiency of the all-new Aqua B grade, under the WLTC test cycle, according to tests conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(6) Equipped to all grades, excluding B grade(7) Comfort Pedal and Power+ Mode are equipped to all grades, excluding B grade(8) Equipped to Z grade as standard; available with G grade as a manufacturer's option(9) A monthly fixed-sum service that provides voluntary insurance payments, vehicle tax, registration charges and taxes, Breakdown repair, shaken (mandatory inspection) costs (for five- and seven-year plans), and regularly scheduled maintenance of the vehicle in a single package(10) For the cheapest X grade (2WD) package, with no additional options; the total price paid over the seven-year subscription period is 3,184,720 yen. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

15 7 月, 2021

Dusit International expands hotel operations in Thailand with the opening of pet-friendly dusitD2 Hua Hin

Hua Hin, Thailand, Jul 15, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its operations in the kingdom with the opening of dusitD2 Hua Hin, an upscale pet-friendly retreat in the heart of Hua Hin, a popular seaside destination just three hours by car from Bangkok.dusitD2 Hua HinDeluxe Terrace BedroomFamily Terrace BedroomRooftop poolMs Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit InternationalLocated just a seven-minute walk from Hua Hin's main beach and near popular local attractions such as Cicada Market and Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall, the new hotel is designed to offer a modern and comfortable haven where families and groups of friends can recharge, relax, and easily discover everything the destination has to offer, with space to bring their pets with them.Alongside 152 contemporary guest rooms and suites ranging in size from 30 to 92 sq m, including selected rooms equipped with pet-friendly amenities for up to two pets, the bright and airy property offers a wide range of facilities for work, rest and play.Current dining facilities include Cafe Soi, an all-day dining restaurant where guests can take a culinary journey to Southern Thailand and indulge in traditional delicacies from Surat Thani, Phuket, Songkhla, Krabi and beyond; Som Bar, a vibrant rooftop bar inspired by Hollywood party pads where guests can enjoy cocktails and admire panoramic sea views; and Dusit Gourmet, Dusit's signature bakery and coffee shop, where guests can indulge in a variety of Thai and international favourites, all made using high-quality ingredients.Alongside a rooftop infinity pool, a large garden, and a fully equipped gym, the hotel also offers an extensive kids club, The Beary Club, featuring a children's swimming pool, a play area with a sandbox and a treehouse, and a wide range of activities for children ages 3 to 15. Bag painting, tree planting, cooking classes, and treasure hunts led by friendly mascot 'Beary' - a unique 'half bear, half hog deer' character specially designed to raise awareness of endangered animals in the region - are just some of the fun activities offered. All children are given a Beary Map on arrival with the chance to win an ice cream by collecting stamps throughout the property.All room types, from the airy Deluxe to the spacious Two-Bedroom Suite, feature the latest in connectivity, with high-speed internet access and 55" 4K UHD Smart TVs for easy streaming of entertainment. Each room and public area is also equipped with a Panasonic Nanoe(TM) X machine, which filters the air to eliminate odours and inhibit the activity of airborne bacteria and pet-derived allergens.Guests seeking to stay on top of work during their travels will find plenty of quiet, thoughtfully designed corners to focus on their important tasks. The versatile and well-equipped Dok Jok function room is also available for up to 76 people in a theatre-style arrangement, or 37 people in a classroom set-up, ensuring ample space for safe and memorable gatherings.Alongside Dusit's unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, all guests also benefit from Dusit's carefully crafted 'Dusit Care' services. Designed to offer ultimate peace of mind, these go beyond enhanced hygiene protocols to deliver additional convenience, experience and value while maximising guest safety. Flexible check-in, anytime breakfast, and mobile payment methods are just some of the services offered.dusitD2 Hua Hin, which officially opens on 16 July 2021, is Dusit's third hotel in Hua Hin. The renowned Dusit Thani Hua Hin, a deluxe beachside resort, has been operating in the destination for 30 years. Dusit also recently began managing Seapine Recreation Centre, next to Suanson beach. Dusit International's property portfolio now comprises more than 300 properties, across six brands, in 17 countries worldwide."We are delighted to open dusitD2 in Hua Hin and expand our market reach to delight a whole new segment of travellers in this popular seaside destination," said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. "Complementing perfectly the full-service offerings of our long-standing Dusit Thani Hua Hin resort, dusitD2 Hua Hin is ideally positioned to meet the needs of the large drive-to-leisure market from Bangkok. From modern Thai-inspired design and our distinctive gracious hospitality, to pet-friendly rooms, extensive lifestyle facilities, and a great location near popular shopping areas and the main beach, the hotel has all the ingredients for a highly memorable stay. Ultimately, dusitD2 Hua Hin offers excellent value for young families, groups of friends, and even those looking for a comfortable and convenient base to work from anywhere. And all guests can rest assured that, with Dusit, their well-being and safety will always come first."To mark its opening, dusitD2 Hua Hin is now offering The Journey has Begun package featuring accommodation in a Deluxe room, breakfast for two adults, an extra bed for children under 18 years old, and 20% food and beverage discount at Cafe Soi and Som Bar.Available for booking from 16 July 2021 for stay dates through 31 August 2021, the package starts at THB 2,499 net per night. Guests who book to stay two consecutive nights will also receive a southern set dinner for two at Cafe Soi.For more information about the hotel and its opening room rates, please visit https://www.dusit.com/dusitd2-huahin/specialoffers/the-journey-has-begun/.About Dusit InternationalEstablished in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business - Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education - the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company's property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 17 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company.For more information, please visit www.dusit-international.comOfficial photos of Dusit Hotels & Resorts can be downloaded at medialib.dusit.comMedia Contact:Sureerat Sudpairak | Director of Marketing Communications | Dusit InternationalTel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

13 7 月, 2021

OWNR Wallet Expands its All-In-One Cryptocurrency Platform Worldwide, Bringing Crypto to More People and Businesses

OWNR Wallet's cryptocurrency system aims to provide the best tools on the market for using crypto. Tallinn, Estonia / SEAPRWire / July 13, 2021 / - Cryptocurrency ecosystem OWNR Wallet announces its expansion to 216 countries, bringing its crypto-platform to more people all over the world. OWNR Wallet provides a range of ways for customers to receive transfers or make purchases using cryptocurrency, broadening access and removing barriers in the growing crypto market. OWNR Wallet is the easiest way to purchase crypto using bank cards. It offers a prepaid Visa card so that customers can use Bitcoin, Ethereum and other currencies to pay in-store. Customers order a physical or virtual card and can use it at millions of locations to make payments or cash withdrawals from ATMs. OWNR expanded its groundbreaking non-custodial wallet to more countries in Asia, including South Korea and Japan. The team worked to add more payment integrations to its platform so that all banks in these countries can work with OWNR's transactions. OWNR also expanded to South America, Oceania and Australia, and prioritized Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia, and 43 other African countries to ensure customers in those countries have access to the coin-buying platform. OWNR Wallet is an all-in-one crypto tool that provides a range of ways to buy, sell, and trade using cryptocurrencies. In addition to providing the prepaid bank cards, it also offers a crypto-to-crypto exchange to trade or sell coins. This service allows users to customize fees to adjust for potential price spikes or to speed up transactions. Users can add OWNR's exchange engine to their platform or website. OWNR also offers a payment gateway so that the clients of a company can make purchases using OWNR's system, streamlining the payment process. OWNR already provides this payment gateway to customers of Bitfinex, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. OWNR Wallet is constantly working to update and improve its multi-platform cryptocurrency ecosystem by adding new features. It aims to be the only wallet customers need, providing everything in one interface. OWNR Wallet supports the following cryptocurrencies: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DASH, DOGE, BCH-SV, OMNI USDT, EOS, and ERC-20 tokens. OWNR is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems and can be downloaded on the iOS App Store or Google Play. For more information about OWNR Wallet visit: https://ownrwallet.com/ Social Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ownrwallet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownrwallet Blog: https://medium.com/ownrwallet YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ownrwallet Media Contact Company: OWNR Wallet OU Contact: Grygory Sytenko, Co-Founder & CEO E-mail: press@ownrwallet.com Website: https://ownrwallet.com SOURCE: OWNR Wallet OU The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( www.seaprwire.com ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines & Hong Kong )

29 6 月, 2021

Harsher penalties for illegal racers, those who take the rap for others from June 30

SINGAPORE - Illegal racers and those who get others to assume responsibility for their own violations of the traffic code will face harsher penalties from Wednesday (June 30), as a slew of previously amended traffic laws take effect. With the changes, electric bicycle riders must also start registering for an online theory test from Wednesday. Companies whose drivers are involved in an offence while driving in a company vehicle will be required to quickly identify their driver to the traffic police. The harsher penalties for wide-ranging offences are a result of changes to the Road Traffic Act passed by Parliament in May. The provisions on illegal races, in particular, were made after 26 people were caught taking part in illegal street races last year, up from the 17 people charged with this offence from 2015 to 2019. The Tanjong Pagar crash during Chinese New Year in February that killed five people was also believed to be in part caused by the driver speeding along that stretch of the road. From Wednesday, those who promote or take part in illegal speed races can be fined up to $5,000, up from the previous fine range of between $1,000 and $2,000. They can also be jailed up to a year, double the previous maximum of six months. Repeat offenders can be jailed up to two years - up from a year - and fined up to $10,000, much higher than the $2,000 to $3,000 they could have got before. Separately, those who mislead the traffic police by getting others to take the rap for them - as well as those who take the rap for others - can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to a year, or both, in a new offence created to penalise those who obstruct justice. They may also be disqualified from driving, a punishment which from Wednesday can also be dished out to those who commit offence in a road rage context. This disqualification is on top of the other penalties the motorist may already face for a road rage incident - voluntarily causing hurt, for instance. The new category of offence is so that more hostile actions, no matter what they are, can be covered under the law as long as it is a case of road rage. The courts will decide whether or not to disqualify the driver, and how long the period of disqualification will be. Other changes to take effect from Wednesday include harsher penalties - three demerit points in addition to the previous fine - for motorcyclists whose pillion riders are not wearing a helmet or wearing a non-approved helmet, as well as the start of e-bike theory tests for those who wish to ride their devices on roads, cycling paths, and shared paths. From next year, those who ride e-bikes without having passed the test will be liable for an offence. The devices continue to be banned on pedestrian footpaths. The changes to the Road Traffic Act affect companies too, which from Wednesday will be required to keep records of their drivers for a year, instead of six months, in case they are involved in traffic offences while driving company vehicles. More on this topic Related Story askST: Will proposed changes to the law deter road rage? Related Story Tanjong Pagar crash puts spotlight on ways to curb speeding, tighten safety enforcement They will also need to designate a "responsible officer" of sufficient seniority who may be liable if the company cannot or will not identify its driver to the traffic police. Meanwhile, several changes made to the Road Traffic Act in 2019 meant to deter irresponsible driving have kicked in on Tuesday. For drivers who have accumulated more than the maximum allowable demerit points, the revocation or suspension of their licence now takes effect four weeks after the date of notice, regardless of whether or when an appeal has been scheduled. The order will then be rescinded only when the appeal is successful, streamlining the process and making sure the removal of such drivers from the road is not delayed. Those who are suspended again after five or more prior suspensions will also have their suspension period increased from up to three years to up to five years. All probationary licences held by a motorist will now be revoked as long as one of his probationary licences is revoked. Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said on a Facebook post on Tuesday that the amendments should make Singapore's roads safer. "Let's work together towards safer roads in Singapore," he posted. More on this topic Related Story More cyclists caught riding illegally on S'pore expressways this year Related Story Drivers and riders: Remember etiquette and relearn to share the road

21 6 月, 2021

S’pore to relook long-term approach to land use, planning; engagement for review to start July, says Desmond Lee

SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being adaptable in city planning, and for Singapore to have land that can be easily converted to other uses, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee. In the longer term, the country will have to review its broader approach to land use and city planning as the pandemic has impacted many aspects of the way people live, work and play, he added on Monday (June 21). Public engagement for Singapore's long-term plan will start next month, Mr Lee said in a speech at the opening of the World Cities Summit. The long-term plan - also known as the Concept Plan - is reviewed every 10 years and guides Singapore's development over the next 50 years and beyond. It was last reviewed in 2011. Mr Lee said the issues to be relooked include how much office space is needed and how workplaces and homes should be designed, as Singapore moves toward more remote working arrangements. "The pandemic has shown that we also need to buffer some 'white space' that can be quickly adapted for emergencies," he said. "Even in land-scarce Singapore, we still need land that can be easily converted to other uses." He cited examples of former schools and convention centres that were converted into quarantine and community care facilities, as well as community centres that were first used to distribute masks and TraceTogether tokens and are now functioning as vaccination centres. Another key takeaway is the need to keep cities liveable and connected, he added. "The pandemic has kept people within the city but away from crowded urban and indoor areas. Parks and green spaces have thus become important places for many Singaporeans to seek respite and recreation," he said. And with less in-person interaction, digital connectivity has also been vital to allow people to continue working and learning - including with overseas partners, he added, citing the summit as an example. Covid-19 has also shown the importance of trust throughout society, which Mr Lee said is maintained through regular and transparent communications, making decisions based on scientific and factual evidence, as well as fighting the spread of misinformation. "An effective pandemic response requires citizens to make sacrifices, which they will only accept if they trust that these are for the greater good," he explained. "Trust is hard to build but easy to lose. And a crisis can easily divide a society if everyone only looks out for themselves." In addition, both government leadership and active community involvement is important. Mr Lee noted that while Governments are needed to coordinate efforts, the community and ground-up groups are the "glue" that hold people together and provide "last mile support". The minister said Singapore has to prepared that the virus may become endemic. To that end, the country has been stepping up testing, contact tracing and vaccination efforts in an effort to identify and isolate cases even earlier. More on this topic Related Story Some employers plan to make hybrid work arrangement permanent; office spaces still in demand Related Story The post-pandemic office: Biophilic design, hybrid work models and other evolutions Doing so will also protect more Singaporeans from the worst effects of the virus, he said. "If we can do this well, we can then open up activities even further. But this will take time, and hard work," said Mr Lee. "In other words, we still have quite a journey ahead of us." He also outlined how the pandemic has challenged and changed many aspects of life in Singapore quite drastically, like when the country had to implement a "circuit breaker" last year to stem the spread of the virus. Some sectors, such as construction, have been hard-hit, with works halted for some time and only allowed to resume with stringent measures in place. Some changes in the way people work are likely to stay - like remote or hybrid working arrangements and serving customers through virtual platforms, he said. These shifts have brought about social challenges as well, like the burnout and fatigue from working from home over time, he noted, adding the pandemic has also thrust mental health into the spotlight. More on this topic Related Story One year after S'pore's circuit breaker, people socialising less, working more Related Story A future with Covid-19: When does a virus become endemic? More broadly, the pandemic may worsen social inequalities as certain parts of the economy resume strong growth while other sectors lag behind, Mr Lee said. Many lower-income workers in essential jobs do not have the luxury of working from home, he added, while others have suffered wage cuts or lost their jobs. The Government had to step in to provide support, especially for vulnerable households, he said. Mr Lee cheered the groundswell of community initiatives that have seen many Singaporeans step forward to lend a helping hand. These include the Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers network who reach out to rough sleepers, and groups such as Belanja a Meal and Hawker Heroes that support hawkers and help the lower-income. Said Mr Lee: "This spirit of mutual support is the kind of social DNA that we want to encourage even after the pandemic."

11 6 月, 2021

Tech, innovation, growth markets key to business recovery: HKTDC to focus on 14th Five-Year Plan opportunities

HONG KONG, Jun 11, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - In the face of continuing challenges in the global economy resulting from the pandemic, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will focus on helping businesses capture opportunities in Mainland China and other markets, especially in sectors that can ride on opportunities arising from the mainland's "dual circulation" strategy and 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as industry developments in technology, healthcare and sustainability.In addition to promoting the city's overall advantages, services and products, the HKTDC will offer online and offline services for Hong Kong companies to speed up business expansion in the mainland market, using the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a bridgehead. It will also explore tripartite partnerships with mainland enterprises in overseas markets, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).HKTDC Chairman Dr Peter Lam said that the past few years have been full of challenges, but the HKTDC will continue to work hard in helping businesses diversify and enhance their capabilities with sustainability and the adoption of technology and innovation as a core theme. He added that as parts of the world continue to tackle the pandemic while others are gradually recovering, Mainland China and its early recovery has been driving economic growth both internally and externally."We will create opportunities for businesses in both markets and industries. Apart from large-scale events, we will also strengthen our support and training services to help Hong Kong businesses capture opportunities arising from the mainland's 14th Five-Year Plan and 'dual circulation' strategy, taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as an entry point. As such, we just launched a GoGBA one-stop platform to support Hong Kong companies, and we will help them partner with mainland enterprises to tap international markets through the city's two-way platform," Dr Lam said.Market opportunities: the GBA and "Dual Circulation" strategyFollowing the launch of the GoGBA one-stop platform yesterday (10 June), the HKTDC is planning to organise SmartHK in Guangzhou on 8 December, highlighting the city's international networks and innovative professional services which are complementary to the Greater Bay Area development. Business matching meetings will be held to promote cooperation between mainland enterprises and Hong Kong services providers in the areas of finance, IT, infrastructure, design and more. A high-level mission led by senior government officials and commercial delegations will explore opportunities with their counterparts in the GBA.Chic HK will be held in Shenzhen from 10-12 December to promote quality Hong Kong brands, stylish designs and technology and innovation products. It will be held in an online-to-offline format, allowing consumers to make purchases on the spot or online. A business mission will be held concurrently to connect Hong Kong traders with potential mainland buyers and partners, helping them to expand their nationwide retail networks.The HKTDC will also introduce a new Star CEOs seminar series in which the top management of major mainland and overseas enterprises will share how the city's international business platform and professional services helps mainland companies tap opportunities in global markets, hoping this will attract more mainland companies to set up offices in Hong Kong. The HKTDC will set up a Hong Kong Pavilion in selected mainland trade fairs such as the China International Import Expo where Hong Kong's role in facilitating merchandise and service trade between the mainland and the rest of the world will be highlighted.High-potential sectors: technology, healthcare and intellectual propertyThe 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its competitive advantages. In addition to the traditional sectors such as finance, maritime and trading, it also supports the city to develop into an international innovation and technology hub and a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre.As such, the HKTDC will also launch a new Innotech Starter Programme in partnership with government agencies, incubators, R&D centres and universities to provide support and create opportunities for start-ups that are interested in expanding business in the Greater Bay Area. The HKTDC is also planning to organise seminars in Guangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing to promote Hong Kong's IP solutions in technology and innovation, as well as IP trade-related services. It will also further enrich the content of Asia IP Exchange and encourage different industries to step up adoption of homegrown innovative technology, especially patented technologies in environmental protection, sustainability, healthcare and well-being, building and construction and more.Besides, demand for healthcare services is growing in Asia. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is now the world's second-largest bio-tech fund-raising centre through initial public offerings. Together with a sound IP protection regime and a wealth of experts in commercialising innovations, the city is ready to become a healthcare innovation and investment hub. The HKSAR Government and the HKTDC will jointly organise the inaugural Asia Summit on Global Health on 24 November to attract investment, publicise the city's technology-related achievements and promote collaboration among industry players from Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas.Focusing on biotechnology, medical devices and drugs, digital health, community health and wellness, the Summit will help participants connect with investors and leading bio-tech companies in the Greater Bay Area.About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.Media ContactHKTDC Communications and Public Affairs DepartmentBeatrice Lam, Tel: +852 2584 4049, Email: beatrice.hy.lam@hktdc.orgSusanna Sin, Tel: +852 2584 4294, Email: susanna.kc.sin@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

9 6 月, 2021

Pixl.One Announces Blockchain Advertisement Platform of the Future

TALLINN, EE, Jun 9, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The advertising industry is in a dire situation today, with ads and other promotional media being forced on viewers - Leading to endless spam and ineffective conversion rates for companies. Ads help media and content creators monetize their creations but with the middleman taking a significant portion of the earning, they are forced to run more ads to achieve the same end result. The answer is clear - A change is needed in the advertising landscape.Pixl.One - Bringing Great Ads to the MassesPixl.One is offering users from around the world a chance to break the online advertising status quo by leveraging blockchain technology. This eliminates the need for an intermediary, with the revenue generated being directly sent to the content creator. This is all made possible via the One Million Pixel Page, a digital landscape consisting of one million individual pixels, which are all available in any quantity up to 1 million. A true digital billboard, built by the people, for the people.Pixl.One understands the need for authentic interaction in the importance of converting ad impressions into clicks - and with viewers able to swipe the ads and essentially vote what is pleasing and what is not, the best ads will show, attracting vastly improved conversion rates. Pixels can be bought using the native PXL tokens through the fully audited, completely rug proof BSC smart contract. The one Million Pixels Page is set to launch in Q4 of 2021.Pixl.One also allows users to mint NFTs from any of their Pixel space, creating an immutable copy of memes and other art. The benefits of course extend to advertisers - who will also be able to create collector's items from their marketing materials, creating lifetime value from campaigns which would typically run from 2-6 weeks. There will always be a market for people who are willing to pay top dollar for exclusive ownership rights and this can be monetized through NFTs on Pixl.One.More than Just AdsPixl.One understands the importance of creating a holistic ecosystem and to this end has built several additional services, including staking. Within the Pixl.One ecosystem, users can earn interest by becoming liquidity providers to Pixl partners that have affiliate projects, with 5% of the fee being distributed to the liquidity pool.Pixl also offers a gaming platform, enabling users to not only upload their creations but allow competitions where players can win prizes, and there is a community-led "coin of the month" section on the site, which further promotes the organic development of the industry and shines the spotlight on coins which would otherwise go unnoticed.Transparency at the CoreAgainst the backdrop of a slew of BSC-based scam projects, the Pixl.One team has decided to showcase its dedication to the core values of the blockchain - transparency and provable fairness. The core team has been fully doxxed, and the entire project has been successfully audited by Solidity Finance to ensure there is absolutely no chance of a rug pull, something that is fast becoming a norm. Of the quadrillion PXL tokens being offered, the team will hold zero tokens and 5% of each transaction will be distributed back to PXL token holders.Even the Whitepaper is hashed and users can check if any unauthorized changes have been made to ensure authenticity. The project has also had its PXL coin listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko to ensure transparency and accuracy of pricing information at all times.Pixl.One RoadmapHaving a grand plan and vision for the transformation of the industry does not come for free. The project has reached and exceeded major project milestones recently, including:-- IFO: Hosted on DXSale, a token sale, swap and DeFi DAO, the Initial Fair Offering (IFO) was a resounding success.-- PancakeSwap Listing: PXL was recently made available for exchange on one of the largest trading platforms on Binance Smart Chain, PancakeSwap.-- Solidity Finance Audit: Pixl.One's code and smart contracts have been checked in depth by the reputed Solidity Finance to ensure code-level integrity.In the coming months, Pixl.One has more exciting launches such as the ability for advertisers to create NFTs and increased partnerships with different firms that will see the integration of Pixl.One advertisement system within their ecosystems. Long term plans include Pixl's own DEX, dedicated wallet and merchandising.Long-term, Pixl.One core team will also give its users absolute ownership of the project, much like DAOStack and Aragon. The team will not hold any PXL tokens, relinquishing control to the public completely. Through this, it will be the public that will dictate the direction and growth of the network, a truly Decentralized Autonomous Organization that has no central authority - a platform of the people for the people. While many projects claim to give control to their users, the fact is that they retain a significant amount of the platform tokens and retain influence, and Pixl.One seeks to uproot this tradition via their project.Pixl.One essentially changes how the traditional advertising industry works. Using blockchain, it not only eliminates the revenue eating middleman, but its democratic voting system allows only the best ads being used within contents to maximise profits for both, the ad firm and the content creator.To learn more about Pixl.One, visit the website: https://pixl.one/Additional links: - Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIXLCoin - Discord: https://discord.com/invite/CUGAc9Xc2r - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixl.one/ - Telegram: https://t.me/PIXLcoin - Whitepaper: https://pixl.one/whitepaper/ - Audit: https://solidity.finance/audits/PIXL/ - Arcade: https://pixl.one/arcade-games/Contact:Pixl Media TeamE: hello@pixl.one Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

31 5 月, 2021

New S’pore court dedicated to harassment cases to be established on June 1

SINGAPORE - A new court dedicated to dealing with harassment cases, such as those involving doxxing - the publishing of an individual's private personal information online - and threatening behaviour, will be established here on Tuesday (June 1). The Protection from Harassment Court will hear all criminal and civil harassment claims, said the Ministry of Law and the State Courts in a joint press release on Monday. But the court may not deal with claims related to other civil or family proceedings that it thinks would be more "justly, expeditiously and economically disposed of in another court". Simplified court processes will be adopted in the new court for certain types of applications - including those for protection orders (POs) and orders relating to falsehoods - if the claims meet certain criteria. Hearings will also be conducted by the new court more quickly, so that victims can obtain timely relief. It will aim to conduct hearings for expedited protection orders (EPOs) within 48 to 72 hours of application, or within 24 hours when actual violence or a risk of violence is involved. It will also aim to hear PO applications within four weeks of their submission. Various changes to the Protection from Harassment Act (Poha) in order to enhance protection for victims of harassment will also kick in on Tuesday. A victim applying for a PO against his or her harasser need not prove that a provision in Poha has been contravened, if the offender has already been convicted of any Poha or hurt-related offence against him or her. Judges granting EPOs in egregious cases of hurt or harassment will now be required to consider whether a criminal investigation is warranted and, if so, refer such cases to the police for investigation. POs and EPOs will be extended to protect people related to the victim, as these individuals may also be harassed by the same perpetrator. The new changes to Poha will also make it clear that domestic exclusion orders, which restrain the respondent from entering the applicant's residence or parts of the residence, can also be granted as part of a PO. "This will ensure better protection for victims who may reside in the same residence as the harasser," stated the press release on Monday. More on this topic Related Story 853 applications for harassment protection orders made since November 2014 Related Story Lawyers handling more stalking, harassment cases in S'pore

26 5 月, 2021

Private museums here struggle for visitors amid Covid-19, with six receiving NHB grants last year

SINGAPORE - To keep all six of his full-time employees, Mr Takumi Minami has had to sell his shares in a restaurant and a gym. The owner of Singapore Musical Box Museum is Japanese but passionately believes in his work of highlighting Singapore's important role in the development of music boxes in the region. In the absence oftourists during the Covid-19 pandemic, his small museumat the Thian Hock Keng Temple in Telok Ayer Street has seen visitorship drop by more than half. Even with SingapoRediscovers voucher bookings by locals, his sales last year made a meagre $6,800, compared with $22,000 in 2019. "That is not enough to manage the place," he said. "We have made a drastic cost reduction, for example by reducing unnecessary air conditioning. Private museums are either understaffed, underfunded, or both. We are no exception." Mr Takumi finds the going so tough that he sees the need to draw inspiration from history. "I have the experience of the Japanese people finding a way to be resurrected after the Fukushima earthquake. History and culture can give courage and dignity to people in difficult situations," he said. Singapore's heightened alert following the resurgence of community Covid-19 cases is adding to the pain of a cultural sector that has been trying to find a way to break even without tourists. Private museums have it the hardest. Unlike their publicly funded counterparts, their survival depends to a greater extent on ticket sales. As their venues areusually smaller and more cramped, safe distancing measures also reduce their capacity disproportionately. For some, this means the only way to proceed is to hold reserved tours. It is the norm to have the number of visitors fall by about half from pre-Covid-19 numbers, and for revenue to plummet even more. Last month, the private limited company operating the Chinatown Heritage Centre (CHC) decided to hand it back to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), saying "the operating model was no longer viable". Pre-Covid-19, it had paidSTB for the rights to run the centre, charging visitors about $18 each for admission. Under its management, CHC climbed the ranks to third among Singapore museums on TripAdvisor, but even that was not enough to keep it commercially viable. CHC Private Limited, which has been dissolved, said: "When Covid-19 struck, we lost 80 per cent of our customers as air travel came to a halt. Given the drastic change in the economic and business environment, and the existing revenue tender model, it was no longer sustainable to run the centre in the same way. "The decision to return the centre to STB is a tough and painful one, but this is the right thing to do." The museum has been closed indefinitely as STB reviews how best to run it. Like many other businesses, the museum sector received financial support from the Government last year. The Jobs Support Scheme helped to pay the wages of some museum workers, while an arts and culture resilience package gave out grants to help museums find ways to digitise their offerings. The National Heritage Board (NHB) approved 10 grant applications to six private museums last year, hoping that through digitalisation efforts,they can reduce their reliance on physical visitors. The Intan, a house museum dedicated to Peranakan culture in Joo Chiat, made use of the money to produce a series of subscription-based videos on different Peranakan topics, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes. It also created a Peranakan digital game, which is free to play but requires players to pay a nominal sum to buy new lives or items. Mr Alvin Yapp, owner of The Intan, said these were nowhere near enough for the museum to regain pre-Covid-19 revenues, which for him has also fallen by half. He has had to find other ways to make money. Mr Yapp managed to get The Intan's merchandise, such as Peranakan bead slippers, put on sale at Raffles Hotel. By teaming up with education institutions like the Singapore Management University or elderly care homes, he has also made a profit from tailored live tours of The Intan conducted over video, in which he talks about Peranakan kueh while eating them and plays the piano for his audience. The NHB said private museums contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore's museum landscape, often showcasing niche interests or aspects of the nation's heritage. It will continue to engage private museums to promote public awareness, boost visitorship, and share digitalisation practices, it said. Mr Yapp said: "Private museums are in a unique position today. While we don't enjoy the funding and support like public museums do, we also have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to work hard and rely on our own efforts to keep afloat and, most importantly, remain relevant to the community. "With less hierarchy and red tape, we have only ourselves to depend on to survive this pandemic."

21 5 月, 2021

CropLife Asia Highlights how Plant Science is ‘Part of the Solution’ on Biodiversity Day

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - In concert with the theme for this year's International Day for Biological Development (or Biodiversity Day), We're part of the solution, CropLife Asia and its members are commemorating the day by raising the necessity of a biologically-diverse planet in ensuring our sustainable future and highlighting that plant science industry is increasingly 'part of the solution' in supporting biodiversity.At present, climate change, deforestation and human activity pose the greatest threats to biodiversity. This is particularly concerning as richness in biodiversity is key in supporting agricultural systems and food production. Innovations in plant science offer solutions that can help mitigate a number of these threats to biodiversity."The goals of ensuring food security and strengthening biodiversity are not mutually exclusive, and we can't afford to fail at either," said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia. "With population continuing to grow in the region and globally, food productivity in Asia has to keep up to ensure an abundant supply of safe and nutritious food. At the same time, the sustainability of our food production practices is critically important to drive biodiversity conservation and preservation. When used responsibly, plant science innovations such as biotech seeds and crop protection tools help our farmers feed the world while also supporting a healthy, biodiverse plant - but they're only part of the larger solution needed. The plant science industry remains committed to working with all food value chain stakeholders towards protecting the rich biodiversity on which we all depend."The use of biotechnology and crop protection products help reduce the need to convert natural habitats into farmland. Between 1996-2018, productivity gained through biotechnology saved 231 million hectares of land from ploughing and cultivation[1]. Forests and other natural habitats can also thrive when crop protection products such as pesticides are used to control invading plants or insects that threaten native species. Biotech crops paired with herbicides also enable conservation tillage where soil is left undisturbed thus allowing the natural biodiversity in the soil to flourish. The combined biological activity of the billions of organisms in the soil is important to crop nutrition and soil health. The crop stubble left in the field from conservation tillage improves habitat and food sources for insects, birds, and other animals. Biotech crops also help plants use water more efficiently. In the U.S, genetically modified cotton has helped reduce water usage by 50% over the last 20 years, leaving more water for nature. Integrated Pest Management also known as IPM is a farming system of managing pests that is designed to be sustainable, protects biodiversity and also helps create wildlife habitats around farms. By utilizing both plant science innovations and IPM, farmers not only grow more on existing farmed land but also minimize the need to expand into more biodiverse areas, preserving these lands for the benefit of future generations.[1] International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) Brief 55: Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2019About CropLife AsiaCropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.For more information please contact:Duke HippDirector, Public AffairsCropLife AsiaTel: +65 6221 1615duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

14 5 月, 2021

No dining in, social gatherings capped at 2 people from May 16 as S’pore tightens Covid-19 rules

SINGAPORE - People will only be allowed out in groups of two from this Sunday (May 16) until June 13, with dining-in prohibited as Singapore tightens its Covid-19 restrictions to stamp out the spread of cases in the community. Households will also not be allowed to receive more than two distinct visitors per day. Individuals should continue to cap their social gatherings at two a day as well. Eateries and hawker centres will only offer takeaway and delivery during this period to reduce the risk of transmission, due to the higher risk posed by customers dining in for prolonged period with their masks off, and in close proximity, said the Health Ministry on Friday (May 14). Working from home will once again be the default for workplaces, and employers have to ensure that staff who can work from home do so. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said the stricter measures are needed because many members of the public would have visited Changi Airport in the last few weeks, with some subsequently becoming infected. The concern is that there may be hidden cases that have leaked out into the community, added the multi-ministry task force co-chair, noting that unlinked cases have also gone up. There are currently 46 cases in the Changi Airport cluster, making it the largest of Singapore's 11 active clusters. MOH said to allow families' current childcare arrangements to continue, grandchildren being cared for by their grandparents on a daily basis will not be counted towards the two-visitor cap. However, grandparents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against Covid-19, and minimise mingling among grandchildren from different households. Apart from the prohibition on dining-in, other activities that will no longer be allowed include strenuous indoor exercise classes and sports, as well as personalised services like facials that require masks to be removed. Singing and the playing of instruments such as wind or brass instruments will also not be allowed. Other tighter restrictions include: - Weddings receptions will not be allowed, although solemnisations may continue for up to 100 people with pre-event testing in place, or 50 people if it is not - Congregational and other worship services can continue with a lower cap of 50 people at any one time. The limit goes up to 100 attendees if pre-event testing is implemented. - Occupancy limits for malls and showrooms will be further reduced from the current limit of 10 sq m per person of gross floor area, to 16 sq m per person. - All attractions that received prior approval to operate at 50 per cent of their operating capacity will have to reduce this to 25 per cent. - Indoor and outdoor shows are allowed to continue for up to 50 people, with the cap going up to 100 people if pre-event testing is implemented. - Museums and public libraries will operate at a reduced capacity of 25 per cent. - Up to 100 persons may be allowed into cinema halls with pre-event testing, or up to 50 persons if no testing is in place. The cap of two persons per group applies and food and drinks cannot be sold or consumed in the cinema. To speed up detection, everyone who sees a doctor with signs of an acute respiratory infection will also have to undergo an antigen rapid test. This is in addition to the slower but more accurate polymerase chain reaction test. This testing regime will be rolled out progressively, starting with around 200 public health preparedness clinics from Saturday (May 15). Mr Wong urged people to follow the tightened measures and only go out for essential reasons. He added: "We know this is a very difficult period for everyone; this is clearly a setback in our fight against Covid-19. We are resolved to keep fellow Singaporeans safe and to see Singapore safely through this crisis. So let's continue to stay united, support each other and do our very best."

3 5 月, 2021

Co-founder of Sabana Reit fined for harassment

SINGAPORE - The former chief strategy officer and head of investor relations of Sabana Real Estate Investment Management was fined $8,000 on Monday (May 3) for harassment. Tay Chiew Sheng, 45, a co-founder of Sabana Reit, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment. Another two similar charges were taken into consideration for sentencing. The court heard that between August and October last year Tay sent out letters to multiple organisations alleging incompetence on the part of one Ms Ng Shin Ein. Ms Ng, an investment professional, was also Singapore's non-resident ambassador to Hungary. She was previously an independent director of Sabana Reit, but resigned late last year. Multiple copies of the letters written by Tay were sent anonymously to companies and organisations which Ms Ng was associated or had dealings with, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Starhub and the Securities Investors Association (Singapore). The letters alleged that Ms Ng was incompetent, and had only secured her position on the board of several organisations because of her familial ties. The names of her family members were also included in these letters, causing her distress. In the letters, Tay also said that Ms Ng was unscrupulous in her dealings. Ms Ng, who was alerted to the letters by her work partners, filed a police report on Sept 20 last year. When questioned by the police, Tay initially denied writing them. But he later admitted to doing so after the police seized the letters and found his fingerprints on them. On Monday (May 3), Tay admitted to sending out the letters as he was angry over the proposed merger of ESR-Reit and Sabana Reit, and felt that the merger would bring down the value of Sabana Reit. More on this topic Related Story Ex-senior StanChart executive fined for $500k blackmail threat Related Story Surgeon suspended 10 months for derogatory and abusive e-mails He told the court that he has since referred the case of his business dispute to MAS and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau. District Judge Eddy Tham said Tay's actions were clearly calculated to cause the maximum damage to Ms Ng. Tay could have been fined up to $5,000 for each count of harassment.

8 4 月, 2021

Primech Holdings launches green plan for the future

As Singapore forges ahead with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to become more sustainable, homegrown facility services provider Primech Holdings is enacting its own initiatives and technologies to shrink its carbon footprint. Over the next three years, the company will invest in electric vehicles and charging points, develop green chemicals and other products for its cleaning services, train employees in ways to save water in their work, and more. Our corporate mission is to create a better environment for everyone. It's also a promise to adopt sustainable practices, so we can help protect our environment. Primech Holdings chief executive Vernon Kwek “More and more of our customers are becoming concerned about the planet, and demanding green products and green methods to help save the Earth. As a service provider, our clients’ needs are critical to us,” Mr Kwek added. In line with the country’s green vision, Primech will invest in the public charging infrastructure of Electric Vehicles (EVs). PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK A green push on many fronts With the Government aiming to deploy 60,000 electric vehicle charging points island-wide by 2030 and phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, Primech Holdings will invest in the clean energy vehicles and their charging infrastructure too. It will welcome its first three electric vehicles this month, and upgrade its fleet of 70 vehicles into electric ones by 2025. It is also collaborating with partners such as Oyika, a local firm that builds power infrastructure for electric vehicles, to participate in the Government’s tender to install charging points. Primech Holdings, together with Oyika, is one of the 19 companies who submitted their bids for the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) tender. Last month, Primech Holdings also introduced a new deal for condominiums. “For those that appoint us as their cleaning contractor, we will build and maintain electric vehicle charging points free of charge,” said Mr Kwek. Beyond its investment in electric vehicles, the company is developing a series of eco-friendly chemicals at its chemicals factory. Not only are they safe and non-irritating, these green chemicals reaffirm Primech Holdings' stance towards implementing sustainable initiatives for the long run. Primech Holdings also offers a service to coat external surfaces with a hydrophobic product that repels dust, reducing the need for cleaning. Since it was used on the external surface of glass panes at a commercial building in Changi, for example, the frequency of washing of the glass has been cut from once a month to once a year. This is one of the many ways how Primech Holdings constantly innovates to develop efficient business solutions. By July, the company will also unveil a 23,000-square-feet building in Ubi Crescent that will serve as its new headquarters. The building will have energy-saving lights and air-conditioning systems, solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, recycling infrastructure and many other green features to minimise waste and lower electricity use. Primech Holdings chief executive Vernon Kwek encourages firms to go green. “By integrating sustainability into business practices, companies can...ultimately reap the benefits of more sustainable growth,” he said. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Sustainability for continued growth As part of its push for sustainability, Primech Holdings will also refine its cleaning practices. Its heavy-duty scrubber-dryer machines will use alkaline water instead of chemicals for their work, an environmentally-friendly change that will also give cleaned floors an extra layer of protection. It will also train employees in green cleaning methods and products, and create more efficient cleaning schedules, to save gallons of water each week. Mr Kwek noted that companies have a responsibility to limit their environmental burden on the planet, especially in the face of climate change. “Our investments to build a more sustainable home for all is a fundamental step in us being more socially responsible and giving back to our society,” he said. He added that going green is good for firms’ bottom-line. By addressing the rising global challenge of climate change, he noted that companies have the opportunity to transform existing business models into more innovative ones. “By integrating sustainability into business practices, companies can increase their social inclusiveness, attract more customers and employees, and ultimately reap the benefits of more sustainable growth,” he added.

29 3 月, 2021

MHI Concludes Final Agreement on Transfer of Naval and Governmental Ships Business of Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding

TOKYO, Mar 29, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has reached a final agreement with Mitsui E&S Holdings Co., Ltd. under which MHI will take over the Naval and Governmental Ships business of Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. A formal agreement on the transfer has been signed.Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, an operating company of Mitsui E&S Holdings, has strengths in the construction and repair of auxiliary ship, such as supply ships and oceanographic survey ships for Japan's Ministry of Defense, as well as governmental ships such as vessel for patrolling local fishing waters. In recent years the company has also been actively developing new technologies incorporated into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and autonomous surface vehicles (ASV).MHI undertakes comprehensive operations in diverse systems and equipment for land, sea and air defense, and applying its technological synergies it develops, designs and constructs cutting-edge naval vessels that provide superior operational features and deliver outstanding performance and cost performance. The company also offers full maintenance and repair services for naval vessels. In recent years the company has also focused on development of new frigates and destroyers beyond traditional parameters, addressing expanding customer demands in areas such as energy savings, unmanned operation, cybersecurity, and reduced lifecycle costs.Under the newly signed agreement, MHI will take over the entirety of Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding's operations in Naval and Governmental Ships, including AUVs and ASVs. MHI will function as an operating company, with operation of the latter's Tamano Works to continue.Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding's products and technologies fully complement those of MHI. MHI, by taking over both Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding's technologies accumulated over many years and its outstanding human resources, will be in a solid position to further strengthen the operations of its Naval Ship & Maritime Systems Division. This enhanced strength will contribute to greater ocean security and also boost MHI's corporate value. The company will also actively engage in a broad range of dual-use areas, including cybersecurity products and unmanned systems, helping to realize safe and secure lives for everyone.Following the requisite reviews by the Fair Trade Commission and other pertinent authorities, the transfer of operations is targeted for completion in October 2021. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

23 3 月, 2021

Former SMU associate director charged with accepting $472,000 in bribes

SINGAPORE - A former Singapore Management University (SMU) associate director was on Tuesday (March 23) charged with accepting $472,000 in bribes. Christopher Tan Toh Nghee had allegedly accepted illegal funds from three men to advance their business interests with the university between August 2017 and November 2019. The 43-year-old faces 50 charges for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The three men, who were also charged on Tuesday, are International Alliance Marketing director Kenneth Lum Hsien Loong, CJ Synergy director Cher Kheng Than and Assetualize managing director Jeffery Long Chee Kin. International Alliance Marketing director Kenneth Lum Hsien Loong (left) and CJ Synergy director Cher Kheng Than were also charged on March 23. ST PHOTOS: KELVIN CHNG Lum faces 35 charges for offering the bribes, while Long and Cher face eight and seven charges respectively for such offences. Tan and Cher also each face one charge of giving false information to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) and one charge of intentionally obstructing the course of justice. According to court documents, Tan had allegedly given false information to CPIB officers that the money given to him by Cher was for the repayment of a loan. Tan also allegedly deleted an electronic note from his mobile phone that contained records of the payments he had received and expected to receive from Lum, Cher and Long. Cher had allegedly deleted WhatsApp chat logs with Tan and an electronic note from his phone that contained records of payments he gave to Tan. All four will return to court on April 20. The Straits Times has contacted SMU for comments on the case. For each count of corruption, offenders can be jailed for up to five years or fined up to $100,000, or both. For giving false information relating to corruption offences, a person may be jailed for up to a year or fined up to $10,000, or both. A person convicted of intentionally obstructing the course of justice can be jailed for up to seven years or fined, or both. More on this topic Related Story 3 former Shell employees linked to $200m gas oil heist charged with graft Related Story 16 months' jail for woman involved in business deal that paid out nearly $500k in bribes

22 3 月, 2021

Vivian Balakrishnan visits Brunei to reaffirm close ties, will also visit Malaysia, Indonesia

SINGAPORE - Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan will be visiting Brunei on Monday (March 22) to reaffirm the close and longstanding special relationship between Singapore and the country. Dr Balakrishnan will also have an audience during his visit with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Monday. He will also meet and be hosted to a meal by Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof. MFA did not elaborate on the purpose of the visit, but last week Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for a meeting of South-east Asian leaders to discuss the crisis in Myanmar. Brunei is the current chair of the Association of South-east Asian Nations. Dr Balakrishnan will be accompanied by officials from MFA, and will also visit Malaysia and Indonesia after his trip to Brunei. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday that Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein will host Dr Balakrishnan on a two-day working visit from Tuesday to Wednesday. It said the visit is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen existing close ties between Malaysia and Singapore. Mr Hishammuddin and Dr Balakrishnan are expected to discuss issues of common interest to both countries in the context of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues, the statement said. Both ministers "will also explore post Covid-19 collaboration, including reciprocal vaccination certification, which will benefit both the nations," it added. Dr Balakrishnan is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and hold meetings with several other ministers including Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Azmin Ali, Senior Minister of Defence Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Khairy Jamaluddin. "The visit will be conducted in full compliance with the health and safety protocolsset by the Ministry of Health and in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures approved by the National Security Council," the statement added. More on this topic Related Story Singapore, Brunei reaffirm stronger bilateral defence cooperation

4 3 月, 2021

More than 130ha of new parks, energy-efficient buildings for a greener urban environment in Singapore

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans can look forward to 130ha of new parks over the next six years, as part of a wider effort to make Singapore's urban environment more green and sustainable. Besides new parks, there will also be more focus on creating energy-efficient buildings. Sustainability-related research and development (R&D) efforts will also be ramped up, as part of a long-term strategy to build a more liveable city, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on Thursday (March 4), during a debate on the Government's sustainability plans. "Given our tight land constraints, we must find innovative ways to weave nature into our urban fabric more intensely. And even as we face developmental pressures, we must strive to protect our most ecologically important areas," he said. To intensify the greenery in the urban areas, around 1,000ha of green spaces will be added across the island over the next 10 to 15 years, as set out in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) master plan 2019, said Mr Lee in response to Ms Nadia Samdin (Ang Mo Kio GRC) who had asked for an update on these efforts. This includes 130ha of new parks and the redevelopment of another 170ha of existing parks over the next six years. These parks will feature more lush vegetation and natural landscapes. By end-2026, there will be over 300ha of such parks - almost four times the size of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore will also set aside 50 per cent more land for nature parks, providing some 200ha of new nature parks by 2030, said Mr Lee. The park connector network will also be expanded in tandem with new recreational routes across the island, to form 500km by 2030. By 2030, every household will be within a 10-minute walk from a park. Strengthening Singapore's ecological connectivity remains a priority, Mr Lee said in response to points raised by Ms Nadia and Nominated MP Koh Lian Pin. He noted that the Ministry of National Development is developing a more comprehensive picture of the island's ecosystem and connectivity of green and blue spaces. "(This is) so that we can better consider how specific sites connect to our nature cores, buffers and corridors." Mr Lee also spoke about the Kranji woodland that was erroneously cleared without approval, reiterating that the fauna baseline study is underway and the result will be made public when ready, along with the strengthening of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework. "Given Singapore's land constraints, we will not be able to keep every of our vacant vegetated lands undeveloped. As a city-state, we must cater for everything that a country needs within just our city limits," he said. More on this topic Related Story Singapore Green Plan 2030 to change the way people live, work, study and play Related Story Singapore Green Plan 2030 outlines many existing initiatives, some new ones worth watching However, he noted that the Government adopts a range of strategies to make good use of existing land, and will continue to engage stakeholders, including the public and nature community, on long-term land use planning. Mr Lee also unveiled the fourth edition of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, with three key targets to be fulfilled by 2023. First, 80 per cent of all buildings by gross floor area (GFA) will be greened - up from the current 43 per cent. Second, 80 per cent of all new developments by GFA will be classified as super low energy buildings. These buildings will achieve at least 60 per cent improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2005 levels. Third, best-in-class green buildings will see an 80 per cent improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2005 levels. Housing Board towns are also on track to become greener under the HDB Green Towns Programme. The 10-year plan to cool HDB towns, reducing energy consumption and recycling rainwater was announced in last year's budget debate. More than 5,700 HDB blocks are on track to be installed with solar panels in the next two to three years, said Mr Lee. Urban farming tenders at nine HDB multi-storey car parks have also been awarded, with more in the works. Eco-friendly mixed-used districts, such as the upcoming Jurong Lake District, will function as demonstration projects and also serve as a testing ground for innovative urban solutions. An artist's impression of the new Jurong Lake District. PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY To this end, R&D is a vital part of Singapore's long-term strategy for urban sustainability, noted Mr Lee. The Cities of Tomorrow R&D Programme, a multi-agency effort launched in 2017 to identify challenges that cities face and develop solutions to address the challenges, will extend its efforts for another five years. For instance, the HDB and the National University of Singapore are exploring urban designs that harness solar heat to help create natural drafts to cool the environment to minimise the use of air-conditioning in homes. Said Mr Lee: "Sustainability is a marathon which we cannot run alone. We must be in it for the long haul, to be responsible stewards not just for our children, but their children after them." More on this topic Related Story Singapore Parliament declares climate change a global emergency Related Story Growing the green plan

23 2 月, 2021

SPIC paves way for poverty alleviation in NW China’s Yanchuan

Yanchuan, China, Feb 23, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC), one of the biggest renewable energy companies in China, has well fulfilled its social responsibility as an enterprise and given a big leg up to poverty alleviation efforts in Yanchuan county, Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi province.Since 2013, SPIC and the county government have built four modern agriculture demonstration parks and helped establish 974 greenhouses equipped with solar panels. (SPIC).VIDEO：https://youtu.be/r_D1SS9SG_kSince 2013, the SPIC and the county government have built four modern agriculture demonstration parks and helped establish 974 greenhouses equipped with solar panels. The company increased income for more than 500 householders, as each of the greenhouses brings in an average annual income of 40,000 yuan ($6,165).New functions were added to the greenhouses last year with the assistance of the SPIC, such as automatic monitoring, sensing, and controlling, which enables operators to control the smart equipment in the greenhouses on a mobile app.Apart from the efforts made to scale up Yanchuan's agricultural industry, the SPIC also introduced a clothing factory to help local people improve their income, said Wang Wei, Party chief of Shuangmiao village in the county.Established on July 24, 2018, the clothing factory now has 12 assembly lines with a monthly output of 100,000 pieces of garments and employs 242 local people, including impoverished residents. After the phase-2 project of the factory is completed, another 100 jobs will be created for poor residents from local communities.Besides, the SPIC also built rural roads and installed solar street lamps in Yanchuan county, and is attempting to reduce poverty by improving local education.Media contact:Steven Hu, SPICE: 821081555@qq.comhttp://www.spic.com.cn Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com