PARIS (AFP, REUTERS) - European champions Italy and Portugal, the side they succeeded, could meet for a place at the 2022 World Cup after being drawn in the same play-off bracket on Friday (Nov 26). The Azzurri and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal both finished second in their qualifying groups, behind Switzerland and Serbia respectively. Italy will host North Macedonia in the play-off first round for Path C, with Turkey visiting Portugal, before the winners face off for a spot at next year's finals in Qatar. The 12 teams were split into three four-team paths - each with its own semi-finals and final. Seeded teams were guaranteed a home game in the semi-finals. The three winning teams from each path qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. Path A - Semi-final 1: Scotland v Ukraine; Semi-final 2: Wales v Austria Path B - Semi-final 3: Russia v Poland; Semi-final 4: Sweden v Czech Republic Path C - Semi-final 5: Italy v North Macedonia; Semi-final 6: Portugal v Turkey More on this topic Related Story Football: Argentina v Brazil match officials suspended for 'serious errors' Related Story Football: Denmark to wear kits highlighting human rights issues in Qatar
SINGAPORE - Taman Jurong residents can now use a 5.6km-long cycling path that connects Lakeside and Chinese Garden MRT stations to get to schools, parks and markets in the area. The path joins up to a 15km network at Jurong Lake District, allowing residents to reach amenities in Jurong East in less than 30 minutes, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Saturday (Oct 30). Another 4km stretch of cycling paths in Tampines will be launched in the next few months, bringing the total length of cycling paths across Singapore to around 500km, added LTA in its statement. It said that these efforts are aimed at enhancing connectivity within and between towns, bringing more convenience to residents and improving path safety. Singapore plans to have 1,300km of cycling paths by 2030. New paths are being progressively built and completed in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, Toa Payoh and Yishun, said LTA. MP for Jurong GRC Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who launched the Jurong path on Saturday, said there is now more space for pedestrians and cyclists to travel together safely and comfortably side by side. "This is timely as we have seen more residents walking and cycling over the past year, whether for exercise, leisure, to commute to work or to run errands in the neighbourhood," said Mr Tharman, who is also Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies. Noting that Taman Jurong is a mature town with many open roadside drains beside footpaths, LTA said they collaborated with national water agency PUB to turn open drains into covered box drains. Other features include bypass paths - shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians behind bus stops - to ensure safer interactions between both groups. As for Tampines, cyclists can expect more paths to be launched along Tampines Avenue 1, 4, 5 and 8. This means Tampines will have 14km of cycling paths in total. The new paths will connect residents to Tampines West MRT station, Our Tampines Hub and green community spaces such as the Tampines Central Park and Tampines Green Forest Park, said LTA. As more dedicated cycling paths are built islandwide, the authority is also seeking to improve safety near bus stops, such as by using speed regulating strips and bypass paths. Singapore plans to have 1,300 km of cycling paths by 2030. PHOTO: CMG LTA said it will also roll out school zone markings on footpaths outside more than 250 primary, secondary and special education schools. Signs and markings have been placed along the cycling path network to remind users to keep to their paths or slow down as they approach crowded areas. "LTA will press on with complementary education and outreach efforts to promote safe, responsible and gracious riding," it said. More on this topic Related Story Extra 6.8km of cycling paths to be built near Mayflower and Lentor MRT stations by 2026 Related Story LTA to look at more paths for cyclists, pedestrians in central S'pore, Bukit Timah to Kallang
SINGAPORE - More job seekers here can look forward to getting hired based on their skills - instead of traditional yardsticks such as past job titles and educational qualifications - under a new programme designed to promote skills-based employment among companies. This Skills Path initiative presents an alternative route for candidates to get hired, said professional social network LinkedIn in announcing the pilot on Friday (Aug 13). "Today, it is far more relevant to hire workers based on their existing skills, and invest in their development thereafter, through on-the-job training or learning courses," LinkedIn added. This comes as more companies shift away from conventional hiring practices to discover potential employees and plug their skills gaps amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, some growth sectors such as e-commerce, for instance, struggled to find workers to fill newly created roles. The new programme, supported by the National Jobs Council, builds on LinkedIn's efforts to help job seekers demonstrate their competencies, as well as support firms in expanding their pool of talent with diverse experiences. Companies that have come on board to offer roles under the initiative include CapitaLand, Carousell, foodpanda, Lazada, NTUC Enterprise, OCBC Bank, Zalora and Zuellig Pharma. These firms are hiring for positions such as recruiters, data analysts and supply chain coordinators. LinkedIn Asia-Pacific managing director Feon Ang called on more organisations to join the programme to meet the demand for skills, adding that the company has plans to expand its Skills Path initiative globally. "This also signifies the start of our rallying cry to everyone who can help. The transition to a skills-based economy is not a task that can be solely undertaken by a single entity," she said. Under the Skills Path programme, suitable opportunities will be suggested to job seekers on the LinkedIn platform from next month. This will be based on their proven skills. Job seekers pursuing open roles through the programme can pick up the required skills with free learning courses on LinkedIn and validate their skills after. They can improve their applications by submitting a video or written introduction to showcase their soft skills. Shortlisted candidates can expect to speak to a recruiter within two weeks. Currently, six types of roles will be available under Skills Path: customer service personnel, data analysts, project managers, recruiters, supply chain coordinators and sales development professionals. To improve the employability of workers, LinkedIn will also be offering more help through virtual workshops. The workers will learn how to set up a profile on the platform and gain insights on how firms hire, among other tips. The workshops will run from this month to November. More on this topic Related Story Over 20,500 jobs, attachments and traineeships still available in infocomm sector Related Story Job seekers urged to focus on skills rather than past experience Participating firms believe the programme will pave the way for the future of work. Zalora chief people officer Louise Pender said skills will be the new currency in a post-pandemic world. "In the modern workforce, a candidate's future potential and the skills they have will be more important than their past work history," she added. Foodpanda Singapore's head of people Judit Hordai said investing in inclusive hiring practices that embrace a wider range of qualities and perspectives gives it a competitive advantage. She added: "Not only will it help level the playing field for all applicants, but it also provides us with access to an even more diverse talent pool of Singaporeans." More on this topic Related Story S'pore employers prioritise skills over education, experience: LinkedIn survey Related Story Firms that send workers for training see revenue rise, higher productivity: SkillsFuture-MTI study