Sacked SingPost group CEO resigns from board

SIAS ‘ CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INQUIRY

On Jan 2, SingPost said it is open to discussions with the&nbsp, Securities Investors Association Singapore ( SIAS ) about its decision to fire the three top executives, after&nbsp, the retail investor watchdog called for an independent professional inquiry.

According to SIAS president and CEO David Gerald,” the immediate expulsion of three top professionals from SingPost, coupled with their vehement denial of the allegations against them, has raised vital questions in the minds of shareholders, investors, and the business.”

He had stated that the watchdog” highly urges” the commission of an independent professional investigation into the subject given the severity of the event and the large number of queries” still circulating.”

In response to CNA’s inquiries, SingPost had stated that it had “been cautious not to prejudice any possible legal proceedings” while fulfilling its publication obligations.

Given these considerations, we have spoken with SIAS and are willing to talk about current events as much as we can.

Mr Phang and Mr Yik had even responded to the agency’s call, saying that&nbsp, they may welcome and participate fully in any independent investigation, including any from other governmental body or government. &nbsp,

Both executives stated on January 7 that they are “prepared to not do any prosecution options,” because our top priority is to create the full facts of the case and re-establish our position and careers rather than seek damages.

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President Tharman to visit India, marking 60 years of ties with Singapore

Thailand’s president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, may create a condition visit to India to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. His five-day visit, which begins on Jan 14, comes at the&nbsp, invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFAContinue Reading

Stage theory, macrohistory and surviving the Kali Yuga – Asia Times

Our time has all the marks of the Kali Yuga, a dark era of individualism, alienation, injustice and social collapse. But there is trust.

In Hindu cosmology, the Kali Yuga ( Age of Conflict ) is the last of four epochs described in the Vedas. The next epoch will be the Satya Yuga ( Age of Truth ), the equivalent of the Second Coming in Christianity.

Amazingly, contemporary macrohistorical and stage theories provide a comparable framework for understanding the evolution of humanity and closely coincide with old spiritual prophecies, providing guidance on how to navigate this transforming era.

One of the oldest level ideas in the world is the Hindu prophecy that humankind develops in four distinct phases. Ancient Indian scholars predicted a period whereby the philosophies of the four varnas—teacher, warrior, trader, and worker—take turns “ruling the planet”. This Varna period is a reflection of the Vedas ‘ continuous science.

When the cycle is completed, it starts fresh.

In Hindu science, the four Varnas follow a seasonal pattern.

The last judgment, the development of a new heaven and earth, and the return of Christ as a linear growth toward holy fulfillment are all depicted in the Bible. Various religions have similar prophecies. While their idioms differ, they all anticipate a world of harmony, justice, unity and justice.

Over time, there have also been liberal level theories. For starters, Confucius described royal cycles, charting the surge, maximum, decline and fall of dynasties. Also, Greek historian Polybius proposed the theory of anacyclosis, describing recurring political advancement from king to elite to politics and their respective crooked forms—tyranny, elite and ochlocracy.

Modern Tales

In the 19th century, European philosophy developed several stage theories and macrohistories, including Hegel’s dialectical model of historical progress ( thesis, antithesis, synthesis ), Comte’s Law of Three Stages ( theological, metaphysical and positivist ), and Marx’s modes of production ( primitive collectivism, slave society, feudalism, capitalism and communism ).

In the early 20th centuries, German writer Oswald Spengler presented his seasonal theory of societies, likening them to biological organisms with predictable cycles of birth, growth, age, collapse and death. The rise and fall of big civilizations were the subjects of Toynbee’s macrohistory.

Although level theory and macrohistory are related, both deal with human development.

By the mid-20th era, macrohistories and level ideas gained popular interest. Francis Fukuyama, Samuel Huntington, and Alvin Toffler all gained acclaim.

Toffler identified society’s change from hunter-gatherer and agrarian societies to professional and post-industrial eras. Huntington argued that future conflicts would be influenced by social and spiritual identities, while Fukuyama famously declared the “end of history,” implying that Western liberal democracy represented the turning point of intellectual evolution.

Development of perception

The Stage Theory of Cognitive Development, a Swedish psychologist’s theory of mental development, which describes how children’s considering develops over time as they mature, had a significant impact on contemporary period ideas in the 1920s. His theory had a significant impact on the study of individual mental development.

In the second half of the 20th centuries, thinkers Jean Gebser and Ken Wilber extended level principles to human consciousness. Gebser described humanity’s progression through unique” buildings” of consciousness, old, magical, mythical, psychological and integral levels.

Gebser, whose concept relied heavily on art story, pointed at Cubism as a metaphor for expanding awareness. Cubism replaced the one-point view of the Renaissance with “multiple ideas”.

By embracing the difficulty, duality, and interconnection of life, Gebser came up with the term “aperspectival,” a way of experiencing fact that goes beyond the boundaries of distinct and fixed perspectives.

Various techniques to the development of perception have been proposed by Gebser and Wilber.

Ken Wilber’s essential concept identifies three stages of development: pre-personal, private and transcendental.

The transpersonal emphasizes the potential for people to move past their ego-driven, personal problems and accept a deeper feeling of interdependence with the world. Wilber sees this evolution as essential for addressing global issues and fostering a more included, sympathetic, and spiritually awakened world.

Gebser and Wilber were both influenced by Indian cosmology and ideas about spirituality and consciousness, and particularly by contemporary Indian spiritual teacher Sri Aurobindo ( 1872-1950 ), the pioneer of Integral Yoga and one of the first advocates of an integral approach to spirituality.

Gebser and especially Wilber used key concepts from Indian cosmology and consciousness, among them the Sanskrit terms Sat-Chit-Ananda ( being-consciousness-bliss ), Atman ( true self ), Maya ( illusion ) and Turiya, ( pure awareness ). Wilber used the term Turiya to describe a sublime state of consciousness, a breakthrough in metaphysical study and revelation.

Reviving the Varna routine

Based on the original Varna model, Indian spiritual teacher Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar created the socio-spiritual model PROUT ( Progressive Utilization Theory ). Sarkar restored the original interpretation of the Varna idea after the initial idea had degenerated into the harsh, genealogical caste system. &nbsp,

In the Vedic revelation, the four Varnas (teachers, soldiers, retailers and workers ), are emotional characteristics. One of the four Varna forms is the dominant inclination for all people. Although there are characteristics of two or three Varnas, one of the four usually predominates in each person.

For a working world, Sarkar argued that all four Varnas are required. As we have seen in recent past, when one or more of the four Varnas is sidelined, cultures lose their stability and strength. Socialism is failing because it minimizes the employer, and capitalism failed because it minimized the merchants.

Sarkar’s model rejects notions of order, superiority and inferiority. He focuses instead on the idea of cooperation. All Varnas may help because they are dependent on one another.

They must build a mutual relationship. Peter Hayward and Joseph Voros, two researchers from Australia, created a design based on Sarkar’s concept to teach organizations about the value of cooperation and mutual respect.

The healthy and unhealthy emotions of the four varnas are illustrated by Peter Hayward and Joseph Voros.

In the 1980s, the American macrohistorian Lawrence Taub, artist of” The Spiritual Imperative”, made the extraordinary state that the Varna period can be mapped to real people background.

As the diagrams below indicate, Taub made connections between the four castes and particular historical eras. ( Taub used the original sequence of the four Varna ages mentioned in the Vedas: teacher, protector, merchant, worker. )

Taub compared the historical context to the Varna cycle. His prediction for the Kali Yuga’s end was optimistic and more likely to occur after 2050.
Taub’s diagram of the four Varna with their distinct worldviews, ruling elite, social ideal, etc.

In Taub’s model, we have just emerged from the Merchant Age. Because of how closely its worldview aligns with the Merchant type, The West was preeminent in the Merchant Age. The Worker Age is about to reach its height. For the same reason, Confucian Asia will be in the spotlight because its worldview most closely resembles that of the worker.

In the 1970s, China reintegrated the traders into society and created a hybrid system based on communism and capitalism. In barely a generation, it became the world’s largest producer and preeminent trading nation.

China has grown to be the world’s largest trading partner for almost all nations, and it has a significant influence on people’s physical well-being. People who live in slums or are in daily battles for survival are at a disadvantage. ( Spiritual development is challenging. ) &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Taub argued that India will guide us into the Satya Yuga, a renewed age of enlightenment, and that Confucian Asia will help us leave the Worker Age ( and thus the Kali Yuga ). India will be a leader in the new spiritual era because it has the largest body of spiritual wisdom and understanding of the nature of human consciousness.

incorporating stage theory and macrohistory

Stage theories and macrohistories offer new insights into how humanity developed over time. Macrohistory looks for broad, overarching patterns and trends in history, often over centuries or millennia. It attempts to identify recurring themes, structures, and dynamics across time and cultures in an effort to predict possible future events, which is closely related to futurism. &nbsp,

Stage theory argues that history progresses through a series of distinct, sequential stages, often based on specific criteria like consciousness, economics or social organization. When combined, stage theory and macrohistory can provide insight into seemingly contradictory contemporary developments. For example:

* What explains the rise of religious fundamentalism in recent decades, not only in Islam but also in Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism?

* In a world where everything is becoming more and more connected, why do nationalist politicians like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prosper?

* Why does a growing number of people in developed countries experience psychological issues as a result of increasing material well-being?

Separately, macrohistories and stage theories can’t explain these seemingly counter-intuitive developments. However, integrated” macrohistorical stage theories” can offer a wider framework for understanding global human development across cultures.

First, macrohistorical stage theories would promote interdisciplinarity and advance our understanding of societal, cultural, and developmental patterns. This would give rise to a more nuanced understanding of how societies move through stages in longer historical cycles.

Second, macrohistories span disciplines like history, sociology and anthropology, while stage theories often incorporate psychology, philosophy and organizational studies. They are integrated, which promotes a holistic view of complex questions.

Third, stage theories frequently emphasize moral, spiritual, or cognitive development, while macrohistories emphasize the larger effects of societal choices made over time. These ideas would be boosted by the incorporation of values-driven approaches to developments that balance short-term goals and short-term actions.

Lastly, macrohistorical stage models should include post-colonial theory, an academic field developed by scholars from previously colonized countries. Post-colonial theory examines the power imbalances and exploitation that occurred both before and after colonialism.

Forgetting the Kali Yuga requires replacing systemic injustices and global inequality with reciprocity and mutuality.

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Man fined S0,000 for false trading in Hiap Hoe, Hotel Grand Central shares

SINGAPORE: &nbsp, The Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS ) has imposed a S$ 350, 000 ( US$ 255, 000 ) civil penalty on a man for false and unauthorised trading which inflated the price of two stocks.

Following a recommendation from the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo ), the central bank of Singapore, and the police, the Commercial Affairs Department and MAS jointly investigated, according to a joint press release released on Monday ( Jan 13 ).

Gui Boon Sui, also known as Goi Chon Yan, bought shares in two Singapore Exchange-listed (SGX ) companies- Hiap Hoe Limited ( HHL ) and Hotel Grand Central Limited ( HGC )- between&nbsp, December 2018 and August 2022.

This was done” for the purpose of artificially inflating the shares ‘ closing prices,” according to the authorities. &nbsp,

On the website of Regency Steel Asia, a division of Japanese company Mitsui, Gui is listed as president.

According to Hiap Hoe’s 2023 yearly record, Mr Gui&nbsp, is a large investor in the organization.

As of Mar 18, 2024, he held a&nbsp, direct interest&nbsp, of 0.22 per cent (or&nbsp, 1, 041, 600 shares ) and deemed interest&nbsp, of 5.5 per cent (or&nbsp, 25, 876, 950 shares ) &nbsp, in HHL. &nbsp,

Gui “artificially inflated the closing costs of HHL and HGC stock on 554 times and 56 days, both,” according to MAS.

Mr. Gui “used trading addresses belonging to two of his people to do illegal acquisitions of HHL and HGC shares for the same reason” in addition to carrying out these transactions in his own trading accounts.

According to their sites, HHL is a local real estate team while HGC owns and operates resorts and qualities in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Gui has since admitted to breaking the Securities and Futures Act’s false and illegal trading regulations and may spend MAS the legal penalty without facing legal action.

Additionally, he has voluntarily agreed not to serve as a business director or to take part in the supervision of a business for two years.

A civil penalties proceeding is not a legal proceeding and does not carry out legal penalties. Beginning in 2004, the civil charges regime, which MAS claimed was a subtle approach to fight market misconduct and was meant to complement judicial sanctions, became operational.

Stocks of HHL and HGC closed mostly straight on Monday at S$ 0.56 and S$ 0.715 respectively.

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‘Game changer’: New app for parents to check jaundice in Asian newborns being tested

WORKING ON THE APP

For the first two to three weeks of their lives, infants have to have screen for the situation, which usually involves regular doctor visits, SGH noted.

To obtain a blood test, newborns are now screened using a light-emitting portable device to determine the baby’s skin’s yellowness, both of which are carried out in a healthcare setting. &nbsp,

Parents may be concerned about exposing their children to flying diseases, doctors said. &nbsp,

Kids face a number of problems in the early stages, including lack of sleep, according to principal analyst Dr. Alvin Ngeow. &nbsp,

He noted that mother, particularly those who are recovering from pregnancy and postpartum depression, may be doing this. &nbsp,

According to the senior analyst at SGH’s Neonatal and Developmental Medicine Department, for stress for parents were taken into account when developing the game so that parents can accurately test for hepatitis in the health and comfort of their own homes. &nbsp,

He continued, noting that the majority of apps for this purpose just use a second point of reference, such as the head, to determine whether a child has jaundice. &nbsp,

” In fact, a kid who has jaundice you have various body parts turn yellow at various degrees.” However, the other software were developed in other countries for children who may have skin tones that are different from that of (our ) native people, a factor that has bearing on accuracy”, Dr Ngeow said.

The app, jointly developed by SGH, SingHealth Polyclinics ( SHP ) and national healthtech agency Synapxe, takes readings from the chest and abdomen, and works with both lighter and darker skin tones.

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Indian PM opens strategic tunnel to China border zones

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a strategic Himalayan road tunnel on Monday ( January 13 ), allowing for cross-border disputed high-altitude disputes with rivals China and Pakistan. The Z-Morh or Sonmarg pipe, which extends 6.4 kilometers beneath a dangerous mountain pass that is closed off by frost for fourContinue Reading

More consumers buying sustainable Chinese New Year hongbao with upcycled designs

REUSABLE RED Bits

Despite being twice as expensive, paper producer Olympia Premiums reported to CNA that sustainable Hongbao sales have increased by 20 %. &nbsp,

” I think for the younger generation, they are more worried about eco-friendliness”, said the agency’s production director Kevin Kwek.

These environmentally-conscious customers have shared their wish for red boxes that are washable, he added.

” We thought of ways to see if we are able to actually come up with something we can always apply over the years,” he said.

Since 2018, Olympia Premiums has been producing numerous green red boxes. A hongbao that doubles as a colorful decoration when it is totally opened and a snakes-and-ladders design that can be used as a table game are some of these. &nbsp,

But, Mr. Kwek noted that these goods come with a lot of difficulties during the production process, including how labor-intensive packing may be. &nbsp,

However, commercial product provider Purple and Pure has given a unique twist to its dark boxes, which can be sown and grown into flowers.

The production of the compostable plant paper with a texture takes twice as long and has printing restrictions, such as color restrictions and embossing restrictions.

Ankita Jain, the leader of Purple and Pure, stated that the appearance of this paper is unique and that it is made from recycled cotton, making it stand out from conventional red packets.

” Standard, traditional sa baos are made of paper that has been laminated or coated and cannot be recycled. Our report is 100 per cent recycled, and because of the plant embedded, you can grow it into different flowers, vegetables or veggies”, she added.

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Hong Kong sends task force to Thailand amid rise in scam trafficking cases

The task force will likely collaborate closely with Chinese embassy representatives in Bangkok and Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office ( ETO ) officials in Bangkok. &nbsp,

” The ETO alone may not have enough political power, manpower or security experience to handle these situations so the process power, which consists of officials from the Immigration Department, policemen and commission workers, can help in cooperation and communication”, Chan said. &nbsp,

Foreign Visitors SPOOKED&nbsp,

Wang’s removal and his subsequent recovery, spooked Chinese visitors with vacation plans to Thailand. &nbsp,

In response to concerns about human trafficking, Thai authorities have since begun looking into the disappearances of two more Chinese immigrants. &nbs &nbsp,

Thailand’s tourism industry has been impacted by reports of health issues among Chinese visitors, which Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed. &nbsp,

She also attributed fears to online cla i misinformation about Thailand’s reputation, describing such claims as “baseless and damaging”. &nbsp,

She told Thai internet stores,” We are now working to ensure the transmission of appropriate information to global audiences and to stop the spread of dangerous misinformation,” adding that her government was working to rekindle confidence among Chinese as well as foreign visitors. &nbsp,

Chinese embassy officials in Bangkok cautioned people to be wary of recruitment offers that included “air tickets, food, and accommodation” in a statement posted on their official WeChat account.

According to officials, Chinese visitors must abide by visa rules and not work illegally abroad. &nbsp,

Eason Chan, a singer from Hong Kong, cancelled his upcoming concert in Bangkok last Friday, with organizers citing safety concerns for Chinese tourists and fans visiting Thailand.

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