Celebrity travel files: This is what actress Ya Hui packs for a five-night city holiday

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And let’s face it: Going on a vacation, particularly a capital one, typically means clocking in at least 15, 000 actions, or more, everyday, as you visit the different places of interest. That’s why comfortable footwear is a must. Ya Hui explained that she typically chooses to wear white sneakers or good sports shoes with any outfit.

Other essentials that she always brings along include a cover to protect from the elements like the weather or moon, or just from” a bad locks day”, as well as an all-in-one handbag, like a lightweight backpack that she can keep all her necessities, such as umbrella, sunblock, portable charger and camera.

YA HUI’S BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

Your beauty regimen may take a break just because you’re on vacation. She keeps her traveling beauty army easy with the following: &nbsp,

  • A great CC small foundation. It’s important to at least make your skin tone appear even when you have no time to do a complete beauty appearance, she said.
  • Lip balm is crucial when visiting clean and cold seasons to prevent dry and cracked teeth.
  • Sunblock to prevent hyperpigmentation locations and shield skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Physical faces. ” It’s a must to hydrate the skin after a moment out”, she said.
  • A face haze “helps preserve moisture and make skin glow”

FINAL PACKING TIPS

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All bow before the almighty US dollar – Asia Times

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The earth was suffering from a massive abundance of dollars in 1971. The world was being flooded with money by British international investment and assistance, as well as US government policies that were inflationary.

The earth had too little golden at the same time, especially the United States. That was a problem because, unlike today, exchange rates did n’t float freely on markets. Money were to be exchanged for gold for$ 35 an ounce. ( The currencies of other countries were fixed-rate pegged to the dollar. )

Europeans were frantically attempting to exchange money for metal or exchange them for other currencies. With the US progressively unable to fulfill its responsibility, traders expected devaluation.

President Richard Nixon halted the economy’s conversionibility into gold in August of that year in response to the money crisis.

Despite a later established devaluation, speculators continued to attack the money. By 1973, the gold standard and resolved exchange rates were past.

Nixon’s Treasury Secretary John Connally made a wonderfully cynical post that is frequently quoted yet now during the devaluation negotiations in 1971. Connally stated to foreigners,” The money is your problem, but ours.”

In an unexpected way, the money was likewise my problem. In 1971, I was the 24-year-old minesweeping and offer agent on the USS Pivot. The Nixon administration decided to pay for basic rights that by granting Pivot and several other US Navy minesweepers as pay for the money problems.

In preparation, the Pivot’s captain tasked me with teaching our crew Spanish – a language that I did n’t know and that the crew turned out to be uninterested in learning. I called the Pentagon in a desperate attempt to find someone there who could help me compile a lengthy list of minesweeper conditions in Spanish. By pointing at their mimeographed files of the list, the crew successfully overcame the language barrier.

These weeks a strong money is, in many ways, everybody’s issue. It’s particularly difficult for international places.

International Monetary Fund research last year concluded that for emerging-market economies,” a 10 % U. S. dollar appreciation, linked to global financial market forces, decreases economic output by 1.9 % after one year, and this drag lingers for two and a half years”. Development-developed nations are worst hit by their ballooning local currency principal and interest duty.

Higher interest rates are a possible issue for the Federal Reserve Board and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, if that’s one of the reasons for a stronger money. Donald Trump, the president-elect, wants more authority over the Federal Reserve, weaker currencies, and lower interest rates. However, the Fed will keep rates higher, which will tend to keep the buck powerful, if his policies are as many economists and investors predicted. In such a case, Powell may find himself in Trump’s sights again.

A stronger money would be no joy for US exporting companies, pretty little including agriculture. Without the money dwindling more, it’s difficult enough to engage with Brazil and other ag-exporting nations.

The money appears to be strengthening further. Since April 2022, the US Dollar Index has been in solid country, rising above 100, and rising since soon September. Despite the mayor’s choices, Wall Street is betting that it will expand under a Trump presidency.

Trump has significantly reassured markets by appointing hedge-fund director Scott Bessent as treasurer. In recent days, the money and long-term interest rates have both increased slightly. Wall Street’s fears about prices have been fueled by the promise of enormous tariffs. Bessent has criticized taxes less heavily, claiming that they can serve as a bargaining chip and that coordination should be done with US friends.

Bessent furthermore, however, has promised to keep the economy’s position as the nation’s reserve currency. That’s a good thing for any government minister to perform, reserve-currency position affords the US many advantages. Keep in mind, though, that it is one of the factors the money is therefore often strong. With so much of the world’s business and assets denominated in dollars, there’s nearly always require for the divine buck.

Connally was half-right, the money is really our money. But it’s not just their difficulty. It’s about everybody’s.

Past lifelong Wall Street Journal Asia journalist and editor&nbsp, Urban Lehner&nbsp, is writer professor of DTN/The Progressive Farmer.

This&nbsp, content, &nbsp, initially published on December 2 by the latter news business and then republished by Asia Times with authority, is © Copyright 2024 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved. Follow&nbsp, Urban Lehner&nbsp, on&nbsp, X @urbanize&nbsp,

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Truong My Lan: Vietnamese tycoon in race to raise bn to avoid execution

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Getty Images Truong My Lan looks on at a court in Ho Chi Minh CityGetty Images

Truong My Lan, a home magnate in Vietnam, is attempting to save her life.

The 68-year-old may learn the outcome of her appeal against the death sentence she received in April for conspiring to commit the largest bank fraud in the world on Tuesday.

She is one of the few women in Vietnam to receive a death sentence for a white collar crime, which is unusual and stunning.

The court found she had secretly controlled Saigon Commercial Bank, the country’s fifth biggest lender, and taken out loans and cash over more than 10 years through a web of shell companies, amounting to a total of$ 44 billion ( £34.5 billion ).

Of that prosecutors say$ 27 billion was misappropriated, and$ 12 billion was judged to have been embezzled, the most serious financial crime for which she was sentenced to death.

However, the rules in Vietnam claims that if she can give up 75 % of what she took, her word will get commuted to life imprisonment.

During her trial in April Truong My Lan, who had been chairwoman of the real estate firm, Van Thinh Phat Group, was sometimes defiant. But in the recent hearings for her appeal against the sentence she been more contrite.

She claimed that her only idea was to pay back what she had taken because she was embarrassed to have been like a drain on the condition.

Bloomberg / Getty Images Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings, second left, at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. She is dressed in a blue shirt and has a facemask on. Sat beside her are two women in military uniform.Bloomberg / Getty Images

Truong My Lan, a member of the Sino-Vietnamese home, started out as a business barn seller offering makeup to her mother in Ho Chi Minh City. After the Communist Party started implementing financial reform in 1986, she began purchasing land and property. By the 1990s, she owned a huge collection of hotels and restaurants.

She served as the president of Van Thinh Lil Group, a well-known real estate company, when she was found guilty and sentenced in April. It was a serious moment in the” Blazing Furnaces” anti-corruption campaign led by then-Communist Party Secretary-General, Nguyen Phu Trong.

All of the remaining 85 accused were convicted. Four were given jail sentences of up to three years in prison, while the others received jail sentences of up to 20. Truong My Lan’s father and daughter received prison terms of nine and 17 times respectively.

In order to stop a larger banks meltdown, the State Bank of Vietnam is alleged to have spent several billions on the recapitalization of Saigon Commercial Bank. The prosecution argued that her acts were “huge and without law” and did not justify mercy.

Truong My Lan’s attorneys claim that she is frantically trying to find the$ 9 billion needed. But taking in her property is proving challenging.

Some are pleasure qualities in the Taiwanese capital, Ho Chi Minh City, which could, in principle, be sold really fast. Other assets include shares or bets in other companies or real estate projects.

More than a thousand various resources linked to the scams have been identified across the state. These have currently been temporarily frozen by the government. According to the BBC, the billionaire has also contacted friends to offer them loans to help her meet the goal.

Getty Images A man riding past a building under construction and owned by the Van Thinh Phat group in Ho Chi Minh CityGetty Images

On economic grounds, her attorneys are asking for mercy from the judges. They claim that while she is incarcerated, it will be difficult for her to negotiate the best price for selling her assets and investments, and that it will be even harder for her to increase$ 9 billion.

She can do much better if under a living word rather, they say.

Lawyer Nguyen Huy Thiep told the BBC,” Her assets actually exceed the required payment number.”

” Nevertheless, these require time and effort to buy, as many of the property are real house and take time to sell. Truong My Lan wishes the jury could make the most favorable conditions for her to remain receiving compensation.

Some expect the magistrates to be moved by these claims. If, as expected, they reject her charm, Truong My Lan will in effect become in a contest with the murderer to raise the funds she needs.

Vietnam’s dying sentence is regarded as a state secret. Although human rights organizations claim there are more than 1, 000 people on death row and that Vietnam is one of the largest assassins in the world, the government does not disclose how many of those are.

Although captives are given very little notice, the sentences are commonly lengthy, usually many years, before they are executed. Her life will most likely be spared if Truong My Lan can recover the$ 9 billion before that occurs.

Relevant stories

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UAE keen to boost Thai ties

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PUBLISHED: 3 Dec 2024 at 05: 58

Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Thailand, delivers a speech on Nov 28 to mark the UAE's 53rd National Day on Monday at the Shangri-La Hotel. The day marks the unification of seven emirates under one flag in 1971. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, the United Arab Emirates adviser to Thailand, delivers a discourse on Nov 28 to mark the UAE’s 53rd National Day on Monday at the Shangri-La Hotel. Seven emirates were unified under one symbol on that day. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

According to UAE adviser to Thailand, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, the UAE is preparing to mark some intergovernmental agreements with Thailand in an effort to improve ties between the two nations.

Mr. Aldhaheri stated at a ceremony on Thursday to mark the UAE’s National Day, which fell on Monday. He claimed that the UAE values Thailand as an essential companion with whom the UAE has established powerful diplomatic ties beyond the fuel industry. He noted the UAE is Thailand’s sixth-largest trading partner and most important trading partner in the Middle East, with trade between the two valued at US$ 7 billion ( 241.4 billion baht ) in 2023– an increase of about 9 % from the previous year’s figure.

Dubai carriers are also major players in Thailand’s aircraft market, with over 110 planes between the countries each year, he said.

He stated,” We look forward to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding the scope of cooperation between the two countries in order to advance the interests of the people.”

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Phumtham downplays MP’s House dissolution warning

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PUBLISHED: 3 Dec 2024 at 05: 47

Phumtham: 'Only PM can dissolve House'
Phumtham: ‘ Just PM can break House ‘

A Pheu Thai MP was warned by deputy prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai that disagreements over a contract referendum could lead to the disintegration of the House based on personal opinion.

According to Mr. Phumtham, their relations wo n’t be strained by differences of opinion regarding the charter referendum between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party.

He was responding to Pheu Thai list-MP Cherdchai Tantisirin’s claim that a House split might not be necessary if the alliance events disagreed on the size of the bulk needed for a charter election.

Dr. Cherdchai is entitled to voice his opinions, according to Mr. Phumtham, but he emphasized that personal opinions do not affect partnership parties. He vowed that the differences would get resolved in congress.

According to Mr. Phumtham, just Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has the power to break the House of Representatives, and she has never intended to do so. The delay in passing the charter-rewriting method and the House’s and Senate’s differences in opinion lead to the delay in the referendum costs and the process.

The Senate insisted on two things: that more than 50 % of citizens must take part in the election and that the majority of those who do so may help it, whereas the House maintained that a basic lot would be enough to complete it.

The two chambers ‘ disagreements over whether the Senate’s favored dual majority requirement may remain were resolved by creating a joint MP-Senate council.

The Bhumjaithai Party has stated its purpose to support the double-majority necessity, and the Senate just prevailed in a mutual panel vote to support it.

Meanwhile, People’s Party ( PP ) leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut distanced the main opposition party from the matter, saying the PP would continue pushing for charter amendments and two rounds of charter referendums.

The PP cited the 2021 Constitutional Court ruling as evidence that two sessions of a vote would be enough to update the contract. The state, however, insisted on three rounds of election for the proposed update.

Additionally, Mr. Natthaphong added that the group is generally prepared for the House’s dissolution.

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Yingluck next for return?

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Boonsong pardon’ eases ‘ ex-PM’s way

Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra poses for a photo in front of a restaurant in London on Oct 21 this year. (Photo: Yingluck Shinawatra Facebook)
On October 21, this year, Yingluck Shinawatra, the original Thai perfect minister, poses for a picture in front of a restaurant in London. ( Photo: Yingluck Shinawatra Facebook )

Previous business minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, who was found guilty of fraud in the rice-pledging plan, was released on parole, sparking more rumors about Yingluck Shinawatra’s possible return.

After serving more than six years in jail, Boonsong, 64, was released by the Department of Corrections ( DoC ) on Monday. His 48-year detention expression was reduced several times, bringing it down to 10 times.

Boonsong will be on probation for another three times and five months before his release, which he will likely use an electronic tag, on April 21, 2028.

Wanwichit Boonprong, a political science professor at Rangsit University, said arrangements have been made for Yingluck’s returning, and Boonsong’s transfer will probably gain the former leading the most.

He pointed to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s discussion about his sister’s profit, expected future April or somewhat earlier, and the DoC’s fresh regulation allowing confinement outside jail.

Boonsong: Incarcerated for over six decades

Boonsong: Incarcerated for over six decades

In accordance with the new law, prisoners who are allowed to be held outside of captivity must satisfy certain requirements set forth by the DOC and been screened by a department-established screening panel.

” The timetable has been acknowledged, but there is a deliberate intention to change this problem into information. He claimed that Tacsin’s media discussion about her returning indicates that the information was made in a predetermined manner to determine public opinion.

According to Thaksin, who spoke with Nikkei Asia last month, he said he anticipated Yingluck to gain, maybe before or during the Songkran festival in April, depending on the timing and opportunities.

Yingluck, 57, has been a runaway since August 2017 when she failed to appear before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Holders of Political Positions to read the judge’s decision on a cost of dereliction of duty in a rice-pledging program that caused at least 500 billion ringgit in costs.

Boonsong’s decision was handed down days after Yingluck’s no-show at the Supreme Court. She was not given a five-year prison sentence for failing to stop problem in the program.

Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science professor at Burapha University in Chon Buri, said the schedule to send Yingluck house could not be much given Thaskin’s social impact.

He added that, in contrast to Thaksin, procedures are still being made to prevent Yingluck from spending a time in jail.

Speak about Yingluck’s gain made the rounds in March this year following the Supreme Court’s failure to uphold the wrongdoing and collaboration event involving her administration’s 2-trillion-baht infrastructure projects.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) decided not to appeal the ruling. There is now no longer a reason to believe that she is more likely to be returning home, as the NACC’s investigations into scenarios involving her career have also been ended.

However, Dejnatwit Teriyapirom, Boonsong’s boy, told the media that he was alarmed that his father’s transfer gained media focus because the other residents had also been released. He said his parents, who had lost 10 pounds, did have surgery to treat thoracic pain.

Sahakarn Phetnarin, director-general of DoC, said Boonsong was granted temporary discharge on parole after serving at least two-thirds of his word.

He said he did not have full particulars of the transfer process, which the jail handled. Once the prison is informed of the committee’s decision, Boonsong can be released without court approval, with the Department of Probation ( DoP ) in charge of his supervision.

Suriya Singhakamol, director-general of the DoP, said that not every criminal on probation may use an EM ring, which is determined by the council reviewing the transfer.

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Bhopal gas leak in pictures: 40 years since the tragedy killed thousands in India

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Forty years ago, an American area became the webpage of one of the world’s worst business disasters.

On the day of 2 December, 1984, a poisonous oil leaked from Union Carbide India’s chemical plant in Bhopal, enveloping the central American city in a dangerous clouds which killed hundreds and poisoned about half-a-million people.

According to federal quotes, around 3, 500 people died within days of the gas leak and more than 15, 000 in the decades since. However, activists claim that there are still more fatalities and that poisoning-related side effects are common among patients.

Seven original plant managers were found guilty in an American court in 2010 and given minor fines and brief prison terms. Given the magnitude of the drama, many subjects and politicians claim that justice has n’t been served.

Dow Chemicals purchased Union Carbide in 1999 as a US business.

Warning: This history contains information and images that some readers may find disconcerting.

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Commentary: Upskilling isn’t about ‘finding time’ but smart planning

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Roadblocks TO LEARNING

Only 10 to 15 years ago, professional advancement was confined to planned on-the-job training classes and company-provided programs.

People now bear more of the burden of specialized education, which can be difficult to balance with a full-time job and personal obligations.

Working professionals frequently find it challenging to fully exploit these options, according to new LinkedIn data, despite the fact that many businesses actively promote a culture of understanding. &nbsp,

Professionals in Singapore report that they are exhausted or burnt out due to a demanding work schedule ( 44 % ), time constraints due to family obligations ( 37 % ), and a lack of discipline to set aside time ( 32 % ). &nbsp,

Following a major career change in 2012, which required me to transition from consulting to marketing and acquire core online marketing skills in order to succeed, I had to overcome most of these challenges. &nbsp,

Beyond on-the-job training, I needed to be more deliberate and strategic about my understanding, including using online platforms and coaching to pursue self-directed opportunities like mentorship and upskilling.

To me, this was ( and still is ) twofold: How can I create more complex difficult skills related to my present position, while honing soft skills related to command, communication and critical considering? &nbsp,

I frequently find myself utilizing transferable skills from these endeavors in my present location. &nbsp,

Learning is often put on hold, with attention shifting to more pressing jobs and company objectives. But, mentoring and willful learning is no longer simply about keeping up, it’s around futureproofing ourselves. &nbsp,

We must consider how it will prepare us for both our present roles and the development of our foundation for long-term impact and adaptability. &nbsp,

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Commentary: What 11.11 Singles’ Day sales no longer say about China’s economy

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Usually, 11.11, alongside the mid-year 6.18 shopping festival, has served as a key indicator for consumer trust, which has become a focal point of China’s efforts to boost its slowing market.

But in the lack of official statistics, analysts and advertising are left to view third-party data. E-commerce information firm Syntun, a common reference place, estimated that total retail sales grew 26.6 per share to 1.44 trillion renminbi this season.

HOW USEFUL IS THE BAROMETER?

On paper, this growth seems appealing. During my visits to Hangzhou ( home to Alibaba ) and Yiwu ( one of China’s largest e-commerce hubs ) during 11.11, it was evident that e-commerce participants – from merchants to logistics operators – took the event seriously, striving to outdo competitors.

Why are there no updates on complete GMV from systems? There are a number of variables involved.

Second, there has been a shift in tone amid fierce competitors. Before the epidemic, 11.11 was a party – a chest-thumping show of dominance by comfortable e-commerce companies. &nbsp,

But the past few years have seen China’s e-commerce environment transform from a coalition ( of Alibaba and JD ) into a furious fight, with Pinduoduo, Douyin and Kuaishou then claiming 40 per share of the business. In this attrition-fighting environment, the members of JD and Alibaba have both returned to lead their businesses.

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‘A flexible support line’? Parents welcome home-based childminding pilot but worry about safety and structure

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SINGAPORE: Stay-at-home mom Victoria Ng has set her mind to return to operate when her eight-month-old child turns at least 18 months old.

However, the original childcare teacher worries about what to do in the event that she has a second kid: on one hand, it may make it more difficult for her to return to work, and on the other hand, she and her husband may have extra money to raise a second child.

A new captain by the Early Childhood Development Agency, however, may be her “go-to selection” in future.

The three-year action, which was launched on December 1 and allows three appointed operators to provide child care to homeschoolers, was launched on December 1. Kids between the ages of two months and 18 months old who are members of Singapore are welcome.

In contrast to the lengthy wait for a place in an infant care facility close to her house, Ms. Ng said, this might be a better choice for her family.

Another marketing point for her is the lower percentage of the baby to the caregiver. A home-based childminder may take up to three kids at once under the captain, compared to five for child care workers.

A focus for Ms Ng, nevertheless, will be the closeness of the childminder’s home to her own, as well as how clean and safe the that house is. &nbsp,

Mr Persis Hoo, a 30-year-old full-time working mom of a six-month-old boy and a girl turning three, shared related sentiments and problems over health. &nbsp,

” I will surely attend the childminder’s property and ensure we have a couple rounds of meetings to be very, very certain”, she said. ” They would also definitely need to have CCTV ( closed-circuit television ) installed”.

Ms Hoo even wondered if the programs, toys, facilities and quite at childminders ‘ homes would be similar to baby care centres. &nbsp,

” There needs to be more information about the usefulness, safety and perks to encourage more people, but I would also feel more comfortable if my baby is in controlled, structured child care versus one’s house”, she said.

Under the captain, babysitters are not required to install CCTV in their homes. &nbsp,

According to ECDA rules, the childminder’s residence must have the necessary amenities, including baby cots and play areas, and become secure and clear for the young children. &nbsp,

Childminders are also required to receive instruction in how to care for infants, first support, food safety, and planning.

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